LSU students start classes Tuesday after their original Monday start date was postponed due to concerns about Marco and Laura. For many students, this is the first time they’ll step foot in a classroom since March.
LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan says when students walk into their first class they’ll notice a six and a half foot tall Plexiglas shield on the podium separating them from their instructors.
“I think it is going to be particularly helpful when students want to ask a question either before or after class. It is an additional barrier of protection,” says Galligan.
All instructors and students are mandated to wear face coverings while anywhere on campus.
Galligan says the Rec Center is back open at a limited capacity, as is the Student Union and most dining options.
“they will have limited seating, they will have a lot of grab and go options, just don’t sit to close together, limit the space, and be careful,” says Galligan.
LSU is deploying four COVID testing pods on campus with the aim of providing 24 hours turnarounds on 5,000 tests a day. Galligan says efforts like that prove the administration is serious about safety, but still…
“If the worst-case scenario arises we will go remote again, we are prepared to put the brakes on and put it in reverse,” says Galligan.
Currently, a third of all classes will be all in person, a third will be hybrids, and a third will be online only.
