I wish to thank The Panther for inviting me to offer an opinion on the petition for hybrid and/or online courses that was originally published on the change.org platform. 

Let me state at the outset that students’ request for a return to remote learning came as a response to the higher number of recorded cases that occurred at the start of the Fall 2021 term, when Chapman resumed face-to-face operations after a long period of distance learning that was mandated by the state of California. 

While some of these early numbers did raise concerns, the data shows that the majority of positive cases occurred during the first days of class among the student population, with no reported cases among the faculty. Since those first days, the positivity rate for Chapman-administered COVID-19 testing has dropped back significantly, and as of writing this Sept. 12, rests at 0.9%.

This data point is important for two reasons: first, it testifies to the robustness of Chapman’s protocols that are now in place. These include mandates for indoor masking and vaccinations as well as daily reporting, contact tracing and many other measures listed on the Chapman University COVID-19 dashboard and the COVID Frequently Asked Questions page of the CU Safely Back website. 

Second, this low positivity rate points to a weak correlation between face-to-face instruction and the spread of the virus. In other words, with the current positivity rate being so low, hybrid and online learning may not have an impact in making the positivity any lower.  

As provost of Chapman University, I feel honored and privileged to be in the position of advancing academic excellence and the personalized, holistic education of students. This occurs both inside and outside the classroom through face-to-face interactions between students, faculty and professional staff.  

While I understand that some students (and faculty) are concerned about face-to-face instruction, the data shows that our protocols are effective in combating the spread of COVID. This is the reason why we need to base our decisions on what we know and what we have learned over the last year rather than on the understandable uneasiness we may still feel.   

With that, I would like to take this opportunity to call on the entire Chapman community to ensure the continuation of face-to-face learning. I wish to encourage everyone to think about the importance of balancing our rights as individuals with our collective responsibilities.  To keep everyone safe, we must continue to follow all protocols and guidelines on and off campus.  

While to the untrained eye some of our protocols (e.g., the testing of unvaccinated individuals only; the definition of exposure) may appear to be minimizing risk, they are grounded in the recommendations of the Orange County Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the guidance of the California Department of Public Health, which I invite all readers to review. 

In sum, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us, but we will get through it with everyone's help.  Let’s commit to a daily practice of responsible and informed citizenship while allowing facts, data and evidence-based science to guide us through this unprecedented journey.

Thank you, 

Norma Bouchard