As colleges reopen, how to satisfy learning while keeping people safe

Students are finding out if their campuses are reopening for classes in the fall, if classes will be held online, or if there will be a combination of virtual and in-person instruction.

What went into colleges’ decisions to reopen or remain closed? Do students want to return? Do professors and other instructors feel safe returning? Are colleges losing a lot of money because some students are waiting for the pandemic to end before returning?

Guests:

• Jonathan McNicholes, state chair of Students United, the official voice of students at Minnesota State’s seven universities. He just graduated from Bemidji State University and is now pursuing a master’s degree at Metropolitan State University.

• Michael Vasquez, senior investigative reporter for The Chronicle of Higher Education.

• Robbyn Wacker, president of St. Cloud State University. She has held that position for two years. St. Cloud State has opted to offer classes online, in person and through a combination of the two to help promote social distancing when possible.

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.