Cornell provost says there’s no guarantee students return to campus this fall

ITHACA — Even though the university remains “hopeful” that it will be able to resume campus operations for the fall semester, Cornell University says “it is simply too soon to make that guarantee.”

That’s part of a letter that Cornell University Provost Michael Kotlikoff wrote to the Cornell community.

Kotlikoff referred to a recent message from Cornell University President Martha Pollack that indicated the university has established four planning committees “to help us to determine the best path toward reopening.”

“New York State is developing guidelines to reopen by region, which will play a key role in our timing. We are currently working with local and state public-health partners to develop protocols for testing and monitoring that will be necessary to operate safely,” Kotlikoff wrote.

He went on to say that when Cornell does reopen its campuses in Ithaca and New York City, “The virus will likely remain a part of daily life and social-distancing measures will need to remain in place until that threat passes.” 

The planning committees are also developing recommendations for how to accommodate faculty, staff, and students who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, as well as exploring accommodations for international students who may face challenges traveling to the U.S. due to visa or government-imposed travel delays.

Kotlikoff also added that for new and returning students, “much will depend on the progression of the virus, availability of testing, and guidance from New York State officials.”