New England colleges and universities are admired for their ability to marshal smart minds to tackle complex problems. This capacity has been evident throughout the pandemic, as their research, teaching and commitment to public service have demonstrated what they do best--chart new paths in the face of uncertainty. Analysis by the New England Board of Higher Education, an organization supporting students and institutions in the region, indicates that 65 of New England's colleges and universities plan to provide on-campus and in-person instruction this fall. Ninety-eight will provide a hybrid of in-person and virtual learning, while 35 will support students all virtually. Each institution's decision was made in response to the risk factors it faces as leaders do their best to respond to the unprecedented health emergency. Leaders of New England colleges and universities have done their COVID homework. They are well prepared to advance their missions of educating students and conducting research and to lead in demonstrating how institutions can begin to carefully move forward in a new environment. ["It's Time for a Safe Return to Campus" was written with Mark E. Ojakian, Jennifer Widness, Dannel P. Malloy, Daniel Walker, Richard Doherty, Debby Scire, Daniel P. Egan, Suresh Garimella, and Susan Stitely.]