St. Edward's University's reopening plan praised by Austin health officials

AUSTIN, Texas — In just the next few weeks St. Edward's University will be welcoming back students and staff at a limited capacity. The university has been praised by health local officials on their re-opening plans.

Justin Sloan, Vice President of Institutional Planning, says it's been been nearly 5 months since students have filled the hallways, "On August 24th we look forward to having students on campus, but also serving those students that remain at home."

Sloan says 90 percent of their courses will be taught online, the other 10-percent in-person learning.

"It will be a mixture of online, Zoom, or Google Hang Out-type experience for the classes, then supported by in person opportunities for office hours if the faculty member is comfortable doing that," he said.

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Sloan says some of the safety precautions in place throughout the campus include mandatory face coverings, social distancing signage, and classroom capacity limitations, "Within the classrooms desk spaced apart and an increase in hand sanitizing stations -- and other cleaning products throughout campus."

For those returning to campus he says a negative COVID-19 test is required, as well as daily symptom screenings through an app set up by the university.

These instructional changes follow school officials announcing Thursday the cancellation of all fall sports due to the pandemic.

"For St. Edwards it's been about first planning for the health & safety of our students," said Sloan.

The first day of fall classes is August 24th.