Classroom tents are back through finals week

Perhaps a sign of optimism about a spring dip in COVID-19 cases locally, colleges chose to erect fewer tents for outdoor academic purposes this semester. (Or maybe it's pessimism about the suitability of spring weather for outside studies.) Eight tents were set up during spring break, down from last fall's dozen. They'll remain in place through finals week in May. Once the spring ground firms up, most will be equipped with picnic tables, with the exception of the tent west of Beardshear that will have 100+ folding chairs.

As in the fall, the primary purpose is to support academic gatherings such as classes, study sessions and mentor or advisor meetings. The tent west of Beardshear, hosted by the music and theatre department, primarily will be used for music instruction and rehearsals. Student organizations are welcome to use the tents after 5 p.m. for their gatherings.

The tents project is a provost's office effort to help assure academic continuity during the pandemic and provide outdoor spaces for instructors and students who feel safer working outdoors. The university response team coordinates the tents project.

Academic classrooms: Spring tent inventory

* Available: first come, first served

¹ College of Engineering events receive priority

² MWF (11 a.m.-3:05 p.m.), T Th (12:10-1 p.m.) reserved for choral rehearsals

³ College of Business groups receive priority