University of Nebraska system campuses are planning for students to learn in person when they return in the spring.
“We are well aware of the infection rate.” Ted Carter, president of the University of Nebraska system said. “I think what you’re going to see us do is significant more testing as we bring out students back.”
Carter spoke at Governor Pete Rickett’s coronavirus response news conference Monday morning.
He said they’re looking at larger testing opportunities especially at the flag-ship campus in Lincoln.
“We’re talking about 25,000 students and a significant amount of faculty and staff. That’s to make sure we are giving the message that we are as safe as possible to bring our students back.”
More details about mass testing will be announced as details are finalized.
Carter cited there were two hospitalizations – one student and one staff – across all campuses. He added both were short stays and out of an abundance of caution.
He added Nebraska is one of two institutions in the Big Ten that did the majority of teaching in-person with only 30-percent happening online.
He credits staying with in person learning with rising enrollment and retention.
“Retention numbers are actually good going here now. We’re tracking that very closely from the fall to the spring. You can have retention challenge across that semester, but across the board the programs that we’re offering the numbers are rock solid right now.”
Some students will begin winter sessional courses this month. They are two-three week opportunities for students to gain more credit to graduate college.