MU’s fall plans could impact local economy

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Students at the University of Missouri haven't been to an in-person classroom since March 11, but that may change soon.

The MU Faculty Council held a meeting Thursday in which it voted against a proposal to bring students back to class on August 12.

That proposal would have had students return 12 days earlier than originally scheduled and would also have in-person classes conclude on November 20th.

Finals would have then be given online from November 30 to December 14.

Business experts say MU students affect the local economy in Columbia. Matt McCormick, president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, says that the students are the "lifeblood" of Columbia.

McCormick said that students have an impact in all areas of the local economy. From the workforce to spending to housing, McCormick says students are heavily relied upon in the economy.

McCormick also weighed in on the potential effects it could have on Columbia businesses if students weren't to return to campus. He said we've already been able to see some of the effects with the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have experienced that and we have seen that already some and the longer that lasts the harder it will be without a doubt and you know of course we want our students back but we want to make sure they're safe the university wants to make sure they're safe," McMormick said.