WSU to teach all fall undergrad classes remotely

PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University in Pullman announced Thursday that all undergraduate courses in the fall will be taught remotely.

The news comes as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase in Washington state and nationwide.

School officials said they are coordinating and working to finalize plans for the fall.

WSU President Kirk Schulz said the following: “We make this decision with the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff foremost in our minds, and that principle will continue to guide us going forward.

“We know this news has major consequences for our students and their loved ones. We understand the myriad of emotions that this decision will cause… sadness, frustration, disappointment, anger, and for others, a sense of relief.

“To our first‑year Cougs, who have lost any semblance of a traditional senior year of high school and their first university experience; transfer students, who were eager to continue their education as Cougs; and our returning Cougs, who have worked hard to keep their community and peer relationships intact after a disrupted spring semester; we hear and see you.”

The school reported it plans to provide a high-quality “Coug experience” for students despite the shift to online learning.

Although there will be online instruction, the school’s university-owned apartments will open as planned and residence halls are expected to open in mid-August. The residence halls will only open to students who, according to the university, “have a demonstrated institutional need and are approved to live on campus.”

The university plans to announce by Aug.1 how graduate student coursework and delivery methods will be delivered.

Cox Media Group