California State University in the US to Hold All Fall Semester Classes Online Due to COVID-19

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] California State University (CSU), the largest public university system in the United States, has decided to conduct all fall semester classes online across its 23 campuses in the state due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the New York Times reported on the 12th (local time).

While most universities in the U.S. have announced plans to resume fall semester classes in line with the government's easing of lockdown measures, California has decided to maintain online classes for the time being as part of its COVID-19 response. Timothy White, Chancellor of California State University, made this decision at a board meeting held that day, stating, "If the university reopens, more than 500,000 students would be commuting daily, and the current situation does not allow for that." However, he added, "Clinical classes in nursing programs, certain science labs, and other essential education will be allowed on-site if health and safety preventive measures are in place."

This move by California State University is interpreted as a response to growing concerns about a resurgence of COVID-19 amid the easing of lockdown measures in the U.S. Forty-seven states announced on the 10th that they would ease existing lockdown restrictions, and California lifted restrictions on some retail stores such as bookstores and flower shops. However, concerns about a resurgence remain high, with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine warning that cumulative deaths could exceed 130,000 by early August.

Other universities in the U.S. are also divided over resuming classes. While most universities have expressed hope to resume fall semester classes, preparations for substituting with online classes are also underway, according to the NYT.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.