Are any of your kids expressing concern about going back?

[Anonymous]

"[This pandemic] shut down their schools in March. It is still going on, many places worse than before, so they have a right to be wondering why it's OK to be opening up dorms now when they had to be closed in March and April."

Isn't this really the core issue, that many of us don't want to admit? How would one possibly justify both courses of action.

I think we need to make our own decisions and not be swept along with what others are doing or saying.

[Anonymous]

Especially when the decision-makers have conflicts of interest around (around tuition dollars and re-election).

[Anonymous]

You are not being as cautious as you describe. Going to a family celebration? Attending indoor religious services? Neither parent teleworking? Going to friends houses & malls?

You are not the worst covidiot, by any stretch, but you have taken unnecessary risks.

So your college plan does not surprise me. I agree with you that it is complex.

I'm fine with your statements, except for "neither parent teleworking?"

My DH's job does not allow for teleworking. So not an option at all.

He can't quit - we have bills to pay.

I was allowed to telework 100% in the beginning but now but report to work a few days a week on rotation. Again, I can't quit - bills to pay.

[Anonymous]

DC has been very, very much on board here at home and has not been out or seen anyone except via Zoom since March. No sneaking out etc. as you read about some teens and college age students doing.

My DC does not have to "sneak out" to see one or two friends at a time outdoors in Phase 3 of reopening as an almost 19 year old. He's not going to crowded places or indoor spaces without a mask. He also has a job that involves leaving the house and being around people (also outdoors). He didn't see anyone or go anywhere between early March and mid-May, though.

Does anyone else's kid attend a college that is still trying to figure out their initial version of what reopening is going to look like? We're told that students can see their "final" schedule on 7/21 but there are still a lot of unanswered questions regarding dining halls and other facilities. They are also asking for tuition payments 2 or 3 weeks earlier than usual. Some parents are speculating that they are going to collect tuition and then go to an online Fall semester.

[Anonymous]

LOL at parents equating nervousness about going to college during a pandemic with general nervousness about leaving the nest. NOT AT ALL the same thing.

OP, your child should learn to go with their gut. If is good reason to feel apprehensive right now. Colleges are not reopening because it is safe. They are under pressure to generate revenue. Don't expect a college to look our for your best interest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

DC has been very, very much on board here at home and has not been out or seen anyone except via Zoom since March. No sneaking out etc. as you read about some teens and college age students doing.

My DC does not have to "sneak out" to see one or two friends at a time outdoors in Phase 3 of reopening as an almost 19 year old. He's not going to crowded places or indoor spaces without a mask. He also has a job that involves leaving the house and being around people (also outdoors). He didn't see anyone or go anywhere between early March and mid-May, though.

Does anyone else's kid attend a college that is still trying to figure out their initial version of what reopening is going to look like? We're told that students can see their "final" schedule on 7/21 but there are still a lot of unanswered questions regarding dining halls and other facilities. They are also asking for tuition payments 2 or 3 weeks earlier than usual. Some parents are speculating that they are going to collect tuition and then go to an online Fall semester.

Yes my kid’s college just put out their initial plan yesterday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

You are not being as cautious as you describe. Going to a family celebration? Attending indoor religious services? Neither parent teleworking? Going to friends houses & malls?

You are not the worst covidiot, by any stretch, but you have taken unnecessary risks.

So your college plan does not surprise me. I agree with you that it is complex.

I'm fine with your statements, except for "neither parent teleworking?"

My DH's job does not allow for teleworking. So not an option at all.

He can't quit - we have bills to pay.

I was allowed to telework 100% in the beginning but now but report to work a few days a week on rotation. Again, I can't quit - bills to pay.

Fair point...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

DC has been very, very much on board here at home and has not been out or seen anyone except via Zoom since March. No sneaking out etc. as you read about some teens and college age students doing.

My DC does not have to "sneak out" to see one or two friends at a time outdoors in Phase 3 of reopening as an almost 19 year old. He's not going to crowded places or indoor spaces without a mask. He also has a job that involves leaving the house and being around people (also outdoors). He didn't see anyone or go anywhere between early March and mid-May, though.

Does anyone else's kid attend a college that is still trying to figure out their initial version of what reopening is going to look like? We're told that students can see their "final" schedule on 7/21 but there are still a lot of unanswered questions regarding dining halls and other facilities. They are also asking for tuition payments 2 or 3 weeks earlier than usual. Some parents are speculating that they are going to collect tuition and then go to an online Fall semester.

Yes my kid’s college just put out their initial plan yesterday.

What school?

[Anonymous]

Zero concern, both kids going to their OOS schools. If anything safer

[Anonymous]

Every day my son checks his email expecting the school to say they are distance learning. He is a rising freshman and is exploring other options (namely community college) for the fall in the event his college is in person only.

[Anonymous]

https://www.umass.edu/coronavirus/sites/default/files/2020-06/Fall-2020-Reopening-Plan_1.pdf

Daughters school has a solid plan in place

[Anonymous]

^^PP of twins here...

My kids' schools also seem to have solid plans in place:

https://www.vmi.edu/media/content-assets/documents/administration/Return-to-Post-OPLAN_2020.pdf
https://www.umw.edu/returntocampus/

That being said....just because they plan to move on campus next month doesn't mean I don't have any concerns. I'm slightly more concerned for DS going to VMI, but only because he's an athlete so factoring in locker rooms/bus trips.

And all the best laid plans will be null and void if there is a huge outbreak at either school. Both plans address criteria and process for campus dismissals or shutdowns should the need arise. I'm satisfied with both plans.

I'll add....because you don't have a social life anyways as a "rat" at VMI I feel DS will be safer there than at home.
...DD's concern is more about lack of opportunity to make new friends.

[Anonymous]

I'm a professor (intending to teach in-person). We've been told we need to have both in-person and online versions of our classes. Even if we're still in-person as a campus, we need to accommodate students who want to be online. I have heard from a few students, who are registered for my class, who aren't sure what they want yet.

I would completely understand not wanting to move into a dorm room with 1-3 strangers, who may or may not have the same level of risk you're willing to take. Living in a dorm room is not at all comparable to working in an office. You are sharing a very small space and there won't be as many hang out and study spaces on campus this year. Last I heard, they still weren't sure about opening the library.

I am not worried about the students wearing masks. My dad is a surgeon and he wears a mask - it isn't going to damage their ability to think. I have taught in one now, it's not bad at all. I think the students will probably wear masks in class without complaint. However, I do think there will be lots of students doing normal 19 year old things like partying and making out and drinking too much. Because of that I'm concerned for the community as well as the older staff and faculty.

[Anonymous]

Both of mine have zero concern.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless I was personally concerned about kids bringing it home to us (e.g., I am caring for an elderly family member, spouse is at-risk, etc.), I would encourage a rising freshman to go. It is her decision in the end, but the socialization / integration into campus is still very important.

I would be especially encouraging if I sensed she was using covid as an excuse because she was nervous for other reasons (like leaving home for first time).

She is not a freshman and adjusted well to college.

I myself am over 60, so there is that.

In that case, it is a total non brainer. She has a good sense of what college was like, and what she will be missing if she goes.

She will not be the only one by any means.

Colleges absolutely know they should not be reopening their campuses; they are doing it because they need to, to stay afloat financially.

+1

BINGO.

"Sense of normalcy" my arse.