RENO — The University of Nevada, Reno has announced it will offer primarily in-person classes and student services when the fall semester starts in August.
The announcement came Monday after the university said enrollment dropped below 20,000 this semester and most classes have been offered remotely because of the pandemic.
University President Brian Sandoval said he is "heartened" by the public health gains the state has seen with the introduction and distribution of vaccinations.
UNLV is also planning to offer most of its classes in-person, as well as campus facilities providing in-person services, university spokesman Tony Allen said.
Nevada State College in Henderson is aiming to offer about 70% of its fall classes with an in-person component, Provost and Executive Vice President Vickie Shields said in a statement on Monday. "In spring 2022 we plan to be back to an in-person campus for instruction."
The College of Southern Nevada hasn't yet announced fall semester plans.
The University of Nevada, Reno, is not requiring or tracking who gets the vaccine so there is no data on how many employees may have been inoculated or the percentage of employees who have had access to doses.
"Because of these positive trends, I want you to know that we're actively planning and preparing on being back for the fall semester — with more in-person academics and events, while remaining vigilant in all critical prevention efforts and continuing to prioritize the health and well-being of the university community," Sandoval said.
The university expects to host more students in residence halls and the dining hall, continue student activities, expand support services, allow fans at athletic events and hold live performances.
An online COVID-19 case tracker reported the university has seen 1,371 cases among students and 225 among employees since the pandemic began.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
