The University of Southern California (USC) announced its plans to resume in-person classes in the fall semester of 2021.

USC President Carol Folt made the announcement Friday, saying that while they do not have approval to reopen, the decrease in COVID-19 cases and vaccine progress makes them confident in a “full return” by the fall semester.

“As you know, we have been actively advocating for increased campus access for our students,” Folt said. “Given the decline in cases and the vaccine rollout, we are planning for a full return to campus for the fall semester, with in-person classes and residential life.”

Folt also noted plans to open an on-campus vaccination center with the capacity for 1,200 vaccinations per week, when the supply becomes available.

While USC will not immediately open for in-person classes, Folt said students will be able to access the school’s libraries, swimming pools, outdoor recreation areas, study canopies, bookstores, with COVID-19 restrictions in place.

The university will also be tentatively planning to use the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for a limited, in-person commencement ceremony that will include the class of 2020.

“With conditions improving and vaccine distribution now being ramped up, many of us are feeling a sense of hope about this pandemic that we haven’t felt for a long time,” Folt said. “We are cautiously optimistic and are doing everything to make sure our plans for a return are fully realized.”

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