Education Department Releases COVID-19 Handbook for Higher Ed

The Department of Education has released a COVID-19 resource guide to provide information for higher education institutions about how to safely reopen for in-person instruction.

The 54-page handbook is meant to address priority areas specific to higher education, including strategies for implementing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control on campuses, ways they can support their communities' response and recovery from the pandemic, and how institutions can use funding from the American Rescue Plan to best support students.

It addresses the most pressing questions the Education Department heard from colleges, students, families and educators during 15 listening sessions held by the department.

Recommendations range from "leverage federal broadband funding to connect students and campuses" to "establish appropriate forums to listen to and address community concerns" and "refund room and board costs" if students move home.