Repurposing campus spaces amid COVID-19

Given the possibility that considerably fewer students may be taking in-person classes on campuses this fall, George R La Noue argues that institutions should consider what they may do with their facilities. In the short term, the author notes that some schools might follow the example of others in clearing student dorms for medical personnel or persons awaiting COVID-19 test results. Alternatively, La Noue proposes that institutions could partner with governments to see the creation of housing vouchers for families that would benefit from living on campus. “Rules would have to be worked out to assure nondiscrimination, family priorities and what campus facilities would be accessible to these nonstudents,” explains La Noue. “Campuses should be free to negotiate some conditions in return for these vouchers within the basic legal framework.” Inside Higher Ed (International)