Amid COVID concerns, Stanislaus State University moves start of spring semester online
California State University, Stanislaus, will begin the first two weeks of its spring semester remotely.
Classes will be online until Feb. 14 because of a surge in Covid-19 cases on campus and in the region, according to an announcement on the school’s website last week. Indoor events through Feb. 14 will be postponed or moved outdoors. Local public health officials and the university’s COVID-19 response team recommended the move.
“Delayed face-to-face instruction was not what we planned for this spring, but the rise of the omicron variant warrants increased precautions,” University President Ellen Junn wrote in the message. “We will continue to carefully monitor COVID conditions and notify the campus of changes as conditions evolve.”
When students return to campus, they will be expected to wear surgical, KN95 or N95 masks. These masks have been shown more effective in limiting the spread of the coronavirus. Cloth masks no longer will meet the university’s face-covering requirement.
Faculty and staff may request a mask. Surgical masks will be provided to students at entrances to buildings and classrooms, and a select amount of KN95 masks will be available at Warriors Take Care tables, according to the announcement.
Classes will begin as scheduled Jan. 28. University officials encourage students, faculty and staff to get a COVID-19 test 24 to 72 hours before returning to campus.
“Each time we have adjusted, faculty, staff and students have stepped up to the challenge — thank you!” Junn wrote. “With the current situation in our region, we are asking again for all of us to meet the current challenge the pandemic poses.”
Other CSU campuses including Sacramento State plan to start the first two weeks of classes remotely. Most University of California campuses are starting their semesters online.
Emily Isaacman is the equity reporter for The Bee's community-funded Economic Mobility Lab, which features a team of reporters covering economic development, education and equity.
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