As West Chester U. goes to remote learning, other Pa. State System schools plan in-person classes this fall

Shippensburg allows students to carry weapons on campus

Shippensburg University plans to offer face-to-face classes this fall, combined with remote instruction. Other universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education are employing a similar approach. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com

West Chester University said Friday that it will stick with online learning in the fall due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Pennsylvania’s other state-owned universities are making plans for face-to-face instruction.

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s 14 universities are each devising their own strategies for educating students in the fall semester. The system’s board of governors voted last month to give universities a framework of standards but the flexibility to design their own plans.

“With 14 campuses in 14 different counties, they all have unique circumstances,” said David Pidgeon, a spokesman for the state system.

Some students and faculty want in-person classes, he added. “There’s a lot of them who want an on-campus experience in the fall,” Pidgeon said.

West Chester University announced Friday it would go with online learning in the fall. Christopher Fiorentino, the university’s president, cited the rise in cases nationwide in a message to the campus community.

“WCU cannot ignore the potential danger of bringing thousands back to campus,” Fiorentino wrote. “Accordingly, our plans for the fall semester must adjust to this new reality. My leadership team and I have made the decision to continue remote learning through the fall 2020 semester, with a few courses delivered in a hybrid format, meaning both in-person and remote, in order to assist those students with clinical placements, student teaching, performance obligations, internship sites, and similar academic responsibilities.”

The state system’s faculty union has asked the system to be cognizant of faculty and staff, since some live with family members who have health issues and are more susceptible to the coronavirus.

Dr. Jamie Martin, president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, welcomed West Chester’s announcement. Martin said Friday she hopes other universities carefully consider faculty as they make their plans for the fall.

“We’re happy to see a university administration look at what is happening around them — taking in the facts, looking at the science, making decisions that are best for students, staff, and faculty,” Martin said. “We hope other universities will take that thoughtful path. There is not a one-size-fits-all answer, but we hope all decisions are safe for students, staff, and faculty.”

While the number of new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations remains below the peak seen in the spring, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 1,009 new cases Friday, the biggest daily number in two months. The health department has said this week it’s concerned about the uptick in cases, particularly in adults 19 to 24 years old.

What others are doing

Other universities in the State System are still proceeding with in-person classes. But in some cases, universities are starting their semester a little earlier, or ending their fall semester shortly after Thanksgiving.

Millersville University in Lancaster County is employing a hybrid approach, mixing face-to-face classes with online instruction. About half of Millersville’s classes this fall will be delivered remotely, said Janet Kacskos, a university spokeswoman.

While Millersville is proceeding with plans to offer in-person classes, the nature of the pandemic means plans remain “fluid,” Kacskos said.

“Number one is to keep everybody safe and number two is to make sure everyone can continue their studies,” Kacskos said.

As for remote instruction, Kacskos said, “We expect the quality of the classes will be the same.”

Millersville’s dorms will be open, although the dining service will look different. The campus will feature more grab-and-go items and won’t be offering buffets, Kacskos said.

Shippensburg University also plans to offer in-person instruction in the fall, although the university will offer some remote instruction as well, said spokeswoman Megan Silverstrim.

“Shippensburg University’s response to COVID-19 has been and continues to be customized to our student needs within our regional landscape,” she said in an email. “We continue to evolve our plans to ensure we are prepared with the best options of learning for our students, faculty and staff including face-to-face, blended and online. We are responsive to students, faculty and staff who have expressed concern about being on our campus.”

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is also planning to offer a hybrid of face-to-face classes and remote instruction.

“While we remain committed to offering face-to-face instruction as much as possible, classes will be formatted to maintain social-distancing recommendations at all university campuses and centers while focusing on real-time instruction and delivery,” the university said on its website. “Many lecture classes will be conducted in a hybrid model, which means that classes will be divided into groups that rotate between being physically present in the classroom and interacting with the class via Zoom or similar technology.”

Bloomsburg University is offering a combination of in-person instruction and remote learning. Bashar W. Hanna, the university’s president, explained Bloomsburg’s approach on the school’s website.

“We are planning for a modified calendar which will prioritize the health and safety of the entire BU community, maximize the use of our classrooms for instruction while following social distancing guidelines, and allow us flexibility should there be a resurgence of COVID outbreaks during the coming year,” Hanna wrote.

Kutztown University plans to have students on campus for the fall semester but expects to end face-to-face classes the week before Thanksgiving. Students will finish the semester remotely.

Kenneth S. Hawkinson, Kutztown’s president, wrote in a June 25 letter to the campus that plans could change.

“Please be aware that the plan is a ‘living’ document and we will adjust our plan based on revised guidance,” he wrote.

Planning for the fall

The state system’s governing board agreed in the spring to freeze tuition for the fall semester. The pandemic has posed severe financial challenges for the state system, which had already been dealing with declining enrollment in recent years.

The system has seen its enrollment drop by 20 percent over the past decade, to just under 96,000 last fall.

“Our universities and the faculty, they are doing everything they can so students can not only be as safe as they can be but to continue earning credits toward their degree,” Pidgeon said. “We understand how difficult this time is for students and families. That’s why we not only froze tuition but are taking the steps necessary to continue their degree.”

Should cases spike statewide, the system and its universities have proven they can move to remote learning quickly, Pidegon said.

“All 14 universities within weeks, and in some cases days, moved tens of thousands of students to remote learning, in pretty stressful circumstances,” he said.

While the state system wants to ensure students can have classes on campus this fall, Pidgeon said members of the universities need to take precautions.

“We’re looking to the students and the faculty and the staff to do their part. Wear masks, practice social distancing, wash hands,” said Pidgeon. “That is the way we can try and get through this semester on campus.”

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