University Of South Carolina Considers Shutdown, North Carolina State Closes Dorms Over Coronavirus

TOPLINE

The University of South Carolina and North Carolina State are the latest in a slew of colleges to change course a week or so into the semester as schools nationwide struggle to curb major coronavirus outbreaks. 

KEY FACTS

Key Background 

Bursts of rising infections have become commonplace in the past few weeks as college students have moved back to campus. Nearly 22.5% of universities are offering classes either fully or partially in-person for the fall semester. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Notre Dame University both suspended in-person classes early in the semester, though Notre Dame said it would reconsider face-to-face learning after two weeks off. Several other colleges previously planning for in-person instruction, such as the University of North Carolina Charlotte and Columbia University, reversed course last minute. 

Big Number 

228. The number of students suspended from Ohio State University for violating Covid-19 guidelines. Many schools have linked Covid-19 outbreaks to students failing to abide by social distancing measures, instituting strict policies that punish violators with suspension or expulsion. Nonetheless, students from universities across the country have complained that their institutions aren’t doing enough to protect them through the pandemic. 

Crucial Quote 

“As college students return to campus, schools must be prepared for all possibilities,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday, announcing a new policy for New York that colleges experiencing 100 cases or an outbreak equal to 5% of its population must switch to remote learning for a two-week period while the situation is evaluated. 

Further Reading 

“Cuomo Says Colleges Must Temporarily Move To Remote Learning If Covid-19 Cases Spike” (Forbes) 

Outbreaks Hit Fraternities, Sororities And Dorms As College Parties Resume (Forbes)

“Students Across The Country Complain Their Colleges Aren’t Safe Amid Pandemic” (Forbes) 

“Ohio State University Suspends 228 Students For Violating Covid-19 Guidelines” (Forbes)

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