Residents at MWSU prepare for fall classes amid pandemic

Missouri Western State University staff say they're doing everything they can to ensure a safe environment for staff, faculty, and students.

It's a move in day like no other... good evening i'm alan van zandt.

Missouri western is preparing to welcome students back to campus this year, but that welcome is a little different this time around thanks to covid-19.

Kq2's ron johnson joins us live from missouri western with more on how staff, students and their parents are preparing for this upcoming semester, ron?

Alan, university staff say over a thousand students will check into the dorms here on campus by the end of this week, they say they're doing all they can to ensure the campus is ready to start the semester in the midst of a global pandemic.

Still, parents have concerns, but for the kids returning, it's a bit of a different story.

<<it's a move-in day like no other for students at missouri western.

We're all just trying to figure stuff out as we go.

Parents and students already adjusting to college life will now also have to adjust to changes brought on by covid-19.

The university, taking steps to promote social distancing checking students in curbsideas you'll see students stay in their cars, they drive up here.

We take their temperature, we do a screening of health questions.

Parents say the pandemic has already brought unplanned changes to their childs' college experiences we actually didn't get to visit the college in the spring as we had planned on, and so this is our first time ever being here.

Leaving them with many questions as well, not to mention concernswe're just wondering what to expect.

Is school gonna happen?

Is he gonna be home early?

We hope he doesn't get sick.

I am concerned, st.

Come from a small community where the numbers have been very low.

University staff say the drive thru check in helps to keep dorms from getting too crowded.

Incoming freshman ready to call these dorms home this upcoming semester say they're also aware of the changes it's definitely been a very large change from what i'm used to.

With corona and everything you're wearing a mask everywhere, you're carrying hand sanitizer in your pocket.

It's interesting you know, something i'm getting acclimated to.but they seem to have a different view than their parents, one of optimism for the new year.

Mostly everybody's really excited to just get back into a schedule and a flow of things, get to meet new people.

That sentiment shared with staff as well, they want to make sure health and safety is the number one priority.

We're trying to be very thorough and set a high bar.>> and the first day of classes for the fall semester here at missouri western is set for august 17th.

Live at missouri western ron johnson kq2 news.

We've heard a lot