GSU President Shares What Next Year May Look Like: Coronavirus

ATLANTA, GA — The new coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed the daily routines for many, especially college students. Georgia State University says it hopes to reopen campus this fall, but there’s still uncertainty about the future. GSU President Mark Becker shared with WSB about what families can expect this fall.

"Our goal is to be open in the fall, meaning to have campus open to students," Becker said. "We don’t know exactly what the fall’s going to look like yet. It’s just too soon to know."

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The college is considering possibly putting the large classes online, Becker said. The smaller seminars, hands-on courses and some laboratories may meet in person.

GSU has seen an increase in the number of confirmed incoming freshmen for next year, he said.

To help with the financial strain some students and families may have due to the pandemic, the board of regents froze tuition for next year. Classes will cost the same as they do now.

Online classes will look much different this summer and fall, Becker tells the news station. He said the digital courses this year weren’t designed to be taken online.

"If nothing else, this is going to be a freshman year you’re going to be able to tell your kids and grandkids about decades from now, because you’re literally living through a historic moment," Becker said.

Public health and safety are and will continue to be the main priorities, he said, but the university will try to do as much in person learning as possible.