April 23, 2020 

 

Dear Santa Clara Community,

I am writing today in response to an article published late yesterday in the Mercury News, which left the impression that Santa Clara has definitively decided to open campus for the fall. We realize the article, particularly the headline, raised questions. While it is our hope to have in-person classes if conditions in the county and state are safe and appropriate, the story did not accurately convey the conditions under which we would do so. 

Our statement to the publication made it clear: “Santa Clara University is planning to offer instruction in-person in fall 2020. Given that public health orders from Santa Clara County and the State of California may shift, we are also exploring a number of other options in case in-person instruction is not permitted. Further details will be made available once Santa Clara receives additional guidance from the County and State.” 

As we have frequently emphasized in all our campus communications, the well-being and safety of our community is our top priority as we make these important decisions. With this as our guiding principle, our leadership team, led by Fr. O’Brien, is conducting careful scenario planning to prepare for our next academic year. There are a range of options to consider based on social distancing requirements, the availability of testing and tracking, and projected paths of the virus. We will continue to update you as we make these major decisions, consulting with our collaborative governance bodies along the way. 

As always,  please know I have deep gratitude for all of you. Your resilience, creativity and flexibility make us proud in the face of such major disruptions to our lives.   

Stay safe and well, 

 

Lisa Kloppenberg                                                                                                        Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs