The University of Arkansas board of trustees on Thursday approved a resolution directing campuses to prepare for "a return to in-person instruction and other campus activities" this fall.
During the ongoing pandemic that began about a year ago, almost all universities and colleges in Arkansas by August returned to some in-person instruction. But many classes remained online and campuses hosted far fewer in-person events than typical.
"The purpose of this resolution is to send a very clear message to students, faculty, staff and leadership that we are returning to normal in-person activities this fall," said Ed Fryar, a poultry entrepreneur and former UA-Fayetteville professor from Rogers and the trustee who introduced the resolution.
The UA System is composed of five four-year universities, seven two-year colleges and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, as well as other units.
Fryar told the board that UA System President Donald Bobbitt previously had communicated this message to campus leaders.
Having a resolution -- which the board approved without opposition -- "gives the chancellors something concrete" to send to faculty members and others including "current or prospective students," Fryar said.
The resolution states that plans for the fall are to "be consistent with the health policy guidelines from the state regarding the covid-19 virus."
Campus leaders at other large public universities in the state, including Arkansas Tech University and Arkansas State University, also have said that they are planning for fewer coronavirus restrictions in the fall.