(Photo: Aubrey Odom/Unsplash)
Despite having most classes online, Harvard University could see twice the number of undergraduates on its campus for the spring semester.
The university announced Tuesday that they plan to invite about 3,100 undergraduates to its campus in the spring. In the fall, 1,500 students lived on the campus.
In the spring, all seniors would get priority for housing as well as juniors who were enrolled in the fall. Certain groups with special circumstances, such as students who live in time zones four or more hours, get priority housing.
In pre-pandemic times, Harvard would house a little more than 6,600 undergraduates. This year the university is allowing no more than one student per bedroom, in an effort to prevent spread of the coronavirus. The university also frequently tests those who live on campus to detect possible outbreaks.
The university reported 38 cases of students who lived on campus during the fall semester.
Harvard President Lawrence Bacow acknowledged that many students, especially those in their second year, will be disappointed.
“We know that this news will be particularly difficult for sophomores and their families as they confront the reality of a full academic year away from campus,” Bacow said in a statement. “We share their disappointment and are eager to bring sophomores, and our full student community, back as soon as possible.”