As COVID levels continue to drop across the country and vaccinations become more widely available, Union College has announced plans to reopen in person next fall returning to a near pre-pandemic state.
“We are committed to an in-person campus experience in the fall, and we hope to return to as close to ‘normal’ as possible—much like we did prior to the pandemic,” said Vinita Sauder, Union College president. “While none of us can foresee the future, our fall plans are based on the assumption that everyone in our campus community who chooses to be vaccinated will be by then.”
The college expects all classes to be conducted in person, dining services to return to normal and to resume a full schedule of varsity athletics and group travel.
Sauder explained that the college must be ready to adapt to any new threats presented by COVID, and will still have provisions in place to safeguard the campus—including isolation rooms for positive cases. “We have yet to determine whether face coverings will be required next fall,” she added. “We will continue to work closely with our public health department to ensure the safety of our students and employees.”
The campus community is thankful for God’s protection during the 2020-21 school year. “God has kept his promise to protect us this school year and we believe He will continue to watch over us,” Sauder said. “As the psalmist said, ‘The Lord will. . . watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore’ (Psalm 121:7-8 NIV).”
Union’s planning team will continue to work on fall plans throughout the summer and post updates as they are available.
