Parrella: Safety, Research, Education All Priorities In COVID-19 World

The University of Idaho plans to hold in person classes when the fall semester starts in late August. Michael Parrella, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences dean, said they will operate under what’s known as a Hyflex format, meaning not all students will be in class at the same time, and schedules will alternate to ensure social distancing is promoted.

He noted faculty and staff are a bit better prepared for this fall than when the campus was shutdown at the on-set of the pandemic back in March. Parrella noted moving lecture style classes on-line, is relatively easy to do.

“When you’re dealing with a class that is, you know, hands on learning from a laboratory perspective, that’s a whole other situation.   There, I think our faculty have stepped up, they’ve developed fairly innovative ways of still trying to make sure the student experience is one where you satisfy the requirements of that course delivery.”

The U of I’s College of Ag is more than efforts in Moscow. The school has 42 extension offices statewide, and more than 4,000 acres used for research. When it comes to ensuring those locations, Parrella said masks and social distancing will be commonplace.

“It’s not business as usual, but I think the result in terms of making sure that we have these research plots in place, that we’re following through on research expectations, and delivery of information, I think that business is moving forward in a very effective way.”

Parrella noted it is beneficial that Governor Brad Little has on several occasions said that agriculture, and research associated with Ag is essential for Idaho.

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