On behalf of Chinese students and their parents at UM, the Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA) is here to state several reasons of having online sessions in the fall semester is necessary.

1. As we all know, the Delta variant is highly infectious (even to fully vaccinated people) and has led to another massive COVID-19 outbreak in many countries, including the U.S. According to the statistics from the New York Times on August 2nd, there were 15,818 new cases in Miami-Dade County, where the University of Miami is located. The total cases in the past seven days have reached 26,671 in Miami-Dade County. As all the UM students from different states and different parts of the world are going back to campus for the Fall, it’s hard to imagine how many students will be infected since the most of classes hold in UM will be taught in person.

2. The Delta variant is also raging among cities in China: increasing cases in many parts of China lead several cities to lockdown. For stopping the spreading of the Delta variant, students living in these lock-down areas will not be allowed to take international flights. Under these circumstances, Chinese students from these provinces and cities must stay in another city to quarantine for 14 days to be allowed to travel internationally. Therefore, each student must take at least four flights to arrive in Miami, making students highly vulnerable to being infected by COVID-19 during layovers and flying time. Moreover, many airlines highly restrict international flights traveled to the U.S, students must provide different kinds of documents such as the school calendars and class schedules for checking in.

3. We believe the pandemic situation is not only a problem for Chinese students but all international students. Right now, going back to the campus from other countries is risky behavior that needs courage due to the Delta variant.

4. When it comes to a life-risk decision, the disadvantages of going back to the U.S. outweigh the advantages. The university might be locked down again due to another outbreak and more students would be infected. Meanwhile, international students must face more difficulties--not only in life but also in mental health as we are staying far away from homes while our families are worrying. Going back to the U.S. this summer could be a physical and mental challenge for all Chinese students due to all kinds of hindrances caused by the pandemic. Moreover, it would be more economically consuming for international students for extra flights fee and hotels fees for quarantine. All the potential health risks, mental breakdowns, and unnecessary economic loss could be the negative side of going back to campus.

Considering all the factors above, UMCSSA is here to appeal for your considerations and supports of this petition. Your simple action will create our fellow students and their family a safe semester.