Watch a video message from President Jones.

Dear students,

Your health and safety have always been paramount as we plan for the fall semester.

With the recent rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in western Pennsylvania, across the Commonwealth and throughout the country, it has become apparent that the on-campus experience we all anticipated presents too great a risk to our students, faculty and staff.

COVID-19 can have serious consequences for people of all ages, including young adults. Hundreds of colleges across the country are seeing significant outbreaks of COVID-19 as students return to campus. This is not the experience we want for you, our University or our local community.

Today I am announcing a major change in our plans for the fall semester: Cal U will return to remote instruction, and all on-campus residence halls will remain closed throughout the semester.

I understand that many of you have already made plans for fall. But it is never the wrong time to make the right decision – and your safety is, and must remain, our University’s primary concern. Despite the ongoing public health crisis, your Cal U journey will continue, and we will be here to guide you every step of the way.

How does this affect my classes?

Cal U remains committed to offering a high-quality academic experience. We learned a great deal this spring, when the coronavirus pandemic required a sudden shift to virtual learning. Since then, our faculty have engaged in additional training, including innovative approaches to teaching labs and other hands-on classes in a virtual environment, and the University has made adjustments based on feedback from students.

Although some fully online courses will be offered this fall, the majority of classes will utilize real-time remote learning. You will join these classes on a regular schedule and participate with your professor and classmates just as you would on campus. Many students find this approach provides a more rewarding learning experience. Remote learning courses will be identified on your schedule with the letter “R” as the first character in the course section.

In addition, faculty will be available during virtual office hours to guide, advise and mentor you. The Office of Academic Success will provide resources, including skills-building workshops and tutoring, to help you stay on track toward your degree.

Classes will start on August 24. You can check your schedule in VIP early next week. Watch your campus email for more information from your professors.

How does this change affect campus housing and dining?

All residence halls and dining services will remain closed this fall. If you planned to live on campus, your housing deposit will be credited to your account, along with any fees you’ve already paid for main-campus housing and meal plans.

The Vulcan Village apartment complex will remain open under the auspices of the Student Association Inc. Students whose special circumstances require them to remain in California may contact Vulcan Village at 724-938-8990.

Will tuition or student fees be reduced?

Cal U delivers high-quality coursework whether classes meet in person or via technology. Students can expect to achieve equivalent learning outcomes and earn the same credits as they would in face-to-face courses.

For this reason, tuition at Cal U will not be reduced. The Academic Support Fee and Technology Fee also remain the same.

Other fees will be reduced or waived.

The Student Association Fee will be reduced to $140. The reduced rate supports services provided virtually while in-person activities are suspended.

The Herron Recreation and Fitness Center fees and Natali Student Center fees will be reduced by 50%. These reduced fees cover costs to maintain the buildings, pay for utilities, etc.

The Transportation Fee, which covers costs for the Vulcan Flyer shuttle service, will be waived.

What about student services and events?

Although classes will move online, Cal U staff will be available to support you throughout the semester. The Counseling Center will continue to offer tele-counseling to students in Pennsylvania and other approved locations.

The UTech Helpdesk can assist with technology issues, and the Career & Professional Development Center can help with career counseling and services for job seekers.

No in-person gatherings will take place on campus this fall – but you will have many opportunities to have fun and stay connected through virtual events.

Welcome Weekend, Homecoming and the second annual Vulcan 5K Race are moving online, and our Student Affairs professionals are planning a full schedule of activities.

#CalUTogether

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives – but it cannot stop you from earning your degree. Our Cal U community demonstrated tremendous strength and resilience last spring, and we will continue to persevere. By staying apart this fall semester, we are protecting ourselves and those we care about most, including our friends, classmates and mentors on campus.

I encourage you to read the FAQ for Students , which will be updated regularly as we address the questions raised most often by students and their families. We’ve also posted our Guide to Operations , which outlines the Level 4 plan in effect for Fall 2020.

I have no doubt that our Cal U family will be together again once the virus is defeated. Until then, please take care of yourself and those around you.

With warmest wishes,

Geraldine M. Jones

University President