Plans for Fall 2020

Posted on June 26, 2020

 

Dear Students,

First, I want to congratulate you and your fellow classmates for enrolling at Fresno State for the fall 2020 semester. You and thousands of fellow Bulldogs are embodying what it means to be bold, by continuing your academic progress despite challenges presented by the global health pandemic.

Today, I am pleased to share with you our campus plan for the fall semester. It is based upon a directive from the California State University (CSU) system (announced on May 12) that most course delivery will be virtual, with a limited number of essential in-person courses. This decision reflects public health officials’ prediction that COVID-19 will remain a serious health risk until a vaccine is developed.

A dedicated group of students, faculty, staff and administrators worked diligently and collaboratively to develop the campus plan to ensure a quality educational experience for you, while protecting the health and well-being of our entire campus community and family members of students, faculty and staff.

I hope you will join me today at 1:30 p.m. for a webinar during which I will answer your questions about the fall semester. To participate in the event, see call-in details here. (Whether or not you are able to participate, please continue reading this full message so you have the most up-to-date information.)

Whether you attend classes in person or virtually in the fall, you will learn from dedicated and talented Fresno State faculty experts, and, with your continued effort, the grades you earn will ultimately lead to a Fresno State degree. This is a great time to learn, grow and prepare for success in your chosen field of study.

As an example of your faculty members’ dedication to your success, more than 700 instructors have agreed to participate this summer in specially designed training to enhance their teaching in a virtual environment, with the end goal being your academic success. As a result, your classes this fall will be even more enriching, engaging and interactive.

Our committed staff are also working diligently this summer to ensure that your college experience this fall will be fun, interactive and experiential. They are strengthening and expanding their programs and services — from tutoring and advising, to student life and clubs and organizations — to further broaden your knowledge and engagement. There will also be several opportunities to connect with and meet your fellow classmates through a variety of virtual activities and events.

Regarding student-athletes, the final plan for fall 2020 sports practices and competitions is pending further guidance from the Governor’s Office, the California Department of Public Health, the Mountain West Conference and the CSU Chancellor’s Office. The campus expects a decision later this summer.

For more information regarding the fall 2020 semester, please visit the new website. Here, you will find information about a wide array of services and programs available to you this fall.

Your family as well as our community, state and nation will need your leadership and expertise more than ever in the coming years. By completing your degree at Fresno State, you will be empowered to contribute to our collective success and lift up future generations. I encourage you to be bold in your choice to continue pursuing your goals and dreams!

I look forward to connecting with you in mid-August, with the first day of instruction on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Sincerely,
President Joseph I. Castro