Louisiana State University announced that it will be shaking up its COVID-19 protocols when students return for the second semester following the holidays because of recent surges in the virus.
However, LSU announced that it would not change its academic calendar with classes scheduled to start on Jan. 18, the university president announced in a letter on Saturday.
President William Tate wrote that the decision was carefully decided while looking at the nationwide surge in COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant.
"In consultation with our faculty Health and Medical Advisory Committee, and looking carefully at the nationwide surge of the Omicron variant, we are building on our successful approach from the fall and providing you with our protocols for the spring 2022 semester," Tate said in his letter.
The university will be enforcing strict protocols when students come back, including mask mandates in buildings, at campus events, and on campus buses.
Protocols will also allow professors to have the option to deliver their classes either remotely, in person, or a hybrid format during the first two weeks back, Tate said in his letter.
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If COVID-19 test positivity rates drop below 10% by the end of January, the university said the campus would resume scheduled course delivery.
Students living on campus are also required to show proof of negative COVID tests within five days before they move in or proof of a positive test within the last 90 days. The university will also accept results from at-home tests.
LSU said the test information from students would be provided to the university through an online portal.
The wastewater testing program from LSU will also be continued, and testing for the virus will be required for all students in residence halls, Greek Houses, and campus apartments whose wastewater shows a substantial spike in the virus.
The protocols will also require those who are not vaccinated to test monthly throughout the semester.
To read the complete list of changes and protocols being implemented or read the president's letter in full, click here.
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