University of São Paulo resumes in-person classes

The University of São Paulo (USP) today (Mar. 14) is starting to welcome back its more than 100 thousand students—among them veterans and freshmen from both its undergraduate and graduate programs. Wearing masks and showing proof of vaccination against COVID-19 are mandatory.

After two years of distance classes and activities, students are returning to a face-to-face routine. Most freshmen and second- and third-year students are having their first chance to visit one of the university campi.

“We are doing these face-to-face activities in a very favorable moment of the pandemic, as all epidemiological stats are lowering. This makes us confident that, should we follow the sanitary recommendations, the risk of contamination at the university is minimal,” said USP President Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior.

Protocol

Even though all negative COVID-19 indicators—new cases, deaths, hospitalizations—are on the wane, and considering that most university activities are conducted indoors, the protocols mandate the continuous use of masks everywhere in the premises.

Furthermore, new students are required to present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 plus booster doses. Faculty, employees, and students from previous years also had to submit proof of vaccination online. It will be mandatory in activities in all university campi.

Freshmen

The Freshmen Reception Week, which marks the beginning of the 2022 academic year, will take place in all USP campi from March 14 through 18. During this week, regular classes are replaced with face-to-face and online activities for integration between new and veteran students. The events are organized by program committees as well as academic and sports centers.