In the U.S., more than 200,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. While the Fall Semester 2020 has already begun, the critical question to be asked is: What are some safety measures implemented at colleges and universities to address the COVID-19 pandemic? Between April and July 2020, American Council on Education along with its partner TIAA surveyed approximately 300 presidents at colleges and universities to assess how their institutions were addressing the pandemic.

Given a list of 23 possible safety measures, “the top four COVID-19 related actions presidents reported implementing at their institutions for in-person instruction in the Fall Semester are (1) mandating a mask to be worn on the campus (96%); (2) offering PPE to the faculty and staff (88%; (3) reducing class sizes for social distancing (87%); and limiting faculty and staff travel (83%).”

Additionally, “less than one-third (32%) of presidents reported that their institutions are requiring ongoing COVID-19 testing for students; and (2) seventy-two percent of presidents reported that their institutions are closing some common spaces on campus and using the student code of conduct to enforce COVID-19 safety protocols.”

To help institutions reinforce the student code of conduct at colleges and universities, The Holmes Education Post and Einestine Technology Services have partnered to create an online program to educate college students on COVID-19. This curriculum covers three objectives: (1) what is COVID-19; (2) how does COVID-19 spread; and (3) what actions students can take to protect themselves and others from getting and spreading the virus. Colleges and universities can use this online program as a part of their “student code of conduct” and as a tool for students’ re-entry into the campus environment.

The 30-minute program is delivered in a modular format followed by test your knowledge questions. In addition to being offered in multiple platforms such Windows, OSX and Android, the program provides technical support to assist schools in implementation. By clicking on this link (colleges and universities’ presidents), you can review a one minute video about the Online Coronavirus Awareness Curriculum.

If you are a leader of a college or university and interested in learning more about how to incorporate this online program in your educational institution, please contact Dr. Ronald Holmes at [email protected]

Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of 22 books and publisher of “The Holmes Education Post,” an education focused Internet newspaper.  Holmes is a former teacher, school administrator, test developer and district superintendent.

Click on this link to see a description of all Dr. Ronald Holmes’ books.