Higher Education’s COVID-19 Crisis: Scenario Planning Guide for the Fall 2020 Term

Colleges and universities continue to face many uncertainties as they plan for the 2020-21 academic year. While we hoped for a quicker end to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact and level of uncertainty will remain for the foreseeable future, and the need to deal with its impacts — including social distancing and profound economic effects — will be major priorities until a vaccine or effective treatments are available.

Fall 2020 Models

As the fall semester approaches, most institutions have communicated plans to start the semester using a version of one of the following models:

• Model One: Campuses remain closed and coursework stays online.
• Model Two: Campuses reopen, but with certain social distancing measures still in place that will affect operations and events and the looming possibility of return to full-scale remote learning if the pandemic intensifies again. Some institutions have adjusted the academic calendar (e.g., early start, cancellation of fall breaks, etc.) or will offer blended instructional delivery.

This guide outlines and analyzes possible impacts, potential solutions, and opportunities presented by the models across five key elements:

• Academic product mix and modality
• Student support
• Enrollment and revenue
• Operations
• External partnerships

For more information, please reach out to Charles Kim through email or by phone at 224.724.3115.