SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Universities across California are canceling classes on campus and instead offering online classes in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
Here's where different universities in Northern California stand:
California State University
Sacramento State University
Sacramento State University instructors can shift part or all of their remaining courses to a "non-face-to-face setting and teach their classes virtually, according to a statement released Tuesday by university President Robert Nelson.
"We encourage maximum flexibility and suggest that faculty or students who either should not or do not wish to attend in-person classes for COVID-19-related reasons should complete their work via alternate means," Nelson said in his statement.
According to guidance from California State University, in-person instruction should cease for two-to-four days while faculty and administration focus on the final details of converting to non-in-person instructional modalities.
Virtual classes must occur during the normal scheduled class time, Nelson said. On campus classes will only move online if an instructor voluntarily cancels classes.
"Face-to-face class meetings are not cancelled for those classes whose instructors do not voluntarily shift to synchronous virtual delivery," Nelson said in his statement.
Sac State also suspended all nonessential international and domestic university travel through May 31. The suspension includes all campuses, auxiliary organizations and athletic programs, according to a statement from President Nelson.
Stanislaus State
Stanislaus State is open and classes are continuing as normal, according to its COVID-19 FAQs page.
University of California
UC Davis
Faculty and students at University of California, Davis who don't want to attend in-person classes may be able to complete the quarter "via alternate means," according to a university memo.
"Effective immediately, for the balance of Winter Quarter, instructors can move part or all of their remaining course content online," the memo said.
The university is implementing one-time instructional flexibilities, which allows remote instruction.
The policy says instructors who continue holding classes on campus should provide supplementary online materials to help absent students keep up with coursework at the same rate as students who still show up to class.
"Please be flexible with student absences so that students who are feeling sick do not feel pressured to attend class. Any instructor who is feeling unwell should arrange with their department chair for assistance, as they would in any other situation," the policy says.
UC Santa Cruz
On Tuesday, University of California, Santa Cruz announced plans to suspend all in-person classes, starting Wednesday.
"Lecture courses, including discussion sections, and seminars will be offered through alternative modalities to reduce face-to-face interactions as much as possible," Chancellor Cynthia Larive said in a statement. "Lab and studio courses that must meet in person because alternative instruction outside of the classroom is not appropriate can continue to meet in person where necessary."
The measure will remain in place through the first week of the spring quarter. A decision on what will happen after April 3 and beyond for the spring quarter will occur at a later date, Larive said.
UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is suspending classes from March 10 to March 29 to "help limit coronavirus risk on campus."
"Beginning Tuesday, March 10, we will be suspending most in-person classes and will be offering ALL lecture courses, including discussion sections, seminar instruction and examination through alternative modalities (e.g., Zoom, course capture, etc.) through spring break," Chancellor Carol Christ said in press release.
Courses that must meet in person because alternative instruction outside of the classroom is not appropriate will continue to meet in person, according to the press release. That includes all laboratory, performing arts, and physical education courses. People in these classes are encouraged to minimize in-person meetings as appropriate.
Los Rios Community College District
The school district, which consists of Sacramento City College, Folsom Lake College, Consumnes River College and American River College, is not canceling classes or suspending operations at this time.
CORONAVIRUS BACKGROUND
According to the CDC, coronavirus (COVID-19) is a family of viruses that is spreadable from person to person. Coronavirus is believed to have been first detected in a seafood market in Wuhan, China in December 2019. If someone is sick with coronavirus, the symptoms they may show include mild to severe respiratory illness, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Currently, there is no vaccine, however, the CDC suggests the following precautions, along with any other respiratory illness:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
The CDC also says facemasks should only be used by people who show symptoms of the virus. If you’re not sick, you do not have to wear a facemask. The CDC says the immediate risk to the U.S. public is low.
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