ArtCenter College of Design has announced a temporary shift to remote learning for the first two weeks of its spring term, beginning January 18, due to recent winds and local wildfires.
The decision affects both campuses, which an official said remain safe but are temporarily closed to the public with limited access.
“We’ve actually never closed down the college. We’ve just worked remotely for the duration of the fires,” explains Anna Macaulay, Director of Campus Communications at ArtCenter College of Design. “Our campuses are actually safe and we are just out of an abundance of caution. We’re still remote until we make sure everything is cleaned up and the air is safe and the water is safe.”
The College is conducting orientation this week in an online format for new students, with the spring term set to begin January 18.
“We’re running the first two weeks of classes virtually just to give everybody time to get everything settled on the physical campuses,” Macaulay explains.
“We’re operational. We’re just operating remotely. Our campus physical campuses are closed currently, but we are fully operational remotely,” she adds.
The temporary closure will allow time for thorough environmental assessments and necessary cleanup procedures at both campus locations.
Staff, faculty, and students have been directed to consult the college’s official communication channels for updated information about the situation.