Colleges and universities in Chennai have reopened for final year undergraduate students across various disciplines, including arts and science, engineering, agriculture, fisheries, and veterinary courses. In-person classes have resumed in the city after an eight-month hiatus. The government has granted permission for institutions to reopen not only for final year polytechnic and hotel management students but also for the commencement of classes for the fresh batch of 2020-21 starting from February 1.
In preparation for the reopening, the state government issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for colleges, universities, and hostels. Strict guidelines mandate that students, teachers, and other staff wear face masks and adhere to all preventive measures. Institutions are required to prominently display signages, symbols, and posters to raise awareness about the risk of virus transmission. Furthermore, colleges have been explicitly instructed to refrain from organizing any extra-curricular activities that may hinder the practice of physical distancing.
Classes will not be conducted in universities located within containment zones, and individuals residing in such zones, including students and teachers, are prohibited from entering the campus. Institutions are expected to have a comprehensive plan in place to manage the influx of students and staff, implementing safety measures such as disinfection, screening, and identifying infected individuals. The directive specifies that the presence of students at any given time should not exceed 50 percent of the total student population.
Hostel students arriving from various locations are subject to a 14-day quarantine period before being permitted to attend classes, even if they present a negative test report. Alternatively, they are encouraged to stay with nearby relatives and attend classes. Sharing of rooms in hostels is strictly prohibited.
To maintain physical distancing, universities and colleges are instructed to reduce class sizes and divide programs into multiple sections. For students who prefer not to attend in-person classes and opt for online learning, institutions must provide the necessary study materials and access to e-resources. This directive extends to international students facing travel restrictions or visa-related issues preventing them from joining the program.
In response to the current situation, the government recommends that colleges and universities establish counseling centers to reassure the student community and alleviate any stress or panic. However, some students residing in the suburbs of Chennai report difficulties attending classes due to transportation challenges. Attempts to board suburban trains using college identity cards have been met with denials.