July 7, 2020
Dear students,
After a rigorous review of facilities and logistics, a decision has been made that all architecture courses for the Fall Quarter will be delivered remotely. Students will not have access to studio spaces. Shops and labs will not be available for student use.
I know that you value in-person teaching. It is the faculty’s preference as well. It is certainly mine. I don’t like having to imagine another quarter isolated from one another, but the argument for remote teaching in the near future is too compelling to ignore. So that you understand what went into this decision, I offer the following points:
If we consider the safety of students, staff, and faculty a priority, then indoor gatherings of over 10 individuals is problematic. The risk is compounded by the age and underlying conditions of individuals and the fact that some of us are caregivers or are sheltering with at-risk individuals.
Unlike lecture courses, in-person studios place faculty and students in close proximity to one another. Those of you in upper studios have probably already experienced other illnesses working their way through the studios in the past.
Faculty and students with small and school aged children are facing great uncertainty in terms of daycare and school schedules. Remote teaching affords them greater flexibility.
After an analysis of our studio spaces, we would not be able to support the projected enrollment if we did face to face instruction. There is no fair way to decide who gets cut from classes.
The Shattuck Hall heating /cooling system is not capable of large scale fresh air replacement as recommended by ASHRAE.
While cleaning protocols can be instituted for classrooms and studio spaces, entry ways, corridors, and toilet rooms present an ongoing challenge.
As we have seen, spikes in infection rates have forced regions to fall back to stricter measures. To do so in the middle of a quarter would be incredibly disruptive for faculty and students alike.
We don’t want to require students to travel back to Portland and commit to housing only to have to quickly transition back to remote delivery.
In-person courses are likely going to be required by the University to offer students the option of taking them remotely which means that faculty would have to deliver their courses in two ways. How would we grade fairly for those being taught in person with access to facilities against those who are sheltering in place with less than ideal circumstances?
My hope is that by making this decision well in advance of the quarter, it provides us all with time to make appropriate preparations. I know your faculty will be using this time to create courses that enrich your understanding of architecture and strengthen your skills despite the means of delivery. Faculty members are back on contract in early September for specific questions about individual courses. You are welcome to reach out to me or the COTA advisors for any other questions you may have.
We are committed to your safety and health and that of your friends and family. We are also deeply committed to giving you a quality architectural education. Thank you for your support and contributions during this unprecedented period. With your hard work and your positive attitudes we will do more than get through, we will be remarkable.
Yours,
Jeff Schnabel
Director, PSU School of Architecture