Public universities report fewer COVID-19 cases compared to the fall
INSIDE HIGHER ED — This semester, public institutions that put up the highest numbers for student case counts appear to be doing better. They have fewer cases and are performing more testing. Some of the numbers may still be worrisome, representing hundreds of students infected, but are not the record-breaking tallies from the fall.
Read More about Public universities report fewer COVID-19 cases compared to the fallSix universities report COVID-19 variant cases
INSIDE HIGHER ED — The University of Michigan was the only major institution to have reported evidence of the new coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 on campus at the beginning of last week. Five additional universities have since joined that list. The B.1.1.7 variant of the virus transmits more rapidly and efficiently.
Read More about Six universities report COVID-19 variant casesTeaching Law In The Time Of The COVID-19 Vaccine
TaxProf Blog (By Paul Caron) — Dean Caron (Pepperdine Law) shares an article by professor Tim Duane (University of San Diego Law) on the health risks that faculty may face when returning to in-person classrooms. He details steps that schools should take to prepare for re-opening.
Read More about Teaching Law In The Time Of The COVID-19 VaccineNational Conference of Bar Examiners to offer remote bar exam in July
NCBE — NCBE today announced that it will again offer jurisdictions the option to administer the bar exam remotely in July 2021 to help address health concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and provide support for future legal professionals. NCBE recognizes that restrictions may still be in place this summer.
Read More about National Conference of Bar Examiners to offer remote bar exam in JulyTips for taking a remote bar exam
THE NATIONAL JURIST — With many states administering the bar exam remotely in 2020 — and now into 2021 — what was already a very difficult and stressful time has become even more challenging as examinees are forced to navigate this new territory. Here are a few tips for taking a remote bar exam.
Read More about Tips for taking a remote bar examColleges address vaccine skepticism in their communities
INSIDE HIGHER ED — “There’s a fair amount of vaccine hesitancy out there, particularly among brown and Black communities,” said Alcendor, who is Black. Academic medical institutions and public health schools, including minority-serving institutions like Meharry, are taking leading roles in confronting vaccine hesitancy in minority communities.
Read More about Colleges address vaccine skepticism in their communitiesFebruary remote bar exams make minor adjustments from July administration
BLOOMBERG LAW — Despite thousands of students being initially flagged for possible cheating and then exonerated, bar authorities in California and New York say they don’t plan any major fixes this go around. “Given the volume of applicants that applied for this exam, 3,000-plus flags was not alarming,” said California State Bar Director.
Read More about February remote bar exams make minor adjustments from July administrationBar exam takers with learning disabilities face new challenges in transition to remote format
LAW360 — The COVID-19 pandemic has raised new questions for disabled individuals taking standardized tests such as the bar exam, and their advocates. The need to change test formats has unearthed and magnified challenges related to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act[1] and, for some, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Read More about Bar exam takers with learning disabilities face new challenges in transition to remote formatInternational student enrollment continues to fall amid pandemic
THE MINNESOTA DAILY — Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of undergraduate international first-year students at the University of Minnesota was on the rise, with overall international student enrollment remaining steady. Between 2018 and 2019, the number of first-year international students at the University increased by 52%.
Read More about International student enrollment continues to fall amid pandemicA look at the effects of the pandemic on student well-being
INSIDE HIGHER ED — Winter break and the start of next term are fast approaching. At this point, most colleges that have announced their plans for the spring are intending to continue their modality and residence choices from the fall. Many have brought students back to campus but are continuing most instruction online.
Read More about A look at the effects of the pandemic on student well-being