From 2020 to 2024, higher education underwent profound changes due to COVID-19. Initially forced into remote learning, schools gradually returned to in-person and hybrid models by 2022. Despite efforts to regain normalcy, the pandemic's impact lingered, with learning losses and attendance issues persisting in 2023. However, schools adapted, embracing new technologies and strategies. As of 2024, while the old normal may never fully return, some colleges and universities continue to evolve, demonstrating resilience and innovation in shaping the future of education.

Returning to a New Normal 2019 – 2020

The "back to school" experience has changed significantly in recent years. In September 2019, everything was expected to continue as usual, but in 2020, classes shifted entirely online due to COVID-19. Although most schools have since reopened worldwide, education is still in recovery, assessing the impact on over 1.6 billion students and youth globally, especially the most vulnerable. Unfortunately, some progress towards the 2030 Education Agenda was lost (New York Times, 2022).

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Education Sector has been collaborating with ministries, associates, and civil society to promote cooperation in education internationally. Their focus is now on prioritizing education as a public good for everyone, aiming to drive sustainable recovery. The educational sector at large faces the challenge of rebuilding and strengthening education systems to be more resilient, using lessons from the pandemic to ensure education remains accessible and equitable for all (UNESCO).

Planning for Fall 2021 Term

As colleges and universities planned for the fall 2021 term, they aimed for a return to a resemblance of everyday campus life. The institutions had experienced significant financial losses totaling an estimated $183 billion over a year of remote education. Institutions were eager to have full dorms and dining halls once again, although they acknowledged that the concept of "normal" had shifted in the era of COVID-19. Campuses enforced measures such as face coverings, lower densities of people in certain areas, and offered vaccinations and testing. Despite these efforts, challenges remained, including the prioritization of vaccine distribution and the possibility of new variants affecting plans (US News, 2021).

The Pandemic as a Catalyst for Change

While the initial focus was on returning to normalcy, the pandemic also served as a catalyst for innovation. In response to the need for remote learning, institutions heavily invested in resilient and adaptable online learning platforms. This ensured education continued during the disruptions and provided flexibility for students facing various challenges.

• Prioritizing Mental Health became another crucial focus. The pandemic significantly impacted the well-being of students and faculty. Universities ramped up mental health resources and support services to address these concerns.

• The pandemic also exposed the digital divide. To ensure equitable access to education, institutions implemented initiatives to bridge the gap by providing technology and internet connectivity to all learners.

• Flexible assessment methods were developed to accommodate diverse learning environments, both online and in-person. This ensured a fair evaluation of student progress, regardless of the learning format.

• Fostering a culture of innovation became paramount. Some colleges and universities embraced new approaches to teaching, learning, and campus operations. This agility will be crucial in navigating uncertainties in the years ahead.

Campuses Return to The Pre-Pandemic Old Normal 2022

In 2022, colleges and universities across the country made significant strides towards returning to pre-pandemic operations. However, the focus shifted from simply replicating the past to incorporating the valuable lessons learned. Classes continued to be offered in a variety of formats, including in-person, hybrid, and online, catering to student preferences and needs. Debates over mask mandates and vaccination requirements faded as public health measures proved effective. Campuses returned to a more vibrant atmosphere, with graduations and other events resuming in full swing (Nietzel, 2022).

2023: A Year of Evidence on Pandemic's Educational Impact

In 2023, the lingering effects of the pandemic became evident. Test scores and attendance rates remained below pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the need for continued support for students who fell behind. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported concerning statistics, indicating a global trend of learning loss (Camp, 2023).

Looking Ahead

The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted education from 2020 to 2024, leading to significant challenges and innovations. However, this period of disruption has also opened doors for positive change. By embracing resilient online learning platforms, prioritizing mental health support, bridging the digital divide, adopting flexible assessments, and fostering a culture of innovation, higher education is poised to emerge stronger and more adaptable.

Moving forward, institutions must focus on:

• Personalized Learning: Tailoring educational experiences to individual student needs and paces, leveraging the flexibility of online tools alongside in-person interaction.

• Equity and Accessibility: Ensuring all students have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of background or circumstance.

• Lifelong Learning: Encouraging continuous learning and skill development to prepare graduates for a rapidly changing world.

The pandemic may have forced a temporary shift, but it has also served as a springboard for reshaping the future of education. By harnessing the lessons learned and embracing innovation, higher education can deliver a more effective, accessible, and equitable learning experience for all.

References

Camp, E. (2023, December 26). 2023 brought more evidence that pandemic school closures damaged students. Reason.com. https://reason.com/2023/12/27/2023-brought-more-evidence-that-pandemic-school-closures-damaged-students/

Education: From COVID-19 school closures to recovery. (2023, October 24). UNESCO. https://www.unesco.org/en/covid-19/education-response

KFF Health News. (2021, March 29). Colleges and Universities Plan for Normal-ish Campus Life in the Fall. US News. https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-03-29/colleges-and-universities-plan-for-partially-normal-campus-life-in-the-fall

Nietzel, M. T. (2022, December 6). The Top 10 Higher Education Stories in 2022. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2022/12/05/the-top-ten-higher-education-stories-in-2022/?sh=3e5c85229b63

New York Times (2022, October 19). Stories from back to school in the new normal of the pandemic. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/06/education/learning/students-schools-colleges-pandemic-life.html

[The New York Times - Students and Schools Return to a New Normal](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/06/education/learning/students-schools-colleges-pandemic-life.html)

[UNESCO - COVID-19 Education Response](https://www.unesco.org/en/covid-19/education-response)

**Source:** [US News - Colleges and Universities Plan for Partially Normal Campus Life in the Fall](https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-03-29/colleges-and-universities-plan-for-partially-normal-campus-life-in-the-fall)