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Marietta College and West Virginia University announced Tuesday they will be offering only online classes in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
With the emergence of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Ohio and across the United States, Bill Ruud, president of Marietta College, said classroom instruction will be suspended at Marietta College until further notice.
"Marietta College will be following the recommendation of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine that all Ohio colleges and universities (public and private/two year and four year) switch to online-only classes until further notice," Ruud said Tuesday.
In Morgantown, West Virginia University will temporarily suspend in-person classes the week following spring break then offer online class instruction or other alternative learning options beginning March 30 as it continues to monitor the threat of novel coronavirus. All other online-only classes will continue as originally scheduled, WVU said Tuesday.
"An administrative team, along with local and state health officials, has been working diligently to identify ways to keep our campuses safe, as well as sharing precautionary measures individuals could take," WVU President Gordon Gee said in a Tuesday letter to the campus community. "The University takes seriously its responsibility to protect our campuses during this uncertain time."
There are no reported cases of COVID-19 in West Virginia. However, as students, faculty and staff depart for WVU's spring break, the university is concerned about the subsequent return to campus after travel, the university said. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution to best protect its campuses and the communities at-large, WVU said.
Marietta College will remain open during this time, Ruud said, and support services will remain available to students, faculty and staff. Student housing and food service will be available for students returning to campus from spring break on Sunday and athletic competitions will not be affected at this time, Ruud said.
"I want to assure our campus community that the college will continue to follow the most up-to-date guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our state and local governance; and I also want to assure you that we are working diligently to minimize the spread and impact that this virus could potentially have within our community," Ruud said.
In the coming days, faculty will reach out to students regarding how to access their online coursework, Ruud said.
"Students who choose to remain home and complete their online classes from home may return to their residence hall to pick up books and personal belongings starting at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 15th," Ruud said.
Ruud said more information can be found on the college's COVID-19 Resources page, which will be updated regularly.
"We will keep the campus up to date regarding the college's operational plans on a daily basis. I know this is a major change to our normal operations and I want to thank you for your patience as we navigate this situation together," Ruud said.
WVU students should take essential items with them when they leave for spring break (March 16-20), university officials said. All WVU related international and domestic travel is suspended, unless approved, through March 30, WVU said.