UC Santa Cruz: Most fall courses to be held remotely or online
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) UC Santa Cruz released its plans for the upcoming fall semester amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and university officials say most classes will be held remotely or online.
Chancellor Cynthia Larive said instruction is expected to begin Oct. 1, and when that happens, only classes that cannot be held remotely will be offered in-person, such as laboratory, studio and field study courses.
"Whether in-person or remote, we are committed to the values of fostering community, ensuring accessibility, and facilitating deep learning across and beyond the academic curriculum. Instructors, supported by specialists in teaching and learning, will be working throughout the summer to redesign courses for remote or fully online delivery," Larive wrote in a statement.
She also said that in-person classes will be modified to comply with social distancing and other health guidelines.
The start date is later than other universities to monitor the pandemic and prepare for the semester, according to Larive, and as the pandemic and guidance change, she said the university will work with officials and experts to evolve as needed. For example, if there are concerns about holiday travel, the university said instructors may be asked to finish in-person courses before Thanksgiving break.
Larive said the university will develop accommodations to help students who are unable to return in the fall due to personal circumstances or health risks.
To comply with public health guidance, Larive said residential housing rooms will be singles and doubles only, so the housing capacity will be reduced. Students who may need to be on campus for courses will be prioritized for housing. Those who are taking courses remotely and have a safe place to live are asked to not seek on-campus housing. First year students are asked to consider postponing a move onto campus, but Larive said they are working to create a "vibrant remote first-year experience."
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, everyone on campus is asked to wear face coverings, minimize the number of people on-site and practice social distancing.
