California State University will hold most fall classes online and leave classrooms closed, Chancellor Timothy White announced Tuesday.
Retaining the current closures is necessary because of unknowns about the coronavirus pandemic and how it will play out in coming months, White said in a statement.
“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,” he said.
Cal State and University of California campuses have been closed since March because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Many other college systems around the country also closed their doors and now are trying to determine whether they can safely reopen at least some of their classrooms.
But White told the Cal State Board of Trustees that the 23-campus system must consider the health and safety of students.
“Our university when open without restrictions and fully in person … is a place where over 500,000 people come together in close and vibrant proximity,” he told trustees, according to the Los Angeles Times. “That approach sadly just isn’t in the cards now.”
A few exceptions will be made for instruction and research that must be done in person, such as training for clinical nursing and maritime students and use of science labs and art facilities. But the studies must be judged “indispensable” and have virus safety measures in place, White said.