Columbia College returning to in-person learning to end January

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia College announced Saturday that students will return to in-seat learning on Jan. 31. The institution started the spring semester in a partially virtual environment due to the COVID-19 case increase in the area.

The college will require all faculty, staff, students and visitors to wear masks when indoors starting on Jan. 29 unless they are in their offices alone or in their dorm rooms. Social distancing guidelines will also be observed. These increased mitigation efforts are in effect through at least Feb. 11.

“We are looking forward to welcoming all students back to in-seat classes as we work to provide a safe, high-quality learning experience,” said Dr. David Russell, president of Columbia College. “This decision comes after evaluating data and receiving feedback from constituencies across the college community. We know to expect case increases, and we’re prepared to manage them through our mitigation efforts.”

Residential students who have not already returned to campus will move in on Jan. 29. The college will only host student-focused events through the end of February; external events will be cancelled or postponed to a later date.