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With nine presumptive positive cases of the coronavirus in Virginia, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University and several of the state’s other schools announced Wednesday they are switching to online classes and canceling campus events to limit the spread of the virus.
William & Mary, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Radford University and Virginia Commonwealth University also have asked students not to return to campus, if possible.
“Because Old Dominion University places top priority on the health and safety of its community, the University decided today to extend spring break for one week, suspend in-person classes and move them online for the immediate future,” the university tweeted. “We plan to resume all classes, online, on Monday, March 23. We will monitor developments and update the campus about any changes by Monday, April 6.”
In the tweets, the university said there are no suspected cases of COVID-19 on the campus or in the university community as of Wednesday night.
The school asked that students who are still on campus this week go home by the weekend, and those who left for spring break to stay put. Students will receive information about online classes and when they can grab their belongings from campus, the university tweeted.
“Faculty and staff will continue to report to work, and the campus and its buildings will remain open,” the university tweeted. “But those who feel sick should stay at home and follow existing protocols regarding notifying supervisors or chairs and using sick leave.”
All university events are canceled until further notice.
“Athletic events will continue, with restrictions,” the tweets said. “Only family members and essential staff will be permitted to attend indoor athletic events. A limited number of spectators will be allowed for outdoor athletic events. For more information, consult the Athletics website.”
Updates will be posted at odu.edu/covid19, the university said.
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Norfolk State University
In a statement sent to the campus community, Norfolk State University said it is extending spring break for students until March 22. That’s when university residence halls will reopen. Faculty should return to campus Monday.
“Classes will be delivered online beginning Monday, March 23, 2020 and will continue to be delivered online through April 6, 2020,” the statement said. “In an effort to follow guidance on social distancing and social interaction, all events, unless otherwise noted, with an expected attendance of 100 or more participants are suspended.”
Also suspended are university-sponsored international travel plans. Students who don’t have alternative housing accommodations during the extended break can contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life at 757-823-8407.
Undergraduate student employees should contact supervisors for more information, the statement said.
“We request that you carefully reconsider any personal international travel,” the university said. “As the situation with COVID-19 evolves, we will continue to assess and make changes for the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. Please continue to monitor your email for updates.”
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Tidewater Community College
In a statement, Tidewater Community College president Marcia Conston asked students not to return to campus after spring break.
She said classes are canceled on Monday and Tuesday. They will resume remotely on Wednesday, and remain that way until at least through April 1.
If the college decides to continue remote learning, the community will know by March 27, and faculty will let students know how classes will be held remotely, she wrote.
“TCC, its campuses, and all locations will remain open on both days,” she wrote. “Faculty and staff are expected to report to work as scheduled unless otherwise instructed.”
Students who need to be advised or use the library should use online options or call 757-822-1122 through April 1.
Conston also said campus gatherings will be limited to no more than 50 people.
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William & Mary
President Katherine Rowe sent an email to students, staff and faculty saying the college is in “wholly new territory.”
W&M will begin online classes on March 23, and continue until at least April 1.
“For many of us as individuals, there will be disappointments and frustrations,” Rowe wrote. “For some, there may be real sacrifices, unexpected challenges or burdens that are hard to see.”
W&M canceled all university-sponsored events through at least April 3, including those hosted by recognized student organizations or affiliated groups.
Richard Bland College of William & Mary will extend spring break for students until March 22.
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Hampton University
Hampton University tweeted Wednesday night that the school is “committed to prevention and keeping the campus community safe, informed and healthy.”
They’ve suspended all non-essential visitation to campus until further notice.
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Elsewhere in Virginia
The University of Virginia will resume online classes on March 19 for the “foreseeable future,” according to a letter from James Ryan, university president.
At Radford University, on-campus residence halls and off-campus apartments will remain closed until April 17.
Virginia Tech residence halls and dining halls will remain closed until March 20 during an extended spring break.
The following universities will begin online classes on March 23:
James Madison University will have online classes until at least April 5, and has canceled all events until at least that date.
Radford University will have online classes until at least April 17.
Virginia Commonwealth University will have online classes for the foreseeable future.
Virginia Tech did not specify how long it plans to host classes online.
Virginia Tech, VCU and U.Va. have canceled any event that would anticipate a turnout of more than 100 people, with Radford University setting their event cap at 75.
All of the universities themselves will remain open, with faculty and staff expected to report to work. Many of the universities are using the extended spring breaks to allow teachers to prepare for online learning.
