Doane commits to reopening all campus locations for fall semester

CRETE, NE — A southeast Nebraska university is committing to returning as close to normal as possible for the fall semester.

Doane University President Jacque Carter sent a message to students, faculty and staff this week that said, “we are committed to reopen all campus locations as close to 100% as possible for Fall 2021.” Carter said campus operations will continue to prioritize health and safety.

Carter says the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Team is planning for the fall based on the assumption that the majority of the Doane community will be vaccinated by mid-August.

From news release:

Here are some of the ways we hope to see life at Doane moving forward during Fall 2021:

Academics

• Classes that would have typically been in-person before the 2020-21 academic year are expected to return to in-person and at full capacity. 
• Online classes will continue to be offered as they were before and during COVID-19.  These classes are asynchronous in format.
• We will continue to use hybrid and distance learning classes when they are determined to be an effective way of offering a class.  These classes meet at regularly scheduled class times, using Zoom or other online platforms, for synchronous class meetings.  

Residential Campus Experience

• Residence Halls will continue to be welcoming spaces where students can study, gather, and engage in activities with their roommates and floormates. We hope to return to full use of study spaces, common spaces, kitchens, and laundry facilities. Isolation housing will be provided for students as needed.
• Dining spaces are expected to operate at a larger capacity with fewer restrictions following local and state directed health measures as well as university policies. 
• Student Experience offerings such as campus traditions, leadership and service opportunities, career services, counseling, health services, and other opportunities for positive social connection are expected to return to normal. Flexibility and accommodations will be provided for students on an individual basis. 

Athletics 

• Doane Athletics will continue to follow campus policies and health directives set by the NAIA and GPAC. 

Faculty and Staff Returning to Work 

• Doane University created a Return to Work plan in summer 2020, which will continue to be implemented as the situation on campus improves. 
• Our priority is to have all employees back on campus safely by the start of Fall 2021. Employees and their supervisors will continue to work with Human Resources to determine the best option for their unique situation and department.