Hi- In making the college decision, I thought it might be interesting for people who have kids in college to post how that college has handled covid. This should not be political, just factual so that we can pick the college atmosphere that works best for our kids.
My kids go to Bucknell University.
They were on campus all fall but it was very restrictive and classes were online. In the fall, they were tested for Covid every 10 days. Spring semester it is every 7 days. Their moto is mask up or pack up. No fall sports or activities. Freshman were very isolated as most of the classes were remote so they did not have to leave their dorms. They are in person for the spring but are still very restricted in the dorms. They started in person but immediately when online for 2 weeks because the Covid numbers went up. The most they had was 350 and there are about 4000 students on campus. They are now back to in person classes at the discretion of the faculty. They have a 1:1 ratio in the dorms so that means 1 guest per person. Makes it very difficult for students who live in a single to find people to spend time with. The cafeteria in the fall was very limited and no dining was allowed inside. This spring they did adjust the cafeteria food so there are more options by very little in house dining. Public safety can freely enter the dorms and listen for groups that might be too big and if kids have too many kids in their rooms, they get sent home. There is an online form for the students to “turn each other in” for not following the rules.
I have a child who is a freshman in a single room and it has been very isolating for him. He has meet very few people.
I am starting this forum for people to get facts about colleges so they can pick a college that fits into their idea of what is safe. Some people want the restrictions and some people don’t. I hope this does not turn into debating what is right or wrong. This information will help us all pick a college on our individual expectations.
One thing I have learned is that when you send you child to a school like Bucknell where they live on campus all 4 years the school has all the power and control over the kids. The schools where students live off campus provide much more freedom to the students.