Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval announced Wednesday that spring semester classes will be online only, at least for the month of January, because of surging COVID-19 cases.

Jiménez-Sandoval’s announcement was posted on the university’s website. Classes are scheduled to start on Jan. 20 and will be provided virtually until at least Feb. 1, he said.

In-Person Classes for Fresno CC, K-12s

But for students attending State Center Community College District as well as Fresno and Clovis unified school districts, classes will continue to be in-person when they resume this month, officials said Wednesday.

In Fresno Unified, “We are working to prepare for staffing shortages through this surge and we are exploring more testing options and capacity for our staff and students,” spokeswoman Nikki Henry said.

Clovis Unified already has mitigating strategies in place, and in recognition of the need for students to be instructed in person “we are not considering a return to remote learning,” spokeswoman Kelly Avants said.

State Center spokeswoman Lucy Ruiz said classes will be provided online as well as in person.

CSU Policy Requires Boosters for On-Campus Students

In his message, Jiménez-Sandoval reminded the Fresno State campus that the best ways to combat the omicron variant are the strategies already in place: Get vaccinated, and if you’ve already done that, get a booster shot; if you can’t get vaccinated, comply with weekly testing; and wear a face covering.

Under the California State University’s Interim COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, students and eligible non-represented staff should get a booster shot no later than Feb. 28 to remain compliant with the policy. Compliance is required for those students who are physically on campus, and noncompliance can result in disciplinary action.

No-cost vacccine/booster clinics will be held in North Gym 118 for students, faculty, and staff at the following times:

• Tuesday, Jan. 11, 7 – 11 a.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 25, 3 – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 27, 7 – 10 a.m.