‘My Gut Response Is Fear and Dread’: Thoughts on Returning to Campus This Fall

Many colleges have announced their fall plans now that the spring semester, diverted into chaos by the new coronavirus, is winding down. After months of uncertainty, as students, faculty, and staff were kept away from campuses to slow the virus’s spread, some institutions are planning a return to in-person instruction and operations.

The Chronicle is tracking colleges’ fall plans, and about 65 percent of those in our sample say they are planning to start the new academic year face to face. Several leaders have made confident statements. Their employees and students seem less certain about a homecoming anytime soon.

We asked readers to tell us how they felt about returning to campus. More than 1,300 of you responded. Our survey was anonymous and not scientific. Still, the responses paint a picture of educators’ fears and the decisions they are weighing. “I don’t trust my university to provide what we need to stay safe,” one said. “Our students need us,” wrote another. “I’m afraid that my choice,” someone said, “will come down to either losing my position or being forced to work in dangerous conditions.”

Survey Responses
Hover over the circles below to see how people answered the question, “Are you comfortable returning to work on your campus this fall?” The responses have been edited for length and clarity.