Safer Return at Cal Poly Pomona

Temporary pause of face-to-face classes to prepare for alternative modes of instruction

Date: 3/11/2020
From: Office of the President
Subject: Temporary pause of face-to-face classes to prepare for alternative modes of instruction

Dear Campus Community, 

We continue to monitor the reports and developments related to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). While there are no cases linked to our campus, we are taking the following actions to protect the wellbeing of our campus community. 

Instructional Continuity

  • Effective Friday, March 13, we are temporarily pausing all in-person classes through Tuesday, March 17. This temporary pause means that in-person classes will not meet during that period of time and is designed to allow faculty to prepare for virtual modes of instruction. Online classes will continue as scheduled.
  • Starting Wednesday, March 18, classes will transition to a virtual format. This virtual mode of instruction will continue through Friday, March 27. Some courses will continue to meet in person if alternative modes of instruction are not appropriate, such as some laboratory, activity, studio, performing arts, and physical education classes. All students should receive communications from their instructors regarding how instruction will proceed starting March 18.
  • Spring Break (March 28, through April 3) will proceed as currently scheduled.
  • A decision on instructional delivery after Spring Break will be announced by Thursday, April 2, after a careful reassessment of our local context and risk. The announcement will be shared via email and the CPP Health Alert

This strategy of “social distancing” is being taken to proactively limit the risk of illness. By dramatically decreasing the number of students and visitors on campus, we are lowering the risk for everyone on campus, as well as family members and members of our external community. This decision was made in active consultation and collaboration with the CSU Office of the Chancellor, college deans, ASI leadership, the Academic Senate Executive Committee, and the campus labor unions.

It is important to emphasize that the campus will not be closed. Campus offices, buildings, and essential student services will remain open, including student housing and dining facilities. This is consistent with social distancing best practices. Unless you are ill, faculty and staff should continue their regular work assignment. However, as noted in a recent campus email, if you have an underlying health concern that you believe puts you in a high-risk group, please consult with HR on an accommodation. 

Provost Sylvia Alva and Academic Senate Chair Phyllis Nelson communicated to faculty last week and this week with guidance and resources to help faculty prepare for virtual instruction (Instructional Continuity). In addition, colleges and departments will organize efforts to support faculty. 

Campus Events

Consistent with California Department of Public Health recommendations, Cal Poly Pomona is promoting social distancing by canceling all events and gatherings with more than 100 participants, effective March 12, 2020, through May 31, 2020.

  • When possible, events may be rescheduled or modified using technology.
  • Intercollegiate athletics and performing arts events will continue as scheduled but will do so without live spectators or audiences in attendance. (All home athletics events are available to view via livestream with play-by-play commentary at broncoathletics.com).
  • For campus events with fewer than 100 participants and that are continuing as scheduled, it is advised that organizers exercise key prevention strategies .
  • We will make a decision about Commencement as we have more information.

Up-to-date information relevant to Cal Poly Pomona can be found at our Health Alert website. Questions on our response and preparedness can be sent directly to healthalert@cpp.edu. 

At this time of heightened anxiety and concern for personal and community wellbeing, I ask for your patience in addressing unanswered questions, as I am sure that there will be many. We are working diligently to assure that the most essential aspects of our academic mission are preserved during this switch to alternative modes of instruction. Thank you for your continued patience as we collectively work to keep our campus and our community safe and healthy. 


Sincerely,
Soraya M. Coley, Ph.D
President