Kean University Returns for Spring 2022 with Two Weeks Virtual, Followed by a Return to Campus

By Victoria Cifelli | Published 25, 2022

Students relived the 2020 quarantine experience after Kean University stated that the first two weeks of the current spring semester would be remote due to the increase in COVID-19 cases.

 With the increase in COVID cases and spread of the new Omicron variant, the University set out to keep it’s students and faculty safe by having two weeks of remote learning for the Spring semester. All in-person classes and operations were set to resume on Jan. 31 for all staff and students.

 “Overall, the reduced density and remote work period will allow both students and employees an opportunity to minimize exposure and to get a COVID-19 booster shot to help protect themselves and their loved ones from serious illness,” said President Lamont Repollet in an email to faculty, staff, and students.

The physical safety of the campus and community has been a top priority for Kean University, and it will continue to be.

However, students such as Pat Smith, a senior in the Political Science major, said that online school had taken a toll on their mental health during the pandemic. 

 “It was like a rush of panic. The year of quarantine and online classes was so devastating to my mental health, all I could do was think over and over again, I can’t go back to that,” Smith said.

 Despite many struggles since March 2020 with mental health, many students, such as senior Julia Strugala, did see the need for a temporary return back to remote learning to slow the spread of COVID-19 after the holidays.

  “Many people were traveling during Winter Break and I believe the school wanted to make sure everyone was free of any sicknesses before coming back in person,” Strugala said.

 According to Associate Vice President of University Relations, Margaret McCorry, with the surge of cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in December 2021, local health officials have been in contact with the university.         

“With cases now significantly reduced statewide, the University has returned to in-person learning and work, and will continue to monitor guidance from health authorities moving forward,” McCorry said. “The University has received strong support from students and employees for our COVID-19 response plan. We continue to be grateful for the steps each member of our community is taking to keep us all safe during this pandemic.”

 On the University website, there is more information regarding the return to campus with COVID. Safety protocols are being kept in place, to help lower the spread of COVID on campus.

“Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, is required to wear masks inside all Kean buildings and classrooms. The only exceptions are when an individual is in a private space, such as a residence hall room or office, or when eating or drinking. Mask regulations are subject to change pending state, federal and University guidelines,” the University website said.

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