SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)- Syracuse University has announced it remains optimistic of resuming residential instruction in the Fall of 2020, but acknowledged the possibility of another online semester in Fall 2021. Many students plan on taking a leave of absence if this is the case. Taylor Doll, a sophomore at SU, has had some struggles with online classes, yet has not made up her mind on the manner.
Doll believes that studying from home has put many students at a disadvantage, “I feel like thats a little bit more than half of the students prefer to study not at home in their bedrooms.”
Although the future is unclear Syracuse University has released statements believing in their ability to resume residential instruction in the Fall. In an email to all students Chancellor Kent Syverud wrote, “As we navigate the immediate challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our daily decisions, actions and assumptions are based in cautious optimism that Syracuse University will resume residential instruction in fall 2020.”
Chancellor Syverud continued his letter, listing some challenges SU will face in the process of resuming residential instruction. The challenges include embracing, “new practices and set new conditions related to places and spaces where we learn, study, conduct research and work.” Chancellor Syverud has yet to outline what these new practices and conditions may look like, but Syverud made it clear SU will follow the guidance of local, state, and federal health officials.
If health officials prevent residential instruction many students have announced plans to take a “leave of absence.” According to the Syracuse University Code of Conduct a leave of absence allows a student to take up to two years away from SU without withdrawing completely. Taylor Doll mentioned many of her classmates and friends have considered a leave of absence, “Yeah its something that I’ve heard a lot of are people considering. And a lot of people are seriously considering not taking classes next semester.”
For now Syracuse University has advised all its students, employees, and affiliates to plan on resuming full residential instruction in August. Students will have the ability to withdraw, or take a leave of absence, until October 7th.
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