'We have to do things differently': Tennessee colleges prepare for students' arrival

Tennessee college students returning to campus this fall will have to adjust to many changes -- maybe even ones they haven't anticipated. 

Students will see mask requirements and more online classes, Mike Krause, Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, said at Gov. Bill Lee's Thursday COVID-19 briefing. 

"In order to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 on our campuses, we have to do things differently," Krause said.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission has worked over the summer to provide training opportunities for colleges and universities to prepare for the fall semester. Access to testing is also key to returning to campus, and over 30,000 COVID-19 tests have been secured for colleges and universities in the state, Krause said. 

Things will look different at every campus, but one thing is consistent: masks are important. 

"The most important thing (students) can do this fall is wear a mask," Krause said. 

The Tennessee Department of Health reported 2,118 new coronavirus cases Thursday. That brings the state's total to 128,511 cases. There are currently 38,047 active cases in Tennessee.

The state reported 24 new deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 1,313.

Tennessee Tech president gives update

Philip Oldham, president of Tennessee Technological University, gave an update on how the school has prepared for the fall semester. 

"We intend to start and finish our semester with on-ground classes that offer flexible formats that keep the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff our top priority," Oldham said, adding that means "an extra responsibility" for university administrators. 

Tennessee Tech is "building flexibility into our course offerings," Oldham said, with online and in-person course offerings.

"We have a campus environment where we practice good habits and follow CDC guidelines," Oldham said.

College football was also a topic of conversation, with Lee offering his support for the Tennessee season. The Big Ten and Pac-12 elected to not play football this fall. The Pac-12 postponed all athletics until Jan. 1, 2021.

The SEC still plans to play based on multiple statements from SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.

"I think athletes who want to play should be able to play. ... I’m hopeful for the future of college football at Tennessee," Lee said. 

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Chancellor Donde Plowman said if a football season is played, tailgating would not be allowed on campus and crowds at Neyland Stadium would be limited. 

More:Tennessee football won't have on-campus tailgating this season, expects reduced attendance

University of Tennessee announced 28 active cases

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, announced 28 active cases of COVID-19 on Thursday. Of those cases, 20 are students and eight are employees, Chancellor Donde Plowman said. 

UT is also tracking how many people are self-isolating because of exposure to COVID-19. Currently, there are 155 people self-isolating. 

Active cases include all ongoing cases reported to the university, UT spokesperson Owen Driskill said. Students began moving back onto campus on Aug. 9, and of the 28 total cases, four have been reported since then. 

UT Knoxville's fall semester begin on Aug. 19. Students and employees will be required to self-test for COVID-19 symptoms each day before they come to campus and masks will be required on campus and in classrooms.