Cal Poly released more information about its plans for fall quarter.
The university is encouraging students to register for fall classes as soon as possible. The fall class schedule is now available for viewing and registration opens on June 29.
Cal Poly is planning to present classes in three categories:
- In-person - 15% of the university's 4,300+ courses that include labs and hands-on activities that cannot be taught virtually
- Synchronous Virtual - Courses that would be eligible for a return to in-person classes if health conditions allow
- Asynchronous Virtual - All-virtual classes
The university says any classes in the "Synchronous Virtual" category that are able to return to in-person instruction will also continue to be offered virtually for students who cannot or choose not to take in-person classes. Faculty and staff will also be given the option to work remotely.
Cal Poly is also making some changes to the schedule around the Thanksgiving holiday. Starting November 23, classes and final exams will be all-virtual through the end of the quarter, with the exception of a limited number of in-person classes and projects.
School officials say these changes were made to avoid having large numbers of people on campus at what's typically the start of the annual flu season and a potential second wave of coronavirus infections. Cal Poly is also canceling its winter commencement ceremony with the hope of having an in-person celebration in 2021 for graduates from June 2020, December 2020, and June 2021.
School officials say they are still working on plans for on-campus housing for the fall.
As for Cal Poly's new-student orientation programs, SLO Days and WOW, plans are in the works to offer a combination of small-group, in-person activities and virtual events.
