Return to remote

Many colleges and universities are delaying the opening of the spring semester due to the surge in coronavirus cases. This surge in cases is being driven by the omicron variant. Medical experts assert that this variant is highly contagious and swiftly spreading. They also state that this variant does not result in as many hospitalizations or deaths as the delta variant. The expectation is that the increases in cases will subside.

College students are experiencing stress due to the delay in opening on-ground classes. Classes may begin on schedule remotely. The stress is due in part to the shock students are experiencing because of the elimination of the optimism they experienced last semester when classes resumed on campus after a year of online classes.

Parents can help reduce this stress. First, information reduces stress. Parents can encourage their children to take advantage of the resources available to them at their schools via email or phone calls. They can get answers to many of their questions by emailing or talking to counselors and advisers. Second, parents can emphasize that students will return to campus this semester because this situation is temporary. This gives students hope and hope reduces stress.

Kevin Synnott