While COVID-19 continues to be a global issue and efforts such as providing the COVID-19 vaccine and upgraded HVAC ventilation systems in classroom buildings, Sam Houston State University expects a normal classroom experience for fall 2021.
Associate Vice President for Faculty and Student Success Dr. Brian Loft said that while COVID related fears should be gone once the COVID-19 vaccine is available to the entire campus community, some COVID protocols might remain.
“It is still too early to know if the use of facial coverings and nightly sanitizing of classrooms will be necessary in fall 2021,” Loft said. “We are awaiting guidelines from the CDC as they learn about the impact of widespread vaccine allocation.”
An element that might remain the same includes continuing encouragement of COVID testing, according to Loft. The importance of continuing some of the habits developed in the effect of COVID-19, such as hand washing and frequent sanitizing will still be encouraged.
“I’m glad we will be able to somewhat go back to normal,” sophomore political science major Elizabeth Mendoza said. “We also have to be aware a lot of people are not going to get the vaccine, so I just hope we continue to take preventive measures.”
While concerns remain regarding COVID-19, the Sam Houston community efforts along with the COVID-19 vaccine have left many with the hope that the world will soon see normal and safer days.
“I am excited for Sam Houston State University to finally go back to normal classes,” senior accounting major Meghan Newman said. “My major is in Accounting which has been very difficult to fully learn all the material online. This is also my senior year at Sam Houston, and I would like it to be as normal as possible.”
As things slowly begin to go back to normal, it is important to remain safe and careful and follow CDC guidelines so vaccine plans can continue.