Cal U moves to remote learning for fall
Citing the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the state and across the country, the president of California University of Pennsylvania announced today that Cal U will operate remotely during the fall semester.
鈥淭hroughout the summer, my leadership team and many others planned for our return to on-campus operations 鈥� in the sincere belief that we could reopen responsibly this fall,鈥� University President Geraldine Jones said in a video message to Cal U students, faculty and staff.
鈥淏ut in recent days, it has become apparent that even the best on-campus experience presents too great a risk to our Cal U family. Like many of you, I am eager to return to the Cal U we all know and love. But right now, the risks are simply unacceptable.鈥�
Some classes will be offered online, but most will feature real-time remote learning. This approach allows students and professors to interact virtually on a regular class schedule 鈥� a format preferred by many students, according to a Cal U survey taken this spring.
On-campus residence halls will be closed for the semester, student activities will be held virtually, and most employees will be working off-site. Classes will begin August 24.
Jones acknowledged that many students will be disappointed with the decision, while to others, 鈥渋t might come as a relief.鈥� A recent survey published in The New York Times found more than 6,000 COVID-19 cases tied to hundreds of colleges nationwide, even before most schools have begun holding classes.
鈥淭his is not the experience we want for you, our university or the local community,鈥� she told students in an email.
Offering fully remote instruction throughout the semester provides a degree of certainty to students, employees and their families in an uncertain time, Jones added.
鈥淭he university will not be forced to change course abruptly once the semester is under way.鈥�
To read Cal U蘑菇视频 Guide to Operations: Fall 2020 and find answers to Frequently Asked Questions from students, visit www.calu.edu/coronaplan.