WCU moves to remote learning due to virus
WEST CHESTER » Although West Chester University does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 and is taking every precaution possible to ensure the health and safety of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to its campus, academic instruction will be expedited remotely for the remainder of the spring semester.
“Know that we continue to take every precaution possible to ensure the health and safety of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to our campus amidst a global public health concern,” West Chester University President Christopher Fiorentino said in a statement late Tuesday. “It is important to share that WCU does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of this time.
“Out of an abundance of concern for the continued good health of our community, the university has made the decision to move to alternate modes of instruction for the remainder of the spring semester. To expedite, faculty will use the next two weeks to prepare their courses for remote delivery, and remote advising and registering for the summer and fall terms. As such, in-person, face-to-face instruction will not occur on campus and these courses will resume by alternate means on March 30.”
Fiorentino online courses will not be affected, and will run as scheduled beginning on March 16. All internships for credit, clinicals, and student teaching assignments will continue as long as the host institution is open for business. Faculty staff will soon be emailing students in their classes to let them know next steps.
Fiorentino said the university is taking proactive measures to minimize social contact. Please know that the residence halls and South Campus apartments will not be open, and the Office of Residence Life will be in contact with each student for a scheduled time to return to campus to collect their items. In addition, large public events and public gatherings will be cancelled, including West Chester University’s 37th Annual Presidential Scholarship Community Gala.
The day-to-day administrative operation of the university will continue, and university staff will report to work as usual. Staff are being encouraged to minimize the possibility of the spread of the virus.
Online courses will continue on their regular schedule, beginning March 16. Internships for credit, clinicals, and student teaching assignments will continue as long as the host institution is open for business. All other courses will resume by remote means on March 30.