USD’s premature opening is unsafe
Harris’ decision to reopen campus in September shows a prioritization of money over health
Whitney Lynn / Contributor
The University of San Diego seems to change their COVID-19 plan every other week. On May 7, President James T. Harris III, D.Ed. sent out an email to the USD population, bringing forth a six-point plan to keep students safe when they return to campus. This email stated the university’s intention to reopen in August, which was unexpected as many universities across the country began plans to be fully remote for at least the fall semester.
On July 9, Harris sent another email reiterating the six-point plan and the goal of getting students back on campus. The email did state that a hybrid learning model would be implemented, meaning some classes would be online while others would continue to meet in person. This plan did not last long. Harris sent another message on July 29 stating that USD would be fully remote.
This seemed like the end of the back and forth, for at least the first semester. However, Harris announced on Aug. 28 that there will be a limited return to campus beginning Sept. 18. This decision comes across as an opportunistic play for money and displays lack of concern for both USD students’ and San Diego county’s health.
Being on campus is a huge part of one’s “college experience.” None of us envisioned our lecture classes to be pre-recorded videos we would watch in our bedrooms. We hoped to be sitting in a classroom with other students and our professor present. The reason so many USD students, along with myself, chose this institution was for the small classroom sizes. These small classes allowed students to make close connections with their professors and other students. Out of everything we are “losing” this semester, I believe that is the greatest detriment to our learning.
Some students think it’s good USD is trying so hard to get students back on campus. They miss their friends, the beautiful campus, the college atmosphere, in-person classes, and of course the beach. However, just because we miss our lives does not mean the pandemic is over. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to sit in an overheated classroom in Camino right now, but my desire to do what is best for my health and the community’s health is greater. It would be great to be back, but I know it wouldn’t be safe.
Across the nation we are seeing colleges suspending in-person classes within the first few days of students being there due to rapid increase in cases. In our own city, San Diego State University has halted in person classes due to a case spike amongst students and faculty.
“We are also closely monitoring universities across the country who are reversing decisions to bring students back on campus, and hope to learn how best to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the likelihood of a similar scenario from happening at USD,” Harris said in a recent email to the USD community regarding reopening sent on Aug. 28.
The lesson learned from colleges sending students home is you cannot trust college kids to follow the rules. There is no way to ensure all students will follow social distancing guidelines. All it takes is one party, and USD could have an outbreak.
“Please note that the university does not intend to close the campus if county or state COVID-19 data reflect a growing trend of cases or outbreaks,” Harris said in his last email about reopening. This shows a blatant disregard for health and safety to leave the campus open, knowing that there is an increase in cases. It seems that the university’s plan, if there was a COVID-19 outbreak on campus, is to do nothing.
San Diego County was just taken off California’s COVID-19 watchlist, so why is Harris trying so hard to get us put back on? Not being on the watchlist does not mean we are in the clear. San Diego is still under stay-at-home orders. Now is the time to remain vigilant, so we will not lose this hard earned progress.
“A vast majority of courses will continue under remote instruction for the remainder of the fall semester,” Harris said.
If most classes remain online, what is the point of returning? Why pay $12,980 for room and board to sit in a dorm room on your laptop? The decision to move students back onto campus a month into the semester with only two months remaining comes across as reckless and desperate.
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