NEU plans ‘normal’ fall

Northeastern University officials are planning a “normal” fall semester with regular campus activities amid the coronavirus pandemic, saying it’s likely the virus will be under control by September.

This announcement comes one year after Boston-area college campuses started shutting down and sending students home at the beginning of the virus’ first wave.

“I’m writing to announce that our current plans envision returning to a normal fall semester with regular campus activities,” David Madigan, provost and senior VP for Academic Affairs, wrote to the campus community. “While COVID-19 will not be eliminated … the vast majority of scientific forecasts anticipate that the virus will be well under control by September.

“This includes the likelihood of widespread vaccination and the resumption of on-site K-12 education, which will relieve the tremendous care-giving burden that many of our faculty and staff, as well as students, have shouldered over the past year,” he added.

Madigan noted that Northeastern closed its North American campuses one year ago this week.

“Announcing this now, in March, is important so that students and their families can plan accordingly,” he wrote. “We want to be clear that we expect a ‘normal’ fall semester to commence on the first week in September.”

Campus officials will “remain agile and prepared to pivot in the event that conditions change beyond our control,” Madigan wrote, adding any “shift in plans” will be communicated “immediately.”