All Shippensburg University courses will remain online for the rest of the spring semester, according to an email sent by university president Laurie Carter.
The email follows news that Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf will shut down restaurants and bars across the state beginning midnight Monday to help combat the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Previously, SU extended its spring break a week to allow its faculty a chance to create plans for online instruction. Then, the university moved all courses online until April 11. Now, after Wolf’s announcement, the university will halt all face-to-face instruction for the remainder of the semester.
The university is not yet aware of any members of the campus community being exposed to the coronavirus. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, there are 76 confirmed cases of the coronavirus including five in Cumberland county as of 12:15 p.m. Monday.
Signs on the doors at a residence hall instruct students to stay 6 feet apart from one another to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.
Carter's email also told all students who stayed at SU over the spring break to leave by Saturday, March 23 at 5 p.m.
All students who wish to access campus to gather belongings from a residence hall must do so by March 21 at 5 p.m.
The university said it will offer refunds for housing and dining services previously paid for but now unable to be used by students. However, it has not yet released details on how students can make claims for these funds.
The university has not yet made any decision regarding spring commencement. However, all tours, events and scheduled activities have been canceled, including shows at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center.
Students may not access campus without prior approval from the university. Those who wish to gather belongings from their residence halls or have access to the Ezra Memorial Library must fill out this form to be able to do so.
Additionally, students who are enrolled in internships have been asked to not report to their placements. The only exception is for social work and counseling majors, which is explained on the FAQ page.
“Students, I am heartbroken for you. I understand how disappointing this must be for you not to be able to spend the rest of the semester on campus,” Carter said. “I am confident that our fortitude, patience, and understanding for each other will ensure our success.”
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