USU named among top institutions for COVID response
College Magazine ranked Utah State University number 6 out of the top 10 universities in the nation for acting quickly on the challenges presented by COVID-19.
College Magazine commended USU on its willingness to listen to their students. As stated in the article, when students were forced off campus in the middle of the spring semester, USU prorated housing and meal plans for the remainder of the semester.
USU public information officer Emilie Wheeler said the piece reflects the hard work the university has put in over the last six months.
“Many of my colleagues and USU administrators have worked around the clock since March to plan, adjust and adjust some more in the face of the pandemic and the constant changing circumstances. Maintaining the student experience while keeping our community as safe as possible is always at the forefront of our minds. Our response to COVID-19 hasn’t always been perfect – and it will continue to be a work in progress – but it’s an honor to be recognized for our efforts so far.”
In a town hall on April 17, President Noelle Cockett warned students that life may not return to normal for 12-18 months.
However, Cockett had reassuring words for the student body:
“I’m scared for my neighbors and I’m scared for my community. But then I know I am incredibly proud of our university community. I am proud of our students, I am proud of our staff, I am proud of our friends and we are going to make it.”
USU then offered a free three-credit class to help students during the summer.
Although students were disappointed by graduation cancellation on May 27, the university made their plans quickly, as not to give any false hope.
A final plan was released on June 5, giving students enough time to prepare for the fall semester.
Details about the pandemic are communicated on the university website; allowing students frequent updates and alerts related to COVID-19.
USU also helped more students by qualifying them for the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The act allocated up to $800 per student for those in need.
According to the article, USU showed “great understanding for those that may feel unsafe coming back by offering the use of hybrid and remote learning.”
The article also said, “USU deserves applause for its plan to go completely remote the week of Thanksgiving onward to reduce travel for students, faculty and staff.”
Cockett was recently interviewed on the university’s response to COVID-19.
“We want to make sure that [quarantined students] have access to their classes,” Cockett said. “If they’re in a residence hall, they are getting the services they need there, such as food, self-isolation locations, ect. We refer to it as case management. It’s not the number of cases we would get, it’s the capacity of the university to help those that need the help.”
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