January 14, 2021
Dear OSU Faculty and Staff,
Although we are still hoping public health conditions improve this spring, at the present time OSU’s Corvallis campus is planning on delivering instruction primarily through remote modalities and providing for limited onsite work, research, and Extension and outreach activities. OSU-Cascades is planning to offer a mix of course modalities with courses offered remotely, in-person and in blended formats, with limited onsite work, research, and Extension and outreach activities.
This decision is based on our assessment of the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and our monitoring of the pace of vaccinations in Oregon and nationally. As always, we may need to alter our on-campus plans further if there are upcoming changes in state or federal guidance or law.
If public health conditions improve substantially by spring, we may be able to increase onsite course offerings, extra-curricular student activity, work, research, and Extension and outreach to a very modest degree. If so, we will support students continuing making progress toward their degrees even if they choose to stay away from Corvallis or Bend for the remainder of the academic year. This continues our commitment to meet students where they are during this academic year.
By the time registration opens in mid-February, the OSU Schedule of Classes will list the instructional modality planned for each course, as determined in consultation with academic units. In particular, any courses that are designated as having in-person components are subject to change at any time before or during the term, in consultation with faculty and graduate assistants teaching courses.
Our decisions and plans for spring term are informed by the latest science and public health guidance available. We share your eagerness to return to onsite teaching, research, outreach, employment and engaging with one another in person. However, protecting your health and safety remains our top priority.
We do anticipate a more traditional campus experience in the fall and will provide you updates as we continue through the spring and summer. Thank you for being a resilient member of Beaver Nation.
Sincerely,
F. King Alexander
President
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President