TWIN FALLS, Idaho — The College of Southern Idaho closed its main campus in late March. Now, CSI is reopening its buildings for staff and students as summer programs get underway. The majority of classes will be held online, with only a few courses and labs meeting physically.
For staff and students on campus, numerous precautions and safety measures are being taken to ensure their safety. Masks and basic hygiene are being heavily encouraged while on campus. CSI has even placed hand sanitizing stations across the school to have it readily available when needed.
"We have masks on people, and we have hand sanitizing stations. We have Plexiglas put in places, out in places where there is heavy traffic or people or dealing with money or services on a regular basis," explained Kimberlee LaPray, CSI's public information officer.
Some buildings across the campus, like the student recreation center, will have hour-long sanitation periods where custodial staff will thoroughly clean all surfaces. Other facilities, like some staff offices and classrooms, will be relocated and laid out differently to ensure social distancing.
"Every building has been asked to put some circles on the floor, kind of like similar to what you see at a grocery store, helping people get a visual of how far away six feet is," said LaPray.
There will be signs and notices posted around campus, directing people to relocated offices and classrooms.
CSI is planning to hold fall classes in-person with similar protocols. Some courses will offer an online alternative for those who may be uncomfortable meeting physically in a classroom.
Dining halls are set to open on August 24th, primarily operating as a to-go service. There will be some seating available for those waiting for food. Once a person receives their meal, they are asked to leave the premises to leave room for other people waiting.
Registration for next year's classes is open, and students looking for on-campus housing will be allowed to move in on August 22nd.
For the fall, the school will be taking every precaution recommended by the CDC, the South Central Public Health District, and Governor Brad Little.
Many staff and students are now happy to be back on campus despite it feeling slightly strange. There may be some anxiety around the school, but many are feeling comfortable and safe.
"I have one hundred percent confidence in the administration and their moves towards reopening, and I feel one hundred percent confident in being safe here," Matt Thrall, a CSI student, tells Idaho News 6.
For any questions or concerns, students may have, offices are welcoming all calls. The school's website also has plenty of information regarding reopening.
