The University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a list of guidelines for the safe reopening of colleges and universities across the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation.

The UGC guidelines stated that universities and college campuses will function with 50 percent of students in attendance. Activities outside the college will be restricted to prevent overcrowding and limit the exposure of students to each other.

Apart from the attendance, students and staff in colleges have been asked to follow social distancing norms strictly on campus and wear a mask at all times. Students must also wash their hands at regular intervals and carry sanitisers.

The guidelines issued by the commission to colleges read, “Before reopening of any campus, the Central or the concerned State Government must have declared the area safe for reopening of educational institutions.”

All educational institutes have been instructed to restrict activities including visits of outside experts on campuses, study tours, and field works. It has also been advised to all the faculty, staff, and students to download the Aarogya Setu App.

As per the UGC guidelines issued for reopening of colleges, it has also instructed all higher educational institutes to allow regular visits of mental health professionals and counsellors in the campus for the wellbeing and mental stability of the students.

The guidelines further stated, “Regular mentoring of students through interactions, and appeals/letters by the Universities/ Colleges to remain calm and stress-free. This can be achieved through telephones, e-mails, digital and social media platforms.”

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