All Cal U classes to be virtual this fall

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

California University of Pennsylvania will operate remotely for the upcoming fall semester.

Citing the recent rise in coronavirus cases throughout the state and across the country, President Dr. Geraldine Jones made the announcement Friday.

“Throughout the summer, my leadership team and many others planned for our return to on-campus operations … in the sincere belief that we could reopen responsibly this fall,” Jones said in a video message to Cal U students, faculty and staff. “But 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.”

Some classes will be offered online, but most will feature real-time remote learning.  The university said that approach allows students and professors to interact virtually on a regular class schedule — 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 work off-site. 

Classes will begin Aug. 24.

Jones knows many students will be disappointed with the decision, while to others, “it might come as a relief,” she said.

Jones cited a recent survey published in The New York Times that found more than 6,000 COVID-19 cases tied to hundreds of colleges nationwide, even before most schools have begun holding classes.

“This is not the experience we want for you, our University or the local community,” Jones told students in an email.

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