The University of North Georgia became the latest state university Friday to announce it will return to normal operations this fall as COVID-19 vaccine availability expands through the summer.
The announcement comes on the heels of similar announcements from the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and other state institutions that say they will reopen fully for the upcoming academic year.
"Our safety protocols and the operational changes have mitigated the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses, and, for the time being, it is critical that we continue to test, mask, distance, and socialize outdoors," President Bonita Jacobs said. "However, with vaccine availability expected to expand over the next several weeks for more members of the UNG community, I am optimistic about fully resuming on-campus operations and activities by this fall."
UNG plans to return to in-person classes and on-campus students experiences and activities starting with the Fall 2021 semester, which will begin in August. But the school said it would retain some hybrid and online courses that have improved access for students and which are academically appropriate.
Jacobs said the university will be ready, if necessary, to pivot back to social distancing, including a return to online classes mixed with limited in-person classes, if the situation with the pandemic changes.
She said the university will notify students, faculty and staff of any changes to the plan, as well as provide details about on-campus vaccination opportunities as vaccine availability increases.
"I know this past year has been difficult and, at times, overwhelming," she said. "In true UNG fashion, our community has stepped up in amazing ways to address challenging and complex problems with innovative solutions and to support one another with empathy and integrity."
The current restriction will remain in effect for summer classes in 2021. UNG will offer many online courses, and it encourages people to continue to keep safe distances and wear a mask inside university buildings.
