California State University campuses will largely hold virtual classes for spring 2021

All 23 campuses in the California State University system will primarily deliver courses virtually in the spring semester, according to an announcement from university officials.

“This decision is the only responsible one available to us at this time,” said CSU Chancellor Timothy White. “And it is the only one that supports our twin North Stars of safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of our faculty, staff, students and communities, as well as enabling degree progression for the largest number of students.”

White said the decision was made after extensive consultation with campus presidents and other stakeholders.

The campuses, like Sacramento State, will also continue to allow a reduced number of students housed on campus.

White said the decision was made early on to help students plan ahead, allow each university to publish and promote courses offered, and allow university officials to work on accreditation requirements for courses taught online.

In order to meet this requirement, and have courses authorized by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, “campuses will need to commit to their January academic schedules in September and October,” read a statement from campus officials.

That requirement was temporarily waived by the state for the fall. But the waiver will expire in December and will not be renewed.

All CSU campuses are working to be flexible enough to potentially allow in-person coursework “should the situation in the campus’ respective region warrant that or, conversely, to further limit such offerings as needed.”

Schools will address commencement ceremony plans in January, according to the announcement. CSU graduations are typically held in May each year.

In July, White said that CSU students could be forced online for the rest of the academic year, and could continue to challenge officials for up to two years. His remarks came during a hearing before the House Committee on Education and Labor.

White told Congress that the move to a virtual fall semester, “and quite frankly, the academic year,” was driven by health and safety issues, and students progress to success.

The vast majority of students have not returned to any in-person instruction since campuses closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 482,000 students are enrolled in CSU schools, the largest four-year college system in the country.