Chapman announces remote semester as state releases new guidance for reopening universities
After a long-awaited response from state officials, Chapman will seek county approval on in-person instruction for labs and studio-based classes.
Chapman has historically been known as an open-campus. But after guidelines from state officials were released, the campus will now be limiting its visitors to essential students, faculty and staff. SAM ANDRUS Photo Editor
In May, President Daniele Struppa was interviewed on Fox News and spoke confidently about Chapman University’s anticipated return to in-person fall classes.
However, Chapman announced its decision Aug. 4 to begin the semester online. The move came over two months after the California State University system – and three weeks after LA and San Diego County school districts – made the same call. The university administration delayed their final response in wait for guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), which came Aug. 7.
“We are disappointed how long it’s taking the state to provide guidance,” Struppa told The Panther Aug. 4. “I understand the complexity of the governor’s decision as well, but we would have loved to see something even more proactive.”
After planning to move forward with remote instruction – except for the training of essential healthcare workforce programs – the university is now reviewing the CDPH’s guidance for institutions of higher education. Much of its 34-pages of content includes recommendations like limiting nonessential visitors, closing nonessential shared spaces, implementing “grab-and-go” meal options and providing “regular periodic” testing for athletes and support staff. The phased reopening of the university will rely on a downward trajectory of COVID-19 cases in Orange County over a 14-day period.
“As colleges and other institutions of higher education plan to resume in-person instruction, it's critical that campuses make modifications to reduce risk," said California State Epidemiologist Dr. Erica Pan in a statement. "This guidance aims to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among our students, families, and the communities where they study."
One of the required conditions for California universities to return mid-fall and stay open is outlined in the coronavirus County Data Monitoring (CDM) list. If Orange County fails to remain out of the list for three consecutive days, indoor lectures at Chapman will become prohibited.
“Consider routine systematic testing of staff or students for current COVID-19 infection, and procure resources to test exposed (institutions of higher education) student (sic) and staff,” the CDPH document reads.
The CDM list is measured by multiple factors including the number of COVID-19 tests provided in a given county, the percentage in which those test results are positive and the amount of requests for resources like personal protective equipment or testing capacity. With nearly 40,000 cumulative cases of COVID-19, Orange County has been on the CDM list since June 29.
“As soon as the numbers improve in Orange County, we’re going to reopen. The students that are here (in Orange) will be able to get back to class,” Struppa said. “The question is how long it will take for the numbers to improve; nobody really has the crystal ball.”
Chapman has set aside approximately $20 million to prepare for the fall semester, in addition to creating their own COVID-19 prevention plan coined, “CU Safely Back.” The plan details specific social distancing and safety measures enforced for all students, faculty and staff – including intent to periodically test a sample of students living in campus housing.
“Our CU Safely Back plan actually exceeds the requests in the Governor's guidance and we feel comfortable that no significant changes will be necessary,” Struppa wrote in an Aug. 8 email to The Panther. “We anticipated the state’s testing requirements and we contracted with LabCorp several months ago to be ready.”
According to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Harold Hewitt, 18 task forces have been allotted a combined $17.5 million investment fund which is used to produce operating plans and minimize the spread of the coronavirus on campus. Chapman will soon seek county approval to introduce in-person labs and studio classes, a permission granted by the CDPH. However, the university will accommodate students who wish to continue taking their courses in a remote setting.
“I look forward to seeing my students (remotely) on the screen … It’s not what we wanted, but it’s not a tragedy either,” Struppa said. “The most important thing is that most of us are healthy and most of us are doing well. This is somewhat of a sacrifice but it’s not going to be forever.”
