While some universities nationwide and in Texas are still refusing to disclose coronavirus cases, UT-Austin set up a digital dashboard allowing community members to see updated student, faculty and staff cases. But the transparency has already proven to be a double-edged sword.
Reopening Texas Universities
Texas colleges and universities were abruptly shut down in mid-March, kicking thousands of students out of dorms and crowded lecture halls and forcing them into virtual classrooms. Now these schools are charting the path for the fall semester, trying to preserve the college cultural experience, while balancing safety and lost revenue. Students are making decisions about whether to return, whether online classes will serve their needs, whether the higher education experience is still worth the money, and whether they should participate in college sports.
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Coronavirus in Texas
UT-Austin is considering only filling its stadium to 25% capacity when football resumes Sept. 5
University officials had previously said they were considering a limit of 50% to comply with social distancing guidelines.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Baylor students must test negative for coronavirus before returning to campus this fall, officials say
The university is mailing testing kits to its 18,000 students and requiring a negative test result before allowing them back on campus.
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Coronavirus in Texas
UT-Austin prepared a list of scenarios that could lead to a shutdown this fall. One trigger: a student dying of COVID-19.
Other reasons UT-Austin would close include “significant actions” by the governor or other public officials, sharply diminished hospital capacity, testing shortages on campus and unmanageable, widespread clusters of cases.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas A&M System will provide free COVID-19 tests, but it’s a mixed bag for other schools
Up to 15,000 test kits will be available per month across its 11 universities. The system has set aside $16 million to pay for the testing program.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Free laptops, esports and tuition cuts: How one Dallas college is pivoting during the pandemic
Paul Quinn College serves more than 500 students. In a statement, university President Michael Sorrell announced measures it would take to appease students for the loss of campus resources, including a $2,000 tuition reduction.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas Tech tests the waters for fall semester by bringing 350 students to campus for summer classes
The 30 summer classes mark the first time in-person instruction has been offered at Texas Tech since the university closed its doors in the spring. Reopening gives campus leaders a look at what a large-scale collegiate return could look like this fall.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas universities are moving more classes online but keeping tuition the same. Students are asking if it’s worth the money.
Universities are moving forward with reopening plans for the fall semester, anxious to bring students back. But faced with online classes and an altered campus, students are questioning if college is still worth what they’re paying.