Flash Poll Results: Fall 2020 Planning
6/17/2020
During its telephone town halls, NACUBO is asking its members to respond to flash polls on emerging topics of concern to business officers in light of COVID-19. Results are collected during the telephone town hall and through the week.
NACUBO’s June 9 flash poll focused on institutional plans for Fall 2020. The poll results indicate the pandemic will continue to impact enrollment, research, and in-person instruction at many institutions; however, most schools plan to resume some on-campus operations this fall.
Many participants identified student and family financial challenges as the main factor that could impact fall enrollment. Space issues and creating social distancing plans were considered the top obstacle for many institutions before students return to campus.
In addition, many institutions have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by changing various policies and practices for the fall term, from modifying registration hold thresholds to implementing price changes. Similarly, a significant number of institutions also have modified their plans for athletics, although some schools indicate that all teams – both competitive and intramural – will continue to compete.
Overall, the poll results indicate that even though the higher education sector is still experiencing effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools plan to start resuming some normal operations this fall. The survey received 106 valid responses and ran from June 9 to June 15.
