Rice University will hold classes in outdoor tents, asks students to bring own chairs

Student Lounge College Life
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"You might consider class held in massive circus tents a little unconventional, but Rice University believes it’s a perfect social distancing strategy.

When Rice University plans to resume its on-site classes in August, students will be bringing their laptops and chairs into nine large tents and temporary buildings in order to manage social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to officials.

‘Reducing population density will require us to use spaces in non-traditional ways and increase the number of large venues on campus,’ the Rice University statement read." …

http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/post/discussion/college-life

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I was talking about this with my wife last week. I thought colleges in warmer climates should stock up on large wedding tents. In colder climates, it would work for the fall and spring, but probably not winter.

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If a class is held outdoors in tent, wouldn’t it affect the quality of its remote delivery (a necessity for students not attending in-person) due to noises?

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Pretty sure the tents Rice is talking about will be fully enclosed

https://www.chron.com/local/article/Outdoor-tents-for-classrooms-That-s-now-the-15410068.php

Amherst is also using tents this school year, and has said they will be heated, lighted, and have full electricity for laptops.

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Being fully enclosed would reduce natural ventilation and make the tents equivalent to indoor spaces in terms of risk of spreading the virus.

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Nothing says fun like dragging your laptop and chair across the campus in Texas August heat.

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This article is a little sensational. Yes, Rice is adding tents to campus. They are adding 2 types. Some are enclosed with heating/air conditioning, electricity, etc. They are basically extra classroom space where kids can distance. I believe they are considered hurricane proof so they are pretty sturdy. The second type are open tents that are more designed as outdoor meeting space. I believe the chairs they are bringing are more for these tents. The classroom spaces should have their own chairs. I also would not be surprised if the various residential colleges add tents/outside seating for extra eating space.

D is freaking out a little about the heat the first month. While taking advantage of the outside space is an awesome idea October - March or so, it will not be pleasant outside during the day in August and September.

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An enclosed area with students 6 feet apart is not equivalent to students to sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in a lecture hall, in terms of spreading the virus.

“ temporary buildings which are designed to accommodate 50 students and an instructor with the requisite 6 feet of distance maintained.”

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So shall we expect a run on portable folding chairs along with Lysol?