The spring 2022 semester began as initially planned with an in-person focus. Although there were adjustments to campus operations for the first week of classes, it made for a successful start.
According to the COVID-19 Dashboard, cases have remained steady during the first week back, with between four and eight positive tests reported from both on- and off-campus testing sites each day from Jan. 19 to 25.
The university kept students, faculty and staff up to date throughout the winter break to keep us informed about the decisions being made. Emails encouraged eligible people to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot and self-quarantine before returning to campus.
Several universities started the spring semester with online classes, such as Illinois State University, Loyola-Chicago and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This may have suited these schools due to their sizes, but with Bradley being a mid-sized university, having classes start in person was the right move.
Bradley announced on Jan. 26 that in-person student organization meetings and events could resume, while continuing to be mindful of typical COVID-19 guidelines.
With campus operations going back to allowing social activities, it will be nice for students to participate and engage with the campus outside of the classroom while maintaining safe practices.
Information about the university being in the process of ordering a supply of N95 and KN95 masks was also included in the same email. At least one mask will be provided to each student, faculty and staff member who asks for one.
It’s great that Bradley is working to provide these masks, as N95 masks have been confirmed as a better way to protect people from COVID-19, but this action poses the question of whether this is a one-time order or if the university will continue to offer free masks. N95 and KN95 masks can be reused if still in good condition, but they won’t last forever.
Additionally, a Moderna vaccine/booster clinic was held on Jan. 26 at Markin for all students, faculty and staff. Such efforts from the university to make the vaccine and booster more accessible are commendable.
Those not fully vaccinated are required to submit a weekly test, which will not be offered on-campus. Bradley Health Services will only provide tests to those that are symptomatic or identified as a close contact.
Although tests have been running in short supply in areas nationwide, they should be made more readily available to students as testing is a sure way to ensure proper isolation and quarantine measures can be taken.
The Scout believes Bradley is making the right choices to keep people as safe as possible from COVID-19, while also allowing students to engage in in-person classes and activities.
It’s hopeful that the semester will continue to be successful in terms of keeping the spread of COVID-19 under control as long as protocols are followed and monitored as things change.