As the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to pose a threat to public health, colleges and universities across the United States are once again faced with the difficult decision of whether to return to online instruction. With cases on the rise and concerns about the potential for outbreaks on campus, many institutions have opted to shift their plans for the fall semester and move classes online.

One notable example is the University of California system, which announced in late July that it would require all students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, many UC campuses, including UC Berkeley and UC Davis, have decided to start the fall semester with primarily online instruction. The University of Michigan, the University of Maryland, and the University of Illinois have also announced similar plans, citing concerns about the Delta variant and the need to prioritize the health and safety of their communities.

These decisions have not been made lightly, as colleges and universities are well aware of the challenges that come with online learning, including issues with access and equity, technology limitations, and the overall impact on student learning and engagement. However, in the face of the current surge in cases, many institutions feel that they have no choice but to prioritize the well-being of their students, faculty, and staff.

Some colleges and universities are taking a more nuanced approach, offering a mix of in-person and online classes to accommodate students who may have difficulty accessing online instruction or who prefer in-person learning. Others are implementing strict safety measures, such as mask mandates, social distancing requirements, and regular testing, in an effort to mitigate the risk of outbreaks on campus.

Ultimately, the decision to go back online is a difficult one for colleges and universities, as they strive to balance the need for academic continuity with the imperative to protect the health and safety of their communities. As the situation continues to evolve, it is likely that more institutions will follow suit and make the difficult choice to move classes online in response to the Delta variant. The hope is that these measures will help to curb the spread of COVID-19 and ultimately allow for a safe return to in-person learning in the future.