Courses go online for rest of semester

Penn State University has announced it will continue all classes online for the remainder of the spring semester in an attempt to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

The move impacts all of Penn State’s campuses, including Berks, Abington, Schuylkill, Lehigh Valley and Brandywine. The university last week had moved classes online until April 3, but released a statement Thursday saying the growing pandemic had forced the extension.

The move online includes all examinations, as well as the postponement of spring commencement ceremonies. University officials said they will attempt to celebrate graduation in an alternative form that doesn’t bring together a large crowd.

“Graduation is a significant milestone for our students and, while it may not be the same as our traditional ceremony, we are committed to finding the best way possible to recognize the achievements of our graduates,” Penn State President Eric J. Barron said. “However, as the world works together to slow the spread of COVID-19, these decisions must be made with public health at the forefront along with the health and wellness of our students, faculty, staff, their families and our local communities.”

University officials will be reaching out to students to schedule brief returns to campuses to move out of on-campus residence halls. Students will not be able to enter their on-campus residences until they receive specific information regarding the schedule.

“The university will also work with local authorities, landlords and student leaders, where we can, to develop strategies to minimize the impact of students returning to our communities to retrieve personal belongings,” Barron said. “We encourage all students to be patient as they await further guidance and support.”

University leadership said it is working to answer questions about room and board refunds, on-campus jobs, internships, research projects and other topics, and will be providing further information soon.

“We also know that this is causing significant distress for many in our Penn State family, for a variety of reasons,” Barron said. “Please know, while we are not together physically, we are here to support you virtually in any way we can.

“The administration, faculty and staff are doing everything we can to manage disruptions to your learning, teaching, working and living arrangements as much as possible, given these extraordinary circumstances. And there are services and various support mechanisms in place or in development.”

University officials will continue to communicate with students through student email accounts and the Penn State Go app, providing updates and additional information.

Penn State’s announcement follows an announcement by Kutztown University on Monday that it would be delivering courses on-line only for the rest of the semester.