As the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus spreads across the world, once again the pandemic is causing disruptions in American higher education. Colleges and universities across the United States are delaying the start of the spring semester or are holding only virtual classes for a period of time. Several of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities are revising the start of their spring semesters.
Howard University in Washington, D.C., is delaying the start of the semester until January 18. All students will be required to show proof of a negative COVID test taken within four days of returning to campus. In addition, all faculty, staff, and students will be required to receive a COVID-19 booster by January 31.
Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, has delayed the return of students to campus until January 19. In-person classes will begin on January 24, two weeks after they were scheduled to begin.
Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina announced it is delaying the start of the Spring 2022 semester for students until Tuesday, January 18. All residential students will be required to submit a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of returning to campus, regardless of vaccination status.
At Jackson State University in Mississippi, faculty will teach all in-person courses in an online synchronous format from January 10 until January 23. In-person classes will resume on January 24. All returning students must produce evidence of a negative COVID test taken within three days of returning to campus.
LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee, will delay the start of in-person classes from January 10 to January 24. Students returning to campus must present a negative COVID test dated within 48 hours.
Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina is delaying the start of the spring semester to January 18. All residential students regardless of vaccination status, who return to campus will be required to submit a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of returning to campus.
Virginia State University is requiring full COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots for all students, faculty, and staff for the Spring 2022 semester.
