We are now entering our fourth semester shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination rates rose rapidly this past spring, and the number of new cases dropped drastically. Many of us — including University administration — hoped this fall would look as “normal” as possible. However, we are seeing a stark reversal of the numbers of just a few months ago. New daily cases are nearing the peaks of January as the Delta variant proves more transmissible than its original.
We must balance our optimism with realism. While nearly all students at the University will be vaccinated, which helps keep students safe from contracting the virus and serious infections, the data shows breakthrough cases are still a reality. As such, the University needs policies to reflect the changing environment — the temporary reinstatement of a mask mandate for in-person classes was an important step, but there is still so much to do to really keep the local community safe. We will all be readjusting to a new academic, social and work environment this semester — let’s not abandon pandemic precaution in the process.
Public Health
Last semester, as the country saw record high cases and led daily new cases worldwide, the University instituted mandatory weekly testing for all students to identify any potential clusters before they spread. This semester, vaccinated students are no longer subject to testing. While the efficacy of vaccines is undeniable, transmissibility amongst vaccinated students is not out of the question. Further, the University should seriously reconsider its lack of requirements for vaccination among faculty and staff.
The University must lead by example as the central healthcare, education and employment for the Charlottesville community, especially as booster shots become necessary. A mask and vaccination mandate is a start — but not enough.
Academic Flexibility and Support
The University must ensure all classes are flexible for students with a positive COVID-19 test or exposure to the virus. This includes adjusting or eliminating attendance requirements for in-person classes and offering a virtual option for learning, whether through recorded lectures or online class material.
This will also be the first time in over a year with many students returning to in-person classes. This, combined with the continued stress the COVID-19 pandemic causes for students, should be met with increased access to mental health resources. In addition, virtual counseling appointments will cause additional difficulties for students attempting to find ways to secure a time and private location for these appointments. The University needs to invest in Counseling and Psychological Services to ensure adequate resources are available for all students, as the return to Grounds in the midst of a debilitating pandemic is going to be difficult.
Financial Support
The pandemic continues to impose financial stress on students and families. Offer financial support to students and families who continue to face financial pressure caused by the pandemic — this includes those students who will have to miss wages because of a COVID-19 exposure. With the reintroduction of in-person classes, the University setting will likely cause exposure for many students who will contract the virus. As such, financial support needs to remain in place for students losing income because of a positive COVID-19 case. Gov. Ralph Northam recently announced a $111 million investment in higher education in order to make college more accessible, especially with the additional financial strain caused by the pandemic. This shows the continued need for emergency relief funding for students experiencing financial hardship related to the ongoing effects of the pandemic. The University should help students better access additional aid for COVID-related financial issues, reviewing cases on an individual basis to determine the extent of funds needed.
Let this serve as a reminder to students and administration alike that we are still fighting through this pandemic. With Albemarle County is listed as having high transmission, we must do everything in our power to ensure we do not contribute. There are even better times ahead, but only if we recognize our responsibility to each other and to our entire community.
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