Lana Oconnell
During the COVID-19 pandemic, universities in Kansas, US, sent students home for Thanksgiving to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. While some universities encouraged students to get tested before leaving, others did not. In China, universities sent students home in 2022 to prevent protests against the ruling Communist Party's zero COVID restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 13 November 2020 |
| Location | Kansas, USA |
| Reason | Thanksgiving break and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 |
| Universities sending students home | KU, Kansas State University, Fort Hays, Pittsburg State University, Wichita State University, Emporia State University |
| Universities not sending students home | None |
| Universities encouraging testing before leaving | Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, KU |
| Universities not encouraging testing before leaving | Emporia State University, Wichita State University |
| Universities offering tests | Wichita State University, Emporia State University, Pittsburg State University, KU |
| Universities with no testing requirements or guidance for departing students | Emporia State University |
| Universities providing travel tips | Emporia State University, Wichita State University |
| International students | Most international students at Fort Hays are studying online from China |
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What You'll Learn
Students should follow COVID-19 guidelines
Universities are sending students home for the holidays, and students are encouraged to get tested before they leave. For instance, Kansas State University is encouraging all students to get tested before leaving, specifically three days before they travel, to get their results before they go. Similarly, KU is the first Kansas university to require students to get tested before they return in the spring.
Southern Illinois University (SIU) has outlined expected student behaviours related to the COVID-19 pandemic in its student conduct code. Students who fail to follow the COVID-19 guidelines could face disciplinary action, ranging from education to expulsion. The code includes requirements that students follow state and local mask mandates, social distancing requirements, and any directives from local health departments to isolate or quarantine if they contract COVID-19 or are exposed to someone who has.
Students should also cut back on socialising, as off-campus parties and gatherings are a significant source of virus spread. Students are encouraged to stay on campus during the holidays to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. If students are feeling ill, they should not travel and should instead isolate and get tested.
Overall, students should take COVID-19 guidelines seriously and be mindful of the potential impact of their actions on their own health and the health of those around them.
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Testing before leaving campus
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities encouraged students to get tested before leaving campus for Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. For example, Pittsburg State University offered tests to students before leaving campus, and Kansas State University encouraged students to get tested three days before travelling. Similarly, the University of Kent asked students to take a lateral flow test before travelling home for Christmas.
In 2020, the UK government announced a 'student travel window' between 3 and 9 December, during which universities would carry out mass testing on campus before allowing students to leave. Liverpool Hope University asked students to take two tests, three days apart, before travelling, and the University of Kansas offered testing to departing students who needed tests to travel.
While some universities encouraged testing, others did not. Emporia State University had no testing requirements for departing students, and Wichita State University did not push students to get tested before leaving campus, arguing that testing was not a panacea as exposed students could carry the virus for days without testing positive.
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Quarantining before leaving is not possible
While universities are encouraging students to get tested before leaving, quarantining before leaving is not possible. This is due to students still attending in-person classes, and the fact that many students have been travelling between campus and their homes during the semester.
The American College Health Association (AHCA) guidelines suggest that students should get tested before they leave, but acknowledges that this is not possible at all schools due to limited resources. Similarly, Kansas State University has been encouraging all students to get tested before leaving, specifically three days before they travel so they can get their results before they go. However, the university can only test about 1,000 students each day, which is not enough to test every student before leaving.
Universities are also taking other measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For example, KU is the first Kansas university to say it will require students to get tested before they return in the spring. Students living on campus will be sent home for the winter with a saliva test kit so they can get their results before heading back to campus. Additionally, Pittsburg State University is offering tests to students before leaving campus.
However, other universities are not requiring students to get tested before leaving. For example, Emporia State University has no testing or quarantine requirements or guidance for departing students. Wichita State University has also opened up testing to any asymptomatic student, but is not pushing for students to get tested before leaving campus. This is because testing is not a panacea, and an exposed student can carry the virus for days without testing positive. Negative results could also give students a false sense of security, leading them to ignore other preventative actions like masks and social distancing.
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International students may be sent home
International students have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. In 2020, many international students at Fort Hays, Kansas, were studying online from China, and the university reported that these students had been travelling between the campus and their homes during the semester.
In 2022, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made a decision that international students in the US may stay in the country only if they attend a college or university offering in-person classes. Otherwise, they would not be able to obtain visas or stay in the country if they planned to attend online courses. This rule could have a significant impact on the finances of US colleges and universities, which would lose out on tuition fees from international students. It could also lead to increased tuition fees for American students and the loss of thousands of jobs.
During the pandemic, universities have been debating whether to send students home. Some commentators argue that sending students home could spread the virus more widely in the community, as students return to their families, where they will interact with older and more vulnerable people. However, keeping students on campus could also lead to infections, as students socialise and live in close quarters.
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Universities may take a financial hit
The financial impact of sending students home extends beyond tuition losses. Colleges and universities are major employers in many states, and job losses in this sector could be significant. During the pandemic, many schools experienced financial losses due to refunds issued to students, disruptions to research, canceled athletic events, and cuts to state funding. Additionally, there was uncertainty about whether enrollment targets for the fall semester would be met. As a result, some universities announced layoffs, furloughs, and contract non-renewals.
Furthermore, the decision to send students home can lead to increased tuition fees for American students. This is because international students contribute significantly to the tuition revenue of universities, and their absence could result in a shift in cost burden. The financial consequences of sending students home can also extend to the local communities surrounding universities, impacting the local economy and businesses that cater to students.
The financial implications of sending students home highlight the complex dynamics between universities, students, and the broader community. While the primary concern during a pandemic is the health and safety of individuals, the economic fallout can be far-reaching and should be carefully considered by university administrators and public health officials.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, universities are sending students home, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions. For example, in 2020, universities in Kansas sent students home for Thanksgiving to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Similarly, Chinese universities sent students home in 2022 to prevent protests against the government's "zero COVID" restrictions.
Some universities are encouraging students to get tested before leaving, especially if they are experiencing symptoms. Additionally, universities may provide travel tips to students and offer free meals to those who get tested.
Yes, universities may allow students to finish the semester online, especially if they are unable to get tested before leaving campus.
Sending students home, especially international students, can have economic consequences for universities and the country. It can lead to increased tuition fees for American students, job losses, and a negative impact on the country's stature globally.
