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Cal. U, Waynesburg University detail plans for reopening in the fall

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Holly Tonini/For the Observer-Reporter

California University of Pennsylvania will start fall classes Aug. 17 and end before Thanksgiving.

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WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY

Observer-Reporter

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Waynesburg University

Students at area colleges will return to their dorms and in-person classes during the fall semester, with some changes to prevent a resurgence in the coronavirus.

“At this critical moment, the actions of one individual can ripple outward to affect the entire community,” California University of Pennsylvania President Geraldine Jones said in an email to students and staff. “Our reopening plan assumes that you, and every member of our Cal. U community, are committed to its success.”

The changes at Cal. U, Waynesburg University and Penn State’s main and branch campuses include some online instruction and schedule changes, social distancing and requiring students to wear masks.

Cal. U students will start the semester one week early, with classes resuming Aug. 17 and ending before Thanksgiving, so that students will return home before the flu season. Final exams will be held Nov. 20 and Nov. 23 to 25, and students will return to campus in January for the spring semester.

Most classes will be offered both in person and online in real time, and some very large classes will be held online only. Roommates on college campuses will be considered a “family unit.” Masks should be worn in public areas including classrooms, sports venues and performance spaces. Signs and floor decals will remind students and staff to stay 6 feet apart.

“We are acutely aware that COVID-19 remains a threat, especially to vulnerable populations,” Jones said. “At the same time, we believe that Cal. U – with your active participation – can safely resume face-to-face classes and campus life.”

Waynesburg University students will return to classes Aug. 24 as previously scheduled, and in-person classes will be held through Nov. 20. On Nov. 23 and 24, students will revert back to remote learning in most programs, and finals will be administered online Dec. 1 to 4.

“In creating this schedule for the fall semester, safety was a paramount consideration,” said Stacey Brodak, Waynesburg University’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement and University Relations. “We are using the best possible information available at the current time. By finishing early and eliminating breaks, we are making every reasonable effort to mitigate the potential for transmission of COVID-19 on our campus and in the surrounding community.”

Classes at all Penn State campuses, including its Fayette branch, will begin Aug. 24 as planned, but classes will revert back to online instruction after Nov. 20. Students will also have classes on Labor Day.

Penn State students are returning in phases beginning in the summer. Staff are implementing testing and contract-tracing programs, and plans for early treatment.

Classroom spaces will be analyzed to ensure social distancing requirements can be met. All classes of more than 250 students will be online only. Others will be delivered both online and remotely. The university will develop accommodations for at-risk students.

“The importance of each individual’s behavior in stopping the spread of coronavirus cannot be overstated,” said Matt Ferrari, associate professor of biology. “There are a few key elements: Wear personal protective equipment or, for most of our community, face masks; maintain social and physical distancing of at least six feet from other individuals; and wash your hands frequently with soap and water.”

Penn State also has plans in place to revert quickly back to remote learning, if necessary.

Washington & Jefferson College has not yet announced its plan for fall classes.

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