As the fall semester nears and COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the state, Laramie County Community College (LCCC) is planning a largely virtual return to school.

LCCC's fall semester will be online as much as possible, but much of its campus will still be open. Residence halls will operate in a limited capacity and most students will be assigned to single rooms and bathrooms.

LCCC President Joe Schaffer said healthcare, welding and diesel technology students still need to have on campus instruction. But most coursework will be delivered virtually.

"As a result of COVID, we've shifted from instead of having a primarily on-campus fall semester, we will be predominantly online," he said. "So, a pretty significant shift that way."

And once the campus clears out for Thanksgiving, it will stay empty until the spring semester.

"We know that, come Thanksgiving, many folks - faculty and students alike - will be traveling," Schaffer said. "The concern is that after travel, to bring students back for essentially three weeks of instruction is probably not worth the risk."

The library and other campus services will remain open but implement restrictions and guidelines. Faculty and students are asked to wear masks when moving about campus or when attending sporting events.

Social distancing is also encouraged, and anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is asked to stay home.

Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Jeff Victor, at jvictor@uwyo.edu.