CSU will continue virtual classes this fall ‘with limited exceptions’ — including at Cal Poly
For more information on Cal Poly’s plans for fall quarter classes, read our latest story »» Cal Poly still hopes for some in-person classes and students living on campus this fall
California State University Chancellor Timothy White announced at a Tuesday board of trustees meeting that the university system is planning to deliver most of its fall classes online amid the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But it’s still unclear what exactly that will look like at Cal Poly come September.
“Our planning approach will result in CSU courses primarily being delivered virtually for the fall 2020 term, with limited exceptions for in-person teaching, learning and research activities that cannot be delivered virtually, are indispensable to the university’s core mission and can be conducted within rigorous standards of safety and welfare,” White said.
The plan applies to all of the system’s 23 schools but allows for some flexibility by campus.
White laid out some potential exceptions, including hands-on classes and projects required for engineering, agriculture and architecture, all of which are high-profile programs at Cal Poly.
“There will be hybrid approaches and there will be variability across the 23 campuses due to specific context and circumstances.” White said.
On Wednesday, Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong addressed the possibilities for in-person instruction in a letter to the campus community.
Cal Poly still hopes conditions will have improved enough by September to allow students to live and study on campus, with up to 15% of classes being offered in-person and the potential for more if possible and as many a 7,000 students occupying on-campus housing.
“Cal Poly’s mission as a comprehensive polytechnic university is accomplished, in part, by hands-on, experiential learning experiences that we refer to as Learn by Doing,” Armstrong said. “Therefore, it is important that we provide options for in-person learning opportunities when possible.”
But the university is simultaneously preparing for other scenarios, including continuing with full virtual learning or delaying the start of the fall quarter.
White also emphasized keeping a flexible approach for the time being.
“This planning approach is necessary because a course that might begin in a face-to-face modality would likely have to be switched to a virtual format during the term if a serious second wave of the pandemic occurs, as forecast,” White said in his statement. “Virtual planning is necessary because it might not be possible for some students, faculty and staff to safely travel to campus.”
“The granting of limited exceptions to permit in-person activities will continue to be informed by thoughtful consultation with academic senates, associated students, staff councils and union leadership, and will be based on compelling educational and research needs, while continuing to meet safety benchmarks,” White said.
Just one week ago, Cal Poly sent a letter to the university community discussing students’ potential return to campus.
“What fall quarter will look like is still uncertain, but we are optimistic and are planning for students returning to campus and a return to some in-person, face-to-face instruction,” President Jeffrey Armstrong wrote in his May 6 message.
Cal Poly spokesman Matt Lazier declined to comment on the situation. However, Armstrong announced in an afternoon tweet he will send a communication to campus Tuesday night or Wednesday “to update and clarify the university’s plans and position.”
This story and headline have been updated to add detail from Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong, stating that the university still hopes to offer some in-person classes.
This story was originally published May 12, 2020 at 6:28 PM.
