Campus Updates for Spring and Fall 2021 (Employees)

Dec. 17, 2020

 

Dear Colleagues,

In following the guidance from the California State University system for the spring and fall 2021 semesters, and in consultation with our campus task force and the Fresno County Department of Public Health. I write to you today to announce Fresno State’s plan.

• Spring 2021: We will begin the semester virtually on Jan, 21, 2021. Classes already approved for in-person instruction will move from virtual to in-person on Feb. 8. With this plan, we are focused on mitigating the spread of the virus and in keeping our campus community safe. We will continue to monitor the surge of positive COVID-19 cases in Fresno County, and will adjust our plan for spring 2021 depending upon any change in state and local public-health guidelines.
• Fall 2021: Chancellor White has announced that he anticipates we will return to delivering courses primarily in-person starting with the FALL 2021 term. He said: “It’s critical that we provide as much advance notice as possible to students and their families, as we have done previously in announcing our moves toward primarily virtual instruction. While we are currently going through a very difficult surge in the pandemic, there is light at the end of the tunnel with the promising progress on vaccines.”

The following campus health and safety protocols will continue in Spring 2021:

• Most employees who are currently working remotely will continue to do so in spring 2021. Student assistant positions will be limited only to those functional areas required to support in-person courses. (Employees who have questions regarding their work location for the spring should contact their supervising manager or department chair.)
• Daily health screenings and temperature checks will continue to be required of anyone who will be on campus on weekdays during the spring semester.
• The University is offering voluntary weekly COVID-19 testing (at no cost) effective immediately through mid-January for students, faculty and staff who have been approved to be on campus. Then voluntary monthly COVID-19 testing (at no cost) will resume for the spring semester for students, faculty and staff who have been approved to be on campus during that time frame.
• For those who will be on campus in the spring, you are critical in preventing the spread of the virus; it will be each person’s responsibility to adhere to all public-health protocols to reduce the risk of infection among our campus community members and their families. This includes wearing of face coverings, practicing good hygiene, and maintaining proper physical distance. We are deeply proud of how our campus community has truly promoted a sense of responsibility in following all protocols.
• Based on state and local public health guidelines, on-campus meetings and events of more than 25 persons will not be allowed during the spring 2021 semester. This also applies to off-campus events sponsored by the University. Limited exceptions will be made. The request for an exception may be submitted through this web form.
• We will make a determination regarding commencement ceremonies by March 2021.

Recognizing the pandemic is a fluid situation, we will continue to review and adjust our campus operations, as necessary.

I thank you for your continuing support of the University’s mission and your commitment to support your colleagues as we carry on during the pandemic.  

 

Sincerely,

President Joseph I. Castro