Adler University plans to return to the Chicago and Vancouver campuses for in-person instruction for fall 2021. This decision was made after careful consideration and with input from the University community and public health guidance.
In both Canada and the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and change. Vaccines are becoming increasingly available in both countries and with them will come changes in guidance from public health officials.
In early March, British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer advised post-secondary institutions to prepare for a safe resumption of on-campus education in the fall. This advice is based on the latest information within the province’s vaccination plan, which indicates that all adults in British Columbia who want the vaccine will be able to receive it this summer.
Similarly, in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is planning changes to its guidance on social distancing, as vaccines become more widely available this spring.
This decision to return to campus comes with the assumption that social distancing guidelines will indeed change in the coming months. Adler University will closely monitor public health guidance in both countries and modify our implementation plans accordingly, reserving the ability to continue operating in a virtual environment if necessary.
We made the decision early to give students, faculty, and staff adequate time to prepare for the fall term.
A new Re-Opening Campus Task Force has been appointed and will address the many questions that need to be answered for a safe and healthy return to campus. In addition, the Task Force will review conditions in both locales in the coming months and make independent decisions regarding campus access.
We will continue to provide updates on the Adler University COVID-19 response webpage.