Guest article by Brian Miller
College enrollment fell this past fall amid widespread concerns about COVID-19. Many campuses responded with practical safety measures: for example, Purdue University implemented regular testing and installed Plexiglas barriers in classrooms. Still, student hesitation was evident when early fall enrollment numbers showed a 4% decline compared with 2019, and first-year enrollment dropped by 16.1% nationally.
Those declines are understandable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned against large gatherings to limit viral spread, and college campuses are inherently social environments where students, faculty, and staff congregate. Mid-October data linked more than 157,000 new COVID-19 cases across more than 600 institutions, reinforcing students’ worries.
With the spring semester approaching, campuses that cannot get virus transmission under control risk further declines in on-campus population and enrollment. Simple measures like providing hand sanitizer and reminding people to keep their distance are essential, but they are not enough on their own. Colleges and universities should strengthen cleaning protocols, communicate clearly, and plan for high-touch areas to create safer learning environments.
Below are three practical, campus-focused recommendations that help turn buildings into safer study spaces and keep them that way throughout the academic year.
Follow a consistent cleaning and disinfecting schedule.
The CDC emphasizes both thorough cleaning and then disinfecting as the most effective approach to reduce germs and viruses on surfaces. Cleaning removes dirt and organic matter that can shelter pathogens, and disinfecting kills the remaining microorganisms. Disinfectants perform best on surfaces that are free of visible soil, so both steps matter.
After cleaning, crews should use disinfectants approved by the EPA for SARS-CoV-2 to remove lingering viral particles. Soft surfaces like carpets and upholstered furniture also require regular deep cleaning because fibers can trap dirt and germs. Unlike retail stores that close nightly, colleges operate nearly continuously during the academic year, limiting downtime for maintenance. As a result, institutions should prioritize a clear, frequent regimen that targets high-touch areas — door handles, railings, elevator buttons, shared lab equipment, and communal bathrooms — and schedule these tasks consistently throughout the day.
Transparency around cleaning schedules builds trust. Publishing when common areas were last cleaned and when routine disinfection will occur reassures students, faculty, and staff that the institution takes campus hygiene seriously.
Communicate clearly about facility cleanliness and safety measures.
In an environment shaped by anxiety and uncertainty, over-communication is a strength. Use existing campus channels — official apps, student portals, campus email, and signage — to share concise updates about cleaning routines, disinfection efforts, and any temporary closures for sanitation. Digital tools make it easy to deliver short, timely notifications: for example, daily reminders about dorm cleaning, alerts when a study area will be closed for disinfection, or push notifications about changes in campus protocols.
Simple visual cues on campus help, too. Post signs or QR codes at building entrances and inside common areas so people can check the latest cleaning time and details with their phones. Short messages work best: students respond well to clear, actionable information such as “Last disinfected: 10:15 AM” or “Next scheduled cleaning: 4:00 PM.” Regular, transparent updates reduce uncertainty and encourage everyone to participate in keeping the campus safer.
Implement and enforce social distancing across campus.
COVID-19 transmits more easily in close contact, which is why the CDC recommends keeping approximately a 6-foot distance from others where possible. Everyone on campus — facilities staff, faculty, resident assistants, and students — should practice and support social distancing. Enforcement from staff and peer leaders helps maintain consistent compliance.
Social distancing can be applied flexibly: reduce occupancy in classrooms and dining halls, require reservations for shared dorm bathrooms or showers, stagger class schedules, and offer hybrid courses that blend remote and in-person instruction. Physical layouts can be adjusted to reduce face-to-face seating in cafeterias and lecture halls, and signage or floor markings can guide safe spacing in queues and public areas. These changes may feel unusual at first, but with clear rules and consistent enforcement they quickly become part of campus routine.
The 2020–2021 academic year will be remembered for the challenges it posed. By committing to strong cleaning and disinfecting protocols, communicating transparently, and enforcing social distancing measures, colleges and universities can make campuses substantially safer and help preserve both health and enrollment.
Brian Miller is an operational support specialist at milliCare Floor & Textile Care. In his role, he helps franchises become more efficient and productive to better serve their local markets.