Update by Chipper Carvin-Jones
Coronavirus has left many universities to make huge decisions regarding their fall 2020 semester. This upcoming semester would be the first year of college for Ponte Vedra High School’s senior class, however not only will their final year of high school be cut short, but also possibly their freshman year of college. Universities around America are weighing their decisions to reopen their doors of education this upcoming semester or remain online.
Some colleges that are willing to, or have already decided they will be open this fall include:
- American University
- Baylor University
- Brown University
- Chapman University
The Chancellor of the University System of Maryland seems “optimistic” about reopening in September.
University of North Florida, as of April 27, has not stated whether or not they will open for the fall semester, stating that their UNF COVID-19 Task Force has begun planning for the possibilities of what the fall term might look like. The pandemic has seen an increase in the withdrawal rate for some colleges. For example, Broward College in Fort Lauderdale has seen a 5 percent withdrawal rate (SunSentinel).
But some are taking steps toward remaining closed. Boston University has already canceled all in person summer activities on their main campus.
As the seniors of PVHS are most probably concerned regarding local Florida schools such as University of Florida, Florida State University, and Florida State College at Jacksonville. UF has written a Coronavirus specific column at ufl.edu. UF President Kent Fuchs has announced that an official course of action will be given no later than July 15 for the fall 2020 semester. However, summer semesters will be continuing with online and virtual learning practices. FSCJ is closely monitoring COVID-19 and based on recent advice from Florida Governor DeSantis, FSCJ will be continuing online instruction through summer. Specifically, Summer A&B session courses will be online. FSU will continue on with online learning/distance learning through summer sessions. FSU’s administrative team plans to assess and evaluate their plans of reopening due to Governor DeSantis’ news of Florida opening back up on May 4.
