JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – With a little more than a month away before the start of the fall semester for the University of Jamestown, plans are being made to keep safety at the top of the list.

Classes are expected to begin August 24th and with that, Provost Dr. Paul Olson says the students and staff will see a different look to their academics.

Dr. Olson says these safety contingencies are in place all over campus. And it starts on move-in day.

Dr. Olson says move-in for students will be staggered to avoid congestion. He expects around 800 to 900 students move-in this fall.

When it comes to the classrooms, Dr. Olson says all students and staff will be required to wear facial coverings.

Dr. Olson says this includes operating at around 25% to 40% capacity in classrooms and using DeNault Auditorium for more classes than before.

In the labs, he says they’ll be taking even more precautions.

Dr. Olson adds that the performing arts will also be very different including the band, choir, and theatre.

The faculty is constantly adjusting and preparing for face-to-face learning this semester. Dr. Olson says they were able to quickly switch to online learning when they needed to in the Spring, but the students have called for a return to campus this fall.

Those who have medical conditions or are concerned about the ability to be on campus for fall semester will be worked with to ensure students remain on track for graduation.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk with Dr. Paul Olson below: