Clarion University’s fall semester goes online

Clarion University on Wednesday became the sixth of Pennsylvania’s 14 state-owned universities to announce it has reversed course and will take the fall semester largely online in light of concerns about escalating COVID-19 cases.

“This approach will decrease the population density on campus and ensure academic continuity for students by removing the possibility of a switch to remote learning later in the semester, should conditions warrant it,” the school said in a statement.

The school joins Edinboro, West Chester, East Stroudsburg, Millersville and Lock Haven universities, which have made similar decisions.

“As a committee continued to monitor news about COVID-19, they determined the safest course of action is to move the majority of classes to remote delivery for fall 2020,” said Clarion President DaleElizabeth Pehrsso.

Schools that have moved online have raised concerns ranging from lack of available testing to difficulty enforcing social distancing in residence halls and off campus. There are concerns about the unpredictability of surges in the virus; hot spots have appeared in some 40 states, a number of which send students to Pennsylvania campuses.

At Clarion, experiential classes, including student teaching, clinicals, externships, internships and co-ops, will continue as scheduled. All other classes will be taught remotely.

Academic and other campus support will be maintained to assist student progress during the semester, Clarion’s president said.

The library, Student Support Services, computer labs, Becht Hall, Gemmel Student Complex, Tippin Gymnasium and the Recreation Center will be open, abiding by health and safety protocols. Some services will require appointments. University housing will be open for students who prefer that option, and they will self-screen before coming to campus and, once there, must adhere to established protocol, officials explained.