Colleges consider options for promoting lower-risk social opportunities

"One hallmark of the fall semester so far has been the recurrent theme of college administrators pleading with students to stop partying – and threatening and imposing punishments on those who do – to try to tamp down the spread of COVID-19. But as college administrators try their hardest to stop students from attending crowded indoor parties and bar hopping, the question arises of what they can or should do to help students socialize in lower-risk ways.

To this end, some colleges are creating new outdoor gathering and performance spaces, erecting tents that limited-sized student groups can reserve, and holding film screenings and other student life events in oversize venues like the football stadium.

The University of Notre Dame, which currently reports 51 active COVID-19 cases on campus, has transformed the space between the library and the football stadium into ‘Library Lawn,’ featuring an outdoor lounge area with Adirondack chairs spaced around fire pits and inviting white lights, a stage for student performances and concerts, and lawn games that can be checked out. Students can also borrow lawn blankets, which are washed between uses. Mask use and social distancing are required, and gathering in groups larger than 10 is prohibited." …

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/09/18/colleges-look-lower-risk-ways-students-socialize

In theory these social “alternatives” are great and I applaud the schools that are implementing them. I imagine they will have some impact on the on campus, underage crowd.

In reality, especially at larger schools, the majority live off campus. I would bet that most won’t find the on campus entertainment options that attractive. Some will, and again, I applaud the effort. At the end of the day, we’re counting on 20ish yr olds to act responsibly. Lots will…and lots won’t. Part of that is personality and culture. We’re not a very compliant nation.