Several colleges in the area successfully completed their fall semesters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it was not uncommon for cases to arise on campus, most colleges were able to isolate, contact trace and allow their students to stay in residence halls until Thanksgiving break. With winter break now ending, many are wondering how local colleges will handle their spring semester in the midst of rising COVID-19 cases and new variants making their way to the United States.

Elms College, Western New England University (WNEU), American International College (AIC) and Springfield College will all allow students to return to their residence halls for spring. According to AIC’s Vice President of Student Affairs Matthew Scott, students were able to return to campus on Jan. 18, 2021. Full story is available in The Reminder.