CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The University of Virginia announced it will not be holding classes on UVA Grounds for the “foreseeable future” due to coronavirus concerns. The announcement was made Wednesday, March 11. Several hours later, both Virginia Tech and Radford announced plans to move to online classes only. Tech announced on Wednesday evening that spring break is being extended and online classes will begin March 23 for the remainder of the spring semester.
At Roanoke College, President Michael C. Maxey and the cabinet have determined that in-person classes will be suspended beginning on Thursday.
Classes will be taught online until at least April 3. Professors will contact their students about the start of online classes by Tuesday, March 17.
UVA President Jim Ryan says online classes will begin on March 19, and that the university will reassess the situation on April 5.
“In the coming days, because this is a serious issue, it’s a real threat to public health, and rather than sit back and wait for the negative consequences we want to take action now to keep people safe,” UVA Spokesperson Brian Coy said.
Students who are away on spring break are strongly encouraged to return home or to remain home if they are already there. Students at UVA and in Charlottesville are strongly encouraged to return home by this weekend.
University buildings and the UVA Health System will remain open to provide resources to students that may be unable to travel home.
UVA is still working out how online instruction will work, what will happen if students need to return to Grounds for essential items, and what to do about sporting events.
Even though students are asked to stay home, faculty and staff will still be reporting to UVA Grounds unless they are able to tele-work.
Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond has also extended its spring break for one week in response to the coronavirus outbreak.