Dear students,
President Armstrong released a video message which explains that Cal Poly will make a final decision on whether to go to entirely or partially virtual classes for spring quarter no later that March 25th. Regardless of whether we move to alternative methods of instruction, we will delay the start of spring quarter classes to April 6th. We will also be moving to a nine-week quarter. We know this is a long email, but please take the time to read it.
We know you all have questions and concerns about this evolving situation. Our goal is to ease this transition should it be necessary while we act in the safety of our entire university community. We have been in constant contact with the Engineering Department Chairs, Engineering Student Services, faculty, and staff, and we want to be as transparent as possible around this situation. Here we can update you on a few questions and concerns, and assure you we are collecting your questions and working to get the accurate information and answers. Please continue to ask us questions and we will continue to respond. Please remember this is a rapidly evolving situation and is literally changing by the hour. We appreciate your understanding as we work under challenging situation.
First of all, a task force has been assembled to develop plans for moving to alternative methods of instruction if the campus makes the decision to do so for the spring quarter. This is the primary reason to delay the start of classes for the spring quarter. Faculty will have time between now and April 6th to work on moving course content to a virtual method of instruction. In general, alternative methods of instruction will vary from delivering lectures with Zoom, to supplying video of lab procedures, utilizing email, texting, Slack, and everything in-between. The primary goal is to ensure instructional continuity with student success in mind. Currently, the departments and faculty are working to identify classes and plans to move to alternative forms of instruction with the support of the University and College. Please make sure you continue to look for updates from your Departments and the instructors of your courses.
Regarding Engineering Student Services and other advising services. The Engineering Advising Center has developed a plan to work ‘virtually’ if needed. You will still be able attend Drop-In Advising or Schedule an appointment. Please contact eadvise@calpoly.edu or call 805-756-7461 to make an appointment. The difference is that advising interactions may not take place face-to-face. Instead we will rely on Zoom, email, and the phone to deliver advising services. Many details will be posted here and on the voice mail message of the Engineering Advising Center. We are also developing a website to submit questions and will add a webpage for FAQs as needed. Also, all normal academic policies apply. You will be able to modify your schedule prior to the Add/Drop deadline just like any other quarter.
With regard to campus events. While there are no cases of COVID-19 in SLO county, the risk goes up as we have people from outside the county traveling to SLO. Many large events including Open House, Poly Cultural Weekend and the Rodeo are being cancelled. In addition, campus tours will cease immediately. The Dean’s Office needs to work with the entire CENG community to review every event that is being planned by students groups that involve non-Cal Poly attendees. If your club or student organization is planning an event between now and the end of this quarter, please fill out this survey.
As noted yesterday, the CSU has put restrictions on all travel for faculty, students, and staff. Therefore, all travel undertaken as part of a Cal Poly sanctioned event, must go through an approval process. The Department Chairs and Deans Office have developed a standard form which must be used. Please work with the Departments or your club/IRA advisor to complete the required travel request form. Travel to CDC Level 3 areas will not be approved. The Cal Poly EOC team will review all requests for travel and events based on a risk assessment. The assessment is based on guidance from the CSU Chancellors Office and local health officials. Please work with the your departments or club/IRA advisor to complete the required travel request form.
We also recognize that students play an important role to the operation of Cal Poly and the College. At this time, students who work on campus and rely on that income will still have the opportunity to work on campus during the spring quarter. Remember, one goal of going to alternative methods of instruction will be to limit the number and size of public gatherings. This should not impact the ability of student employees to work on campus, but may have to be evaluated case-by-case. Please work with your supervisor to understand your situation and develop a plan. This article provides some perspective on this.
Finally, we understand this is stressful situation and is sure to cause anxiety. Please know that Cal Poly is committed to providing the best level of mental health and wellbeing services as possible during this time. Please make sure to check for updates from Cal Poly Health and Wellbeing and take advantage of the DRC services as needed.
Overall, know that this is an evolving situation which is changing literally hour to hour. We will continue to update you as the situation changes.
Thank you,
Amy S. Fleischer, PhD
Dean, College of Engineering
Eric Mehiel, PhD
Associate Dean for Diversity and Student Success
