Cal State Fullerton has no plans at this time to make any changes in response to the coronavirus outbreak, President Fram Virjee announced Tuesday.
“With the risk of transmission associated with classroom instruction remaining low and our campus safe, the university will continue operating without interruption at this time,” Virjee wrote in an email to faculty staff and students.
Virjee acknowledged “that `where we are’ at the writing of this email could very well change 20 minutes after I send it.”
“The good news is, in our proactive efforts over the past few months, we have adapted to the fluid nature of this situation, making us well-positioned to address challenges if the evidence and medical experts ever indicate that the virus has reached our campus,” Virjee wrote.
The university earlier formed an Infectious Disease Working Group that includes various campus leaders “who are tracking county, state and federal recommendations while leading campus-wide preparations in the event that an outbreak occurs,” Virjee wrote.
The university has had no presumptive or confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus, Virjee said.
Cal State Fullerton has taken steps to prepare for remote classroom learning as well, Virjee said. Those steps include webcams in general classrooms and educators have been given guidelines on “alternative teaching methods.”
Cal State Fullerton officials were planning a “test run of virtual instruction” March 18-19.
UC Irvine announced Tuesday next week’s final exams will be administered remotely and it will switch to remote courses for the spring quarter. Spring quarter classes are set to begin March 30.
Like other UC campuses, UC Irvine will cancel all campus events and gatherings of more than 100 participants, and athletic events will be held without spectators.