PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — As of this week, Virginia universities started to announce that they plan to reopen for the 2020 fall semester.

University leadership says that the decision is dependant upon evaluating the coronavirus situation over the coming months to help decide the best and safest way to proceed with reopening in conjunction with Governor Ralph Northam’s stay at home order expiring on June 10.

Plans are also underway to increase safety protocols around campus including sanitization, flexible study options, and additional healthcare support for the students and staff.

Classes are expected to remain online throughout the summer and specifics can be found on each page, respectively.

Norfolk State University

NSU President Javaune Adams-Gaston announced on May 1 that the university plans to reopen for the fall semester.

“I am writing to let you know that the University has begun making plans for the reopening of campus for the Fall 2020 semester,” said Adams-Gaston. “Because COVID-19 remains a dynamic situation, NSU will not announce a formal decision on the status of on-campus instruction, housing, and university activities until after Governor Northam’s stay-at-home order expires on June 10, 2020.”

The president continued that as this may be the new normal for everyday living, the campus will continue to observe social distancing, the use of personal protective wear, and increased deep cleaning throughout the campus. Protocols for large events and gatherings are still under discussion.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University President John Broderick announced on April 29 in a letter to his students and staff that he plans to reopen the university for the 2020 fall semester. Exact details — such as time and educational structure — are still under discussion but the president remains positive and says that other universities are planning to open for the fall as well.

“While some of these changes will require major shifts and will not be easy, we Monarchs are known for our agility, resourcefulness and innovation. I remain optimistic that we will adapt to forge ahead and fulfill our educational and research mission. Together, we will eventually conquer this challenge and thrive as a resilient community,” he said.

Regent University

On April 30, Regent University announced they plan to open the Virginia Beach campus for face-to-face instruction on August 24 which marks the beginning of the fall academic semester.

“We are excited to welcome students back to campus for the fall semester,” said Dr. M. G. “Pat” Robertson, founder, chancellor & CEO of Regent University. “We will overcome these challenging days together as the Regent family. Every necessary precaution will be put in place to ensure the safest educational experience is available to the students we serve.”

Additionally, on April 22 Regent announced that it will freeze tuition for classes offered in Fall 2020 through Summer 2021, both online and on-campus.

Virginia Wesleyan University 

Virginia Wesleyan University President Scott D. Miller released a video message on May 7, sharing plans to reopen the campus for in-person instruction on August 26.

“While it is our ‘Plan A’ to open in-person this August, contingency plans are in the works should they be needed due to extenuating circumstances,” said Miller. “Again, given what we know at this point in time, we are moving full-steam ahead preparing for our Marlins to join us on campus this August. Thank you for your support and adaptability as we navigate COVID-19 together. Be well.”

The university will continue remote instruction for the remainder of the spring semester. 

We will continue to update this post as more information becomes available.

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