Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts system are the latest colleges to call off all classes and move to virtual learning.
Boston College will be suspending classes at the end of the day Wednesday, according to a letter President William P. Leahy sent to the school community late in the afternoon. Students are asked to begin moving out of on-campus housing at 3 p.m. Thursday, and to move out entirely by 9 p.m. Sunday.
“I realize that these decisions will bring challenges to many at Boston College, particularly members of the Class of 2020,” Leahy wrote. “But knowing the abundant spirit, generosity, and commitment of our University community, I am confident that we will resolve any issues we face, and I ask that you join me in praying for those affected throughout the world by COVID-19.”
UMass President Martin Meehan announced Wednesday morning that “five UMass campuses will shift to a virtual mode of instruction beginning March 16,” including Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell and the medical school in Worcester.
“Most of the university’s 75,000 students will not be on campus for a period that will last at least through April 3. During that time, UMass officials, working closely with state and federal public health experts, will determine next steps in the overall effort to protect its 75,000 students and 18,000 faculty and staff from the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19),” Meehan added.
Boston University and Northeastern University also announced the switch in letters to their communities Wednesday.
Boston University will move all undergraduate and graduate classes on both its Charles River and Medical campuses online between March 16 and April 13, according to the letter.
“We strongly advise that students who are not presently on campus do not return to campus at the conclusion of spring break,” President Robert A. Brown wrote. He also encouraged students who remained on campus during spring break to “consider going home, if possible,” though residences and dining halls will remain open.
Northeastern University is not asking students in residence halls to move out, but is moving classes online beginning Thursday morning.
“We arrived at this decision carefully and thoughtfully, not precipitously. We are seeking to preserve the essence of a Northeastern education — including current co-op placements — while also taking prudent steps to reduce the risk of infection within our community,” President Joseph E. Aoun wrote.
Wentworth Institute of Technology will be closing its residence halls for the remainder of the semester, but is allowing international, co-op and domestic students with “special circumstances” to petition to stay on-campus, according to a letter sent out Wednesday afternoon. Co-op students are advised to follow their outside employers’ guidance. The school is also recalling students from study abroad programs in Berlin, Germany, and Waterford, Ireland. Faculty and staff will continue working on campus.
Berklee College of Music will also shift to online and remote learning “out of an abundance of caution” beginning on March 23. Beginning Saturday, all performances, events and visiting artists will be postponed, hosted online or canceled until further notice, the school said on its website.
Students are being asked not to return to campus after spring break, and those living in Boston residence halls during the break are asked to return home “until further notice.” Students are asked to depart by March 18 “and be sure to take as many of their belongings as possible.”
