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To: Campus Community

From: President Hutchinson

First, I hope you all are staying safe and healthy. I know the past two weeks have been frustrating and unpredictable for all of us as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly evolved. After much contemplation and exploring of options, Chico State will suspend face-to-face instruction from March 25 to April 24. The University will remain open and continue operating without interruption.

Based on the parameters set forth by the CSU system, this suspension of in-person instruction is temporary and currently scheduled to remain in place until April 24. Pending administrative review, some lab, studio, or field-based instruction may continue in an alternative format if consistent with the best practice of social distancing. The move to online and alternative-instruction formats follows the regularly scheduled spring break and the three-day faculty preparation and development period (March 13, 23, and 24) during which in-person instruction has already been canceled.

To be clear, these decisions are made to balance health and safety with our educational mission. We rely on the most relevant and recent resources from a variety of federal, state, and local medical professionals, including the Centers for Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, and Butte County Public Health Department, as well as the CSU Chancellor's Office. As of today, March 13, there are still no positive cases of COVID-19 in Butte County. Even though there are no current cases, by moving to online and alternative-instruction formats, we can lower the transmission risk associated with in-person classroom instruction and personal interaction.

I know there are many questions and concerns yet to be addressed, and we will be working to provide additional details as soon as possible. We will communicate these resources to you as they become available, so please continue checking email and the COVID-19 News & Information website.

STUDENTS

I know you may be disappointed to have your academic semester altered, but please know that we made this decision with your health, safety, and academic success in mind. Our faculty will work diligently to continue the same high-quality educational experience—just in a different format. They will communicate with you the details of this transition. For those living on campus, student housing will remain open and continue to provide full on-campus services following spring break.

If you have specific questions or concerns related to projects, presentations, exams, and coursework, you may communicate directly with your professors. If you or someone you know is feeling anxious about COVID-19, the WellCat Health Center and Counseling Center websites offer a comprehensive list of on- and off-campus resources.

FACULTY

I know this is a tremendous challenge to occur in the middle of our spring semester. We are committed to helping you through this change and have initial resources available through the Teaching and Learning Program’s Instructional Continuity webpage. Academic Affairs will be coordinating additional resources and communications to assist you.

STAFF

Please know how much I appreciate all of your work and efforts, especially during these uncertain times. Your work is vital to our continued operations and supporting student success. If you have any specific workplace questions, please speak with your supervisors and/or reach out to Human Resources at 530-898-6771 or humanresources@csuchico.edu.

PARENTS & FAMILIES

I understand the fears and concerns you may have. We have been and are closely monitoring public health recommendations and instituting measures to protect our students and our community. We also are committed to minimizing the impact on your student’s education, especially those who are planning to graduate this year. You, too, can be a resource by encouraging your student to persist despite the academic adjustments that are being made.

CAMPUS OPERATIONS

Again, the University is not closing, as current guidance from the CSU and health officials does not advise closing workplaces at this time. Campus offices and buildings will remain open, and most operations will continue normally. Should circumstances change, we will inform you.

If individuals have underlying health concerns that they believe put them at risk, please notify supervisors so that appropriate accommodations may be considered.

The University will continue to employ good public health measures that protect our campus, including enhanced cleaning protocol across campus to ensure high-traffic areas like offices, dining areas, and student housing are thoroughly disinfected.

EVENTS

Through at least April 24, all public events hosted by the following have been canceled: Chico Performances, North State Symphony, School of the Arts, and Book in Common.

A list of additional canceled events can be found by visiting the University Box Office website. For questions about specific events, please contact the event host directly.

In accordance with the California Collegiate Athletic Association, which recently announced a conference-wide suspension, all University athletic events have been suspended until further notice. All recreational sports, intramural, and sport club programs are also suspended for spring 2020.

Events occurring after April 24 will be reviewed in the coming weeks. We will keep you updated. At this time, no decisions have been made in regard to Commencement in May.

TRAVEL

Effectively immediately, campus and auxiliary organizations have suspended all international and non-essential domestic travel through May 31. Information about essential and non-essential travel (PDF). Future travel, including summer and fall 2020, will be determined as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

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You can find the latest information about COVID-19 campus planning, preparedness, and prevention on the COVID-19 News & Information site.

Thank you for the continued steps you are taking to protect your health and the health of our campus community. In times like these, I am especially grateful to be a part of such a collaborative, caring community. When we have challenges, Chico State faces them together. I care deeply about this University and community, which, like most of you, I proudly call my home.