for those of you in higher education

[giramomma]

Jul 30, 2020 14:10:02 GMT -5 haapai said:

Has anyone seen the plans that a school has published for moving out?  How well will those plans work if there is an outbreak at the school?  

I think that it is insanely selfish for anyone to move into a dorm or even a college town at this point in time unless they have a solid plan for self-quarantining when they leave.  There's no way that we will have the tests and PPE necessary to medically clear these students as they leave.  They are going to have to self-quarantine or bear the guilt of seeding further outbreaks. 

Why be part of that disaster?  Stay home and take classes online instead.  You won't meet as many people your age that way but you also won't be spending a large chunk of October or November alone. 

So. We've already seen clusters in the sororities and fraternities. One of our student workers, who lives in a frat house, had to go home for two weeks when his roommate tested positive.

For those students that can't go home, our university is using conference center space for quarantining.

I'm really betting the university doesn't care all that much what a student does or doesn't do at home during Thanksgiving and beyond. I mean, it's their own private personal situation.

Why be part of the disaster? It's hard to ask that question to folks that don't even think this is a disaster.

[TheOtherMe]

Jul 30, 2020 22:45:27 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Jul 30, 2020 14:10:02 GMT -5 haapai said:

Why be part of the disaster? It's hard to ask that question to folks that don't even think this is a disaster.

This is the problem where I live.  In this county, we are having the highest positive cases in numbers ever for July.  Numbers were high in June, but higher in July.  Yes wearing a mask is taking away freedom and violates the constitution.

Local school district is going to have in person school 4 days a week, with the kids off on Friday.  On Friday, the teachers will be available to the kids that chose virtual learning.

[oped]

Daughter was informed she can move into her apartment on the 9th now. She wants to go early and that is well before most so we can move her in without worrying a ton about running into people. Her roomates including boyfriend wouldn't be up for a few days after that. Classes start the 19th. Almost all of her classes are online at the moment, and while they won't give her a parking pass she can pay $5 a day to park on campus which now is just a few days a week (she is also threatening to just get a pass in an on campus friend's name and at this point I'm like, whatever...) So I guess we will go ahead with that. 

We did come to an understanding that I am not at ALL ok with dorms and she needs to stay out of dorms or dorm like spaces. She doesn't lie to me, so I think she will. 

Going to be honest, it feels to me like I'm letting her play house for a month or so because I feel like its unlikely they will be back after break and I told her she has a month to see if she thinks they will be all online in Nov or not because she has to either request mail in early or if classes are all online come home three weeks early to vote in person. That is a significant priority this fall. 

[oped]

And more of the less optimistic from Drexel. Apparently Philly schools are all virtual till Nov 17th at least and so that also adds a dimension to staff and faculty which now also need to provide childcare. Etc. The message stressed flexibility. Honestly I’ll be surprised if anyone goes back there for fall.

[Deleted]

I moved Carrot to the private school and they already have a plan less than 24 hours after hearing the governors announcement...which to me is one of the main advantages of the private school.  There is probably no before/after care, no online option, and if the public isn't operating there may not be busing, but there's a plan!  (subject to change of course!) 

In-person Cohort Model for grades 5-8

• Beginning on September 8, students in grades 5 and 6 will engage in in-person learning for five
days a week from 8:00am to 2:30pm in the John Nett building; students in grades 7 and 8 will
be assigned to larger rooms in St. Teresa and meet four days a week from 8:00am to 2:30pm
(Wednesdays will be online.)
• Students will be in a consistent 15-20 person learning cohort that they will remain in for the
whole day.
• Classrooms will be arranged with six-foot separations between desks, and students and teachers
will be required to wear masks when moving through common areas or closer than six feet.
• Teachers will remain constant with each cohort, except for some extra activities to safely get the
students outside and moving.
• All students will bring a cold lunch and eat in their classrooms (or outside when possible).

[giramomma]

Jul 31, 2020 21:24:57 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I moved Carrot to the private school and they already have a plan less than 24 hours after hearing the governors announcement...which to me is one of the main advantages of the private school.  There is probably no before/after care, no online option, and if the public isn't operating there may not be busing, but there's a plan!  (subject to change of course!) 

In-person Cohort Model for grades 5-8

• Beginning on September 8, students in grades 5 and 6 will engage in in-person learning for five
days a week from 8:00am to 2:30pm in the John Nett building; students in grades 7 and 8 will
be assigned to larger rooms in St. Teresa and meet four days a week from 8:00am to 2:30pm
(Wednesdays will be online.)
• Students will be in a consistent 15-20 person learning cohort that they will remain in for the
whole day.
• Classrooms will be arranged with six-foot separations between desks, and students and teachers
will be required to wear masks when moving through common areas or closer than six feet.
• Teachers will remain constant with each cohort, except for some extra activities to safely get the
students outside and moving.
• All students will bring a cold lunch and eat in their classrooms (or outside when possible).

Our private school has been planning since June 1.

The public schools? Well, school has been pushed back a week. DS starts Sept 8. Teachers will start prepping August 24.

I still do worry about other parents/families choices in the private school. 

[Deleted]

Jul 31, 2020 22:13:14 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Jul 31, 2020 21:24:57 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Our private school has been planning since June 1.

The public schools? Well, school has been pushed back a week. DS starts Sept 8. Teachers will start prepping August 24.

I still do worry about other parents/families choices in the private school. 

I'm sure ours has been planning for months too, what I meant was now that they have the state's blessing they can just run with their plan and say, "This is what we're doing, like it or leave it".  Carrot is still on the email for the public I moved him from and I got a letter from them yesterday too, but it was more along the lines of, "well, we have the go ahead for in-person, but we also have to be able to provide remote for anyone that needs it which may produce staffing issues that we cannot meet.  So, our first step is going to be compiling a list of all students that want or need to be remote only and then we'll move on from there.  Also, we still don't know how busing is going to be handled and are waiting to hear back from the district on that one (it's a charter).

I totally understand the public school having way more problems getting something in place that serves everyone so I don't really fault them there.  They have way more obstacles and way more students. 

[Deleted]

MLB had a great plan.

How's that working for them? And, they have a plethora of testing.

How will it work in schools when few people can even get a test and the results lag for a week or two?

[Deleted]

I don't know.  I guess we'll find out.  But the two main daycares in town have been running this entire time and have not had any issues. 

[TheOtherMe]

Our county fair started this week so the kids could show their animals and to provide some entertainment.

One of the workers overseeing the animal shows tested positive.  She was there on Monday and had symptoms on Tuesday.  Results came back on Friday, but she was in quarantine at that time.

[haapai]

Aug 1, 2020 14:07:17 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Our county fair started this week so the kids could show their animals and to provide some entertainment.

One of the workers overseeing the animal shows tested positive.  She was there on Monday and had symptoms on Tuesday.  Results came back on Friday, but she was in quarantine at that time.

Is it terrible that the first thing that comes to mind is "Well, at least those families had barns and it is still relatively warm outside"?

Or that the second thing that comes to mind is, "Did the kids get to sell their livestock?  I sure hope so"?

[haapai]

My alma mater (about 10 miles from where I live and work) has pulled the plug on in-person instruction and also requested that undergraduates that were planning on living in the dorms to stay home and for those who were planning to live off-campus to consider staying home. 

www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/08/18/903707406/michigan-state-and-notre-dame-suspend-in-person-learning-over-covid-19-concerns?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=nprblogscoronavirusliveupdates

I'm massively relieved but also don't know whether to be proud of my school or disgusted by what it has done.  I'm glad that they were among the first schools to back-track on in-person classes and operational dorms and that they did so before classes began.  On the other hand, they seem to have pulled off the trick of offering something like the college experience (some in-person classes, some dorm life) for as long as possible to minimize defections to other universities and to maximize the revenue that they could get from suck-tastic remote-learning. 

It's kinda weird that these two schools are getting some sort of credit for pulling the plug on completely irresponsible reopening plans before a shitstorm hit.  If they'd been more responsible and analytical, they would have realized that they had no business attempting in-person classes or opening the dorms. 

[oped]

I’ve been basically begging daughter to not see anyone but her roommates unless outside and distanced for 3 weeks. I feel like if they make it through the transition without wide spread they have a chance.... but the more schools that open to outbreaks the worse I feel about the prospects.

2 of her classes are in person but at least one is going virtual the first 2 weeks because some kids have mandatory 2 week isolation depending on which states they are in. Probably everyone should have been virtual for 3 weeks? Or maybe everyone should have just stayed home...

[wvugurl26]

Somehow I'm getting these update emails from my Alma mater. Students in university housing who test positive will be moved to the dorm they closed a couple years ago. Rules on distancing, wearing a mask, not violating state rules on gatherings (currently 25 max), and other things have been added to the student code of conduct. They are threatening fines and expulsion for those who do not comply.

Classes officially start next Monday. Many are back and it looks like the usual parties last weekend. They do not return to campus after Thanksgiving.

We have friends who are local residents there. We've been wanting to visit but I think we are going to wait a few weeks and let it shake out.

[oped]

Son wins. He said months ago he’d just do virtual option because it was all going to end up that way anyway and today Drexel announces fall undergrad is all virtual.

[Deleted]

Well, while we were on campus today an email went out saying the president has proposed delaying move in for "at least 2 weeks".  The board is voting on it Monday morning.  My son went from having a great day all excited and happy to be finding his way around and speaking with other students to miserable.  

I should have pushed harder for Iowa State. 

[TheOtherMe]

Iowa State had to implement rules with consequences in an attempt to stop the spread after too many parties and bar hopping without masks.

Also have had an increase in cases on campus.

Iowa is getting bad publicity for how they handled a freshmen who tested positive after feeling ill.  Iowa told her not to tell anyone, including her parents.  Iowa didn't have the quarantine dorm set up yet.  She was told she had to take anything with her and move right now to the quarantine dorm.  It was filthy.

After sleeping on the floor, she talked to her parents and has returned home.  She says she will not be returning to Iowa.

Iowa is not testing dorm students.  Iowa State is testing dorm students.

Iowa cut 4 sports yesterday.

[oped]

OMG. That’s a shit show. I was just reading about UNC last night and that seems like one too.

[oped]

RIT seems to be doing ok? I had posted this in schooling in pandemic the other day:

Daughter did say today that one of her classes that was supposed to have hybrid half the class in person once a week met online yesterday because 2 people in the class had not handed in their required negative tests and they were not taking chances. RIT found 63 cases coming in, but all were isolated away from campus and not allowed to enter until they are negative... they have taken over a local hotel? They are still doing some in person classes but daughter said the one she had was well distanced. We shall see...

[Deleted]

Aug 22, 2020 6:24:05 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Iowa State had to implement rules with consequences in an attempt to stop the spread after too many parties and bar hopping without masks.

Also have had an increase in cases on campus.

I haven't heard of an increase.  I'm still on the parent page and they haven't released last weeks data yet.  Supposed to on Monday.  The first week they had 60, the second week 75, but that was two different groups of students moving in.  The total came to about 2.2% of students tested.  The thing is they seem to be handling it well.  They have two dorms they were going to tear down this summer that they kept open.  One is for isolating positive cases and the other for quarantining those who have had close contact with a positive.  From what I'm hearing from parents of kids that tested positive, none from the first week developed any symptoms while being in isolation and all have since moved into their regular dorms.  There are more in person classes at Iowa State than we're having here, but they have assigned seating to aid in contact tracing.  

The parties I have heard about (and seen on videos).  As DS says, it is very annoying that 10% of the student body can ruin things for the other 90%.  He is just really angry at the world right now.  We also heard that St. Olaf suspended 7 students for attending an off campus party where at least one person attending was known to be positive.  They ended up having to quarantine 50 other students that those 7 came into contact with when they came back.  It's a small school where everyone lives on campus and they did 14 days of isolation for all of them coming in and they were supposed to just live in their little isolated bubble on campus for 3 months. 

[TheOtherMe]

Newspapers here are reporting an increase in cases in Story County, which is where Ames is located.  Attributing it partially to Iowa State.

It's a disaster waiting to happen at every university in the US.

Iowa had it's first death of a child according to today's statistics.  

I am also angry at the world.  We all should be.  

Big high school in Des Moines that is very good in football is rumored to be hiding positive cases.  Telling players not to tell them if they have symptoms.  Also had kids who were doing online only come to campus for orientation.  Used room where in person learning kids had been and did not clean in between.  Parents are riled up who are trying to protect their children.  However that high school has always been win in football at all costs.  It did not finish the season in either baseball (ranked #1) or softball.  

[ken a.k.a OMK]

oped Drexel tuition was $3k a year when my wife and I went, 1965-1970.     There was no men's dorm. I lived in a fraternity house on Powelton Av. Only a women's dorm down the street from all the frat houses.  My wife was in a hotel Drexel rented a floor from. The Eagles rented a floor below and there was flirting. 

[Deleted]

Aug 22, 2020 11:37:49 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Newspapers here are reporting an increase in cases in Story County, which is where Ames is located.  Attributing it partially to Iowa State.

It's a disaster waiting to happen at every university in the US.

Iowa had it's first death of a child according to today's statistics.  

I am also angry at the world.  We all should be.  

Big high school in Des Moines that is very good in football is rumored to be hiding positive cases.  Telling players not to tell them if they have symptoms.  Also had kids who were doing online only come to campus for orientation.  Used room where in person learning kids had been and did not clean in between.  Parents are riled up who are trying to protect their children.  However that high school has always been win in football at all costs.  It did not finish the season in either baseball (ranked #1) or softball.  

Yes. The same can be said for elementary, middle, and high schools as well. 

This year should be virtual across the board and they should have spent all summer making that happen. Instead, we have what we have. Reminds me of testing and every other aspect of this cluster.

Here we have a "waiver" to start schools although we don't meet the guidelines. The second week of Sept is the county fair. More people don't wear masks than do. It's a recipe for disaster, but people are fighting to get their kids back in school, in-person, full-time. 

[Deleted]

Aug 22, 2020 11:37:49 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Newspapers here are reporting an increase in cases in Story County, which is where Ames is located.  Attributing it partially to Iowa State.

Well, that's kind of a given when a third of the population of the county are ISU students. 

[oped]

Aug 22, 2020 11:54:29 GMT -5 ken a.k.a OMK said:

oped Drexel tuition was $3k a year when my wife and I went, 1965-1970.     There was no men's dorm. I lived in a fraternity house on Powelton Av. Only a women's dorm down the street from all the frat houses.  My wife was in a hotel Drexel rented a floor from. The Eagles rented a floor below and there was flirting. 

Wow. Totally different now 😜

[ken a.k.a OMK]

Aug 22, 2020 12:39:58 GMT -5 oped said:

Aug 22, 2020 11:54:29 GMT -5 ken a.k.a OMK said:

oped Drexel tuition was $3k a year when my wife and I went, 1965-1970.     There was no men's dorm. I lived in a fraternity house on Powelton Av. Only a women's dorm down the street from all the frat houses.  My wife was in a hotel Drexel rented a floor from. The Eagles rented a floor below and there was flirting. 

Wow. Totally different now 😜

Yes I've seen pictures. Some of my fraternity brothers, who live in the area, got a tour and posted pictures. They want to get us involved in a 50 year reunion, with donations to the school of course. 

[oped]

Obviously with donations 😊 but Drexel does have a pretty good alumni org.

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

ODS’ classes have been virtual since class schedules were finalized a few weeks ago, although there are still a few in-person and hybrid course offerings at his school. He decided against renewing his apartment lease and will continue living with his DGF’s family about 45 minutes from campus. About 2/3 of the student body moved in over the course of 6 days with testing upon arrival
and quarantine until test results were received. Meals are mostly “grab and go”. The school has set up numerous open-sided tents across campus for socially distant mingling, outdoor dining, and outdoor class sessions. Fall sports are cancelled although there are plans for outdoor lacrosse practice in small, socially distanced, groups. However, ODS said that too many of the seniors on the team are living together in a huge house off-campus and he expects ALL sports activities will be shut down very promptly when these guys can’t help but party. 😠. ODS is already pissed knowing any chance for a Spring sports season is going to be ruined by the actions of a few.

[jerseygirl]

Purdue suspended 36 students who attended off campus parties
Syracuse suspended 23
Penn State suspended Phi Kappa Psi fraternity based on videos of large party. And no masks
From WSJ today

[TheOtherMe]

Aug 22, 2020 12:19:08 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Aug 22, 2020 11:37:49 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Newspapers here are reporting an increase in cases in Story County, which is where Ames is located.  Attributing it partially to Iowa State.

Well, that's kind of a given when a third of the population of the county are ISU students. 

Students are not a third of the population during the summer.  That is when most of the testing has happened.  

Student testing has been recently and the positive % has been going up, as it has been for the entire state.

It's difficult to know if the numbers are correct as the finally agreed last week with reporters and doctors that the number on her website didn't add up with simple addition and subtraction.  They have been back dating positive cases, thinking they will not be noticed.  They were noticed.  They are also counting inconclusive tests in the number of tests.  Those are presumed negative, which drives the positive % down.