How to navigate spring semester illustration by Karthik Srinivas.
By Jasmine Nguyen, Senior Editor
As the spring semester approaches, many students are dealing with how to approach the new semester. Unlike previous years, it’s not as easy to just get your class schedule and show up to classes. Many students are left with questions on how to prepare for the next months of schooling.
How is CSUDH handling commencement this year?
With commencement being canceled last spring, many students are wondering how the school plans to move forward with the class of 2021. The Office of the President announced that a hybrid ceremony for both the classes of 2020 and 2021 will be taking place in May. In an email sent to students, it was stated that while there would be no audience in attendance for the event, students will be joined by the Academic Senate chair, representing faculty, the president and cabinet, and respective deans. The ceremony will take place three times a day and follow Covid-19 guidelines, with Monday, May 24, 2021, and Tuesday, May 25, 2021, being slotted for the Class of 2020 and Wednesday, May 26, 2021, and Thursday, May 27, 2021, for the Class of 2021.
More information on the commencement website.
Will CSUDH’s campus be open to the public, such as the Library and the Bookstore?
According to the TorosTogether on the CSUDH website, the campus will remain mostly closed for the spring semester. The library will remain closed but students will be able to provide access to online databases and resources through online communication. Locker Student Union’s dining services will remain closed as well but the campus bookstore will be available for online pickup. Student Health Services will be offering in-person services by appointment while the Psychological Services are to be completely virtual.
What classes will be in-person this semester?
While the majority of classes will be virtual, there are about 100 exceptions, for those classes that ” emphasize practical and hands-on learning, and clinical placements that cannot otherwise be offered,” according to the in-person classes page on the CSUDH website.
The largest number of in-person classes are offered in the College of Arts and Humanities, and are mostly dance, music, theater and hands-on art classes, like ceramics. exceptions.
To read the full list check out the in-person classes page on the CSUDH website.
How is CSUDH ensuring student’s safety when attending in-person classes?
The first two weeks of the 2021 spring semester will be completely virtual, meaning for the time being all in-person classes until Feb. 8. Students who have in-person classes are expected to be tested for COVID-19 two weeks prior to stepping foot onto campus, as well as mandatory and free COVID-19 testing for those students as well as faculty. For more information check out our in-depth article on COVID-19 protocols on Pages 1, 5, 8, campus as well as the University website.
How do I get involved virtually?
While campus life has slowed due to COVID-19 many campus clubs are still meeting virtually as well as departments are holding virtual events to attend throughout the semester. For example, there will be a Spring Social hosted by the Toro Dreamers Success Center and the Assoicated Associated Students Inc. in February! Events and club meetings are often posted on TOROLINK as well on the organization’s social media pages, so be sure to check those out!
How can I stay focused throughout the semester?
Virtual learning can be a struggle even a year in. It takes adjustments and for many students, it’s a difficult transition. Try starting a planner, write out your weekly schedule and goals! If you don’t want to buy a whole new planner, the website Notion is a great resource where they have templates for note-taking and journaling! And don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors if you’re struggling, they’re here to help!
