COVID-19 & Fall 2020 Information & Resources

• Important COVID-19 Resources
• Why Pacifica Now?
• COVID-19 Admissions-related FAQs
• Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)

Update from Pacifica

As the unique circumstances of the present COVID-19 driven crisis in which we are collectively engaged continue, with recurrent surges of infection accompanying some re-opening, we recognize the individual challenges that affect each of our daily lives. Tending to our shared learning community and all of the people that comprise it remains a top priority. In response to these health and safety concerns and the wish to remain connected in community with one another, we would like to update you regarding Pacifica’s decisions about how best to move forward.

In continuation of our decision to keep our campuses closed through the end of June as a result of the pandemic, we are announcing now that the summer 2020 and fall 2020 academic quarters will also be conducted virtually, through a variety of best-practice, remote learning methods. We believe keeping courses online and off the physical campuses provides the safest and clearest pathway for maintaining the health and well-being of students and all of our community members.

The decision to maintain distance learning and keep campuses closed to academic and public operations for the remainder of 2020 followed careful examination of all available information from state and local authorities and our accrediting bodies, in concert with our Board of Trustees. Before making this decision, we reviewed other contingency options that would allow for adequate physical distancing and considerations of other safety measures. In truth, the situation is fluid, as we learn more each day about the novel coronavirus and the associated pandemic. By announcing this decision about fall quarter, faculty and staff are able to prepare for delivering academic content and community engagement virtually.

We understand that online learning may not be a method of first choice for some; however, you may be assured we are committing time and resources to maintain the highest quality for our academic programs and institutional events. We are determined to reproduce virtually the distinct, interactive, and experiential aspects of Pacifica’s education. While we are looking forward to returning to our residential sessions and on-campus events as soon as it is safe and feasible, we shall continue to implement and integrate the robust online virtual campus we are utilizing this summer and fall.

Our collective adaptation and embrace of the unknown continue to provide opportunities for innovation and citizenship. It is an important time to be engaged in the work we do at Pacifica. We confidently look towards all that will emerge from this period to carry Pacifica into the future. We shall continue to update you regarding important events as the situation progresses, such as reopening campuses. We ask you to mindfully continue to take care of yourselves and your communities.

For our comments on the social protests against systemic racism, please see https://www.pacificapost.com/statement-on-addressing-systemic-racism