SALISBURY, Md - Students are moving in and classes are soon to begin at Salisbury University. Thursday, University President, Charles A. Wight held the institutions first online weekly COVID-19 briefing of the fall semester.
The briefing highlighted testing efforts, and policy changes, while also encouraging students and faculty to do their part to help minimize spread of the virus. With SU currently touting a positivity rate of less than 1%, President Wight expressed that this was a good sign for the start of the semester, but that vigilance would still be required.
“Experience at other universities has shown that that can change very very quickly," said the President. "And so it’s up to all of us to do the things that we need to do to slow the spread of the virus and keep people safe”
Life on campus looks quite different this year with a number of policies and safety procedures in place. Face coverings must be worn in all campus facilities (excluding dorm rooms), and even outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Dining halls are adding more 'grab & go' options while restructuring seating to allow for students to spread out. Additionally, students and faculty must self-report symptoms on a daily basis using the SU Mobile app.
Even with precautions in place, a major concern for University officials is quelling the desire for students to throw parties. President Wight acknowledges that this is traditionally a part of college life, but is encouraging students to consider the consequences. Consequences that could include disciplinary action, getting law enforcement involved, or (with the presence of a number of factors including a dramatic rise in positivity rates) a shortened in-person semester. "What we’re asking students to do this year is to do something different, and do something better. To help each other and to help themselves”.
It may be too soon to tell what the future will hold after this somewhat experimental fall semester, but those with the university say without a vaccine it is likely that the spring semester will begin in a similar fashion.