Boston College To Resume In-Person Classes This Fall

NEWTON, MA — Boston College is among the first universities in Greater Boston to announce it plans to hold in-person classes on campus in the fall.

"Our intent is to open for on-campus classes as scheduled on August 31," said William Leahy, the university's president, in an email to the school community Tuesday.

The announcement comes as a number of schools and colleges across the commonwealth are debating just what the fall will look like amid the uncertainty of the continued spread of the coronavirus. Monday, Gov. Charlie Baker announced more details related to the gradual reopening of the state.

• Read more: MA Reopening: Roadmap Detailed, Businesses Given ...

In the Boston College letter, Leahy said university officials have been in discussions about navigating challenges related to the academic year and will continue to take into consideration educational needs and desires of students and their parents, concerns about protecting the health of the community, as well as the economic realities facing American higher education.

The school will take the steps to resume in-class instruction this summer in phases per state guidelines, he said.

After the school switched to online education March 15, some 400 students stayed on campus for various reasons, and that, he said, has helped officials learn how to implement physical distancing and food distribution protocols in dining facilities, increase sanitizing for buildings, including residence halls, and use technology for meetings and events.

He said University Health Services officials have developed coronavirus testing and isolation procedures and are working on developing policies for campus life to resume.

"In its long history, Boston College has had to deal with a range of serious issues, including the Great Depression, two World Wars, and the attacks of September 11," Leahy said. "Our University has already responded to the coronavirus with grace, generosity, and commitment; and I remain confident that it will continue to do so in the months and year ahead, drawing from our faith and trust in one another, and the strength of our mission and Jesuit, Catholic heritage."

Also read: Boston College To Merge With Pine Manor College

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