UCCS returning to in-person learning this fall

After the coronavirus abruptly shut down UCCS mid-spring semester - they're finally reopening their campus on Aug. 24 for the first day of the fall semester.

But returning to campus doesn't mean returning to normal.

Jared Verner, Director of University Communications, says the school is trying to have as many in-person classes as possible, but virtual learning won't be a thing of the past.

"We are committed to having as many classes on campus as we can - with priority to those that need specialized lab equipment, specialized instruction," Verner said. "Just classes that are more conducive to in-person instruction versus a remote format."

The university is also temporarily suspending its study abroad programs, though they are still welcoming international students on campus.

"The last thing we want to do is send a student abroad, you know, if something happens, and they can't get home quickly," Verner said. "This decision was made out of an abundance of caution, just knowing that this thing is impacting people around the world in different ways."

For the 1,600 students living on campus at UCCS, the new social distancing guidelines will have its perks.

“For residence halls, it'll be slightly lower capacity," says Verner. "Just enough so every student has their own room."

As far as future sporting events go, Verner says they're still waiting on guidance from the NCAA, but something they are considering is having smaller audiences at games.

For those still on the fence about enrolling for the fall semester, you still have time to decide. Students can enroll for classes up until two weeks after the start of the semester.

Verner says they are up 5.2% percent for summer enrollment compared to 2019.

Fall enrollment is up 2% in comparison to May.

That number is expected to change as they solidify their plans for students returning to campus.