University of New England announces plans to open Maine campuses for fall semester

The University of New England announced Monday that it will welcome back students to its Biddeford and Portland campuses in the fall.

UNE President James Herbert in April created a Committee on Contingency Planning for Academic Year 2021. This team, composed of faculty, professional staff, and administrators, including physicians and public health experts, worked on a plan regarding how and when the college can safely open its doors to students at its two Maine campuses.

“Although there continues to be much that we do not know about the novel coronavirus, we are learning more every day, and we have now reached a point at which I feel confident in our ability to resume on-campus operations by the fall semester,” said Herbert.

The university is currently developing plan of risk mitigation that introduces several modifications to the campus experience. The committee is exploring the role that social distancing may play in both academics and student life, with the goal of taking all reasonable precautions and adhering to CDC guidelines. It is also looking carefully at protocols around cleaning and sanitation and how those efforts may be enhanced when students return.

In addition, UNE is making detailed preparations for any circumstances that may arise should students test positive for the virus. UNE officials say the school will develop a plan that includes testing as it is available, appropriate contact tracing, designating a residential space to isolate students who may test positive and who need to remain on campus, and providing health care services to any student who becomes ill with COVID-19.

For those students who cannot immediately return to campus due to underlying health conditions, UNE will offer a parallel online track, enabling them to complete their coursework remotely until such time that they can safely return to campus. These same online alternatives will be available should there be students who are temporarily unable to attend in-person classes due to the virus.

Because some of UNE’s health professions programs begin classes over the summer, the university is developing a process to bring those students back to campus prior to the fall so that they may receive the necessary hands-on training needed to proceed in their programs.

“If the past several weeks have taught me anything, it is that UNE is grounded in innovation, adaptability, and concern for others,” said Herbert. “By embracing technology, welcoming the challenges of teaching and learning in an ever-changing world, and keeping our eye towards the betterment of all through the education we provide, we live up to the UNE mission. And of that, I am very proud.”