Boston College intends to restart on-campus classes for the fall semester as previously scheduled, officials announced Tuesday.A message from President William P. Leahy said the institution plans to open for classes starting on Aug. 31. Planning for the return to in-person classes has been ongoing for several weeks and will continue in the coming months, Leahy said. "The steps required for resuming in-class instruction will occur in phases this summer, according to guidelines developed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," Leahy wrote.Leahy said BC has learned lessons from having as many as 400 students on campus after March 15 and that the University Health Services has developed plans for testing and isolating potential COVID-19 patients. He express confidence that other issues will be addressed in time for the return to campus. "In its long history, Boston College has had to deal with a range of serious issues, including the Great Depression, two World Wars, and the attacks of September 11. Our University has already responded to the coronavirus with grace, generosity, and commitment; and I remain confident that it will continue to do so in the months and year ahead, drawing from our faith and trust in one another, and the strength of our mission and Jesuit, Catholic heritage," Leahy wrote. Last week, Northeastern University officials also announced they are planning to reopen classes and residence halls to students in the fall.“It is our intention to reopen our campuses this fall and offer on-site instruction and a residential experience for our students,” President Joseph E. Aoun wrote.