Stanford Nixes Plan To Allow Undergrads On Campus

STANFORD, CA — Citing the disturbing direction the coronavirus has turned in recent weeks, Stanford University has reversed its decision to allow undergraduate students on campus this fall.

Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne announced the reversal in a statement Thursday in which he noted the state has exceeded 10,000 known coronavirus-related deaths and 600,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

“Our initial plans for the coming year were developed amid a changing public health situation. At the time, it was reasonable to expect that the situation would continue to improve by this point in the summer. However, as we all have seen, there has been a dramatic reversal in California’s reopening due to the increased spread of COVID-19,” Tessier-Lavigne’s statement said.

The fall quarter will remain on the same schedule as classes are held online, Tessier-Lavigne said.

“We will continue planning with the hope and expectation of bringing undergraduates back to Stanford at the earliest possible time,” Tessier-Lavigne said.

“If public health conditions allow, we plan to invite frosh, sophomores and new transfer students to be in residence on campus for the winter quarter, and juniors and seniors for the spring quarter. We will turn our attention to summer planning soon. We will share more as we know more, and we will continue to invite your feedback and suggestions.”