Apr 16, 2020, 5:24 PM
(From Chronicle of Higher Education) What will higher education look like when the COVID-19 crisis is over? Some academics and administrators see this moment as an opportunity to reconceive higher education in ways that continue to make them vibrant, dynamic and diverse places.The rapid shift to online learning has refocused attention on the infrastructure of education —research, teaching and student access — while driving conversations around the role of schools in providing mutual aid and creating equitable spaces. However, others worry that mass hiring freezes, budget cuts and empty facilities will hasten the decline of institutions tuition-dependent, non-elite private colleges.
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(From AccountingWeb) The coronavirus pandemic is upending businesses’ ability to collect and pay rents or other lease obligations, presenting unique challenges for schools entering new leases, re-measure leases, or transition to new lease accounting guidance. Schools should be aware of the impact of COVID-19 on reduced interest rates and real estate value. Schools may also consider negotiating with the lessor to modify their leases, or they may be able to invoke clauses in the current contract to reduce square footage. For more information, schools can refer to The Financial Accounting Standards Board, which clarified guidance last week regarding lease modification and concessions.
(From Venable LLP) Amid this period of uncertainty, schools should start preparing now for how they will mitigate risk during the eventual re-opening of campuses. To reduce the likelihood of a claim and to increase campus-wide safety, schools must adopt plans reasonably designed to minimize those risks consistent with applicable standards of care to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus among returning employees. Additionally, schools should consider “take home toxic tort” claims, in which employers may be held in duty of care to third-party non-employees, such as spouses and family members of employees exposed to harmful agents brought home from the workplace by the employee.
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