Salem State University officials informed students on Thursday that they’re eyeing a “nearly normal” fall on-campus, with mostly in-person classes, greater residence hall capacity, more in-person events, and protocols like mask-wearing and physical distancing still likely in place.

“Based on public health trends, the anticipated acceleration of the vaccine rollout, and current state guidance, we are glad to offer a more ‘traditional’ campus experience,” Salem State President John Keenan wrote in a message to the school community, saying the campus has been successful at keeping COVID-19 transmission rates low.

University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan used similar language this week to describe the UMass system’s goal of “near normal operations” this fall.

(Copyright (c) 2026 State House News Service.

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