California Baptist University issued a post on its official Instagram account on Oct. 23 announcing that remote learning will continue into the spring 2021 semester. Classes previously held on the in-person list will continue to occur live. However, no new classes have been added to this list.
Lisa Hernandez, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, explained the decision to continue with a majority online format.
“Knowing that students need to make big decisions related to spring 2021, we wanted to make this announcement about spring 2021 continuing in the live synchronous format now to allow students as much planning time as possible instead of waiting to see if we would possibly get out of the purple or red tiers in December after the semester has ended,” Hernandez said.
She said live synchronous instruction seems the best way to comply with state and local authority regulations, as it allows real-time interaction in a simulated classroom environment.
Colin Tersey, freshman mechanical engineering major, was disappointed when he heard about the decision. He expressed empathy for both faculty and students impacted by the continuation of online classes.
“I wish the school would offer more classes in person,” Tersey said. “I feel bad for students and professors who are unable to host classes in person but would like to.”
Mayanie Kakish, freshman business major, commended CBU on handling the pandemic while also making campus COVID-compliant.
“CBU has done an excellent job in asking students to practice proper social distancing,” Kakish said. “They have provided many outdoor seating areas that allow students to socialize in a COVID-friendly way.”
Although most courses will continue in a virtual setting, Hernandez encourages students to consider moving on campus to think about doing so. She is supportive of her niece, a freshman commuter student, moving to campus next semester due to her in-person labs.
“I would say that all of our staff remains committed to serving our students and implementing safe and healthy practices,” Hernandez said. “Moreover, our wonderful Residence Life staff and residence advisers are passionate about investing in the lives of our residential students. While it may not be a typical year, I believe there are still a lot of benefits to living on campus.”
The COVID Interruption Scholarship will also continue into the spring 2021 semester. A discount of 10% on net tuition will be provided to traditional undergraduate students. However, financial aid given by CBU cannot exceed more than 50% of tuition. Full-time graduate students will receive $500 and part-time students will receive $250 off tuition.
