YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — College and university leaders across the state are facing tough challenges these days as they plan for summer and fall semesters in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
- Several schools, including The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University have announced task forces to to help plan for upcoming semesters
- Youngstown State University started the "Take Charge of our Future" focus groups, which center on major aspects of academics and operations
- YSU President Jim Tressel said adjusting to the impact of the pandemic is most challenging because of the breadth of it
Senior Director of Communications Services at Ohio University Carly Leatherwood said, "We are looking at the possibility of offering required clinical experiences, practica, or other face-to-face experiences, especially during the second session of our summer semester."
Several college campuses across the state have already decided to offer remote or online classes this summer. Plans for the fall semester are underway.
"We work in partnership with federal, state and local public health officials in our decision making," said Leatherwood. She also pointed out that Ohio University coordinates with the other public institutions of higher education across the state.
The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO) advises and supports the state's private, nonprofit colleges and universities. The organization's president and general counsel, C. Todd Jones, says many of the AICUO member schools are planning for the future.
"There are a few that are going to start focusing on in-person education as soon as we get past Memorial Day in part because the kind of education they’re providing is very hands on. It might involve tools. It might involve simulations," Jones stated.
Several schools, including The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University have announced task forces to to help plan for upcoming semesters.
"We’ve had the strategic planning group going on, which has been a broad group. And so we’ve wanted to integrate some of our strategic planning personnel to continue their efforts with this new situation. We always, on a college campus, want input. We have a lot of smart people around here," said Youngstown University President Jim Tressel.
Tressel says the school's five "Take Charge of our Future" focus group will include 50 school administrators, staff, faculty, and students. Their discussions will center on these areas: creative course delivery, calendar scenarios, enrollment initiatives, finances, and communications.
The goal is to guide YSU safely through difficult decisions and do the best job possible for students and employees.
Tressel, who's nationally known for his university leadership skills, shared perspective on the challenge universities have adjusting to the impact of the pandemic:
"This is by far the most challenging simply because of the breadth of it. I spent so many years working with 100 students and a dozen coaches and, you know, you knew your challenges ahead of you and you needed to prepare, you know, to see if you could meet those challenges," Tressel said.