Cal Poly announces fall plans for a safe reopening

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo updated its reopening plans as it prepares to have students back on campus next month.

The school spoke about its coronavirus protocol during a news conference Wednesday.

Students living on campus will get their own rooms, so the university will host just over 5,000 students in campus housing. All students must test negative to COVID-19 a max of three days before arriving on campus.

Cal Poly is planning on surveillance testing for on campus students to catch potential outbreaks faster .

"Because of the hands-on nature of our learn-by-doing education, we more than most universities have to be disciplined and learn how to deal with this virus," said Cal Poly President Jeff Armstrong. "We must balance the continued success of our students with mitigating risk associated with the pandemic."

12 percent of classes will be in person, and are classes essential to in person learning, like labs and performance classes. Around 6,000 students will take at least one in-person class.

Cal Poly is most concerned about students participating in activities off campus that put them at risk for the virus. Students who engage in parties or other risky activities will face consequences up to suspension or expulsion.

The school will receive daily reports from the police department about noise and large gathering complaints, and will follow up immediately with those students involved.

School administrators are hosting a virtual town hall for the public Thursday afternoon. Anyone with questions can submit them.