Updated March 30, 2020 at 4:03 p.m. to include new information on commencement. Correction: Graduate students will receive information on their commencement plans from their respective programs, not seniors. Elon News Network regrets this error.
Remote learning for the remainder of the semester
In-person classes at Elon University have been canceled for the remainder of the spring semester due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Jon Dooley, vice president for student life, announced the suspension via email on March 30.
“As university leaders, we have taken a measured and thoughtful approach to decision-making about the impact of this situation on our academic semester,” he wrote. “Elon’s approach has been to monitor facts, federal and state directives, and data about the spread of the virus to make decisions about the best way to complete the semester in a healthy and safe manner.”
The cancelation comes after online classes were extended to April 20 as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Classes were originally set to resume on April 6.
Classes will end May 12, and final exams will continue to be May 13-19 as scheduled.
According to Dooley, one Elon student — currently residing in the town of Elon— is presumed positive for the coronavirus and is in isolation.
"That individual does not live in university-owned housing, has not been on campus, and was not in contact with any other student, faculty, or staff member during the possible period of contagion," Dooley wrote.
Gov. Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 121 which orders all individuals in North Carolina to stay at home except for essential activities. The order — which starts March 30 at 5 p.m. — will be in effect until April 29.
Commencement activities postponed
Commencement — which was set for May 22 — has been postponed. According to an email from President Connie Book, there is no new date for commencement as of yet. She said that a date and plan for commencement will be shared in the "coming weeks."
Diplomas will still officially be conferred on May 22.
According to Dooley, the individual graduate programs will communicate with its students on March 30, about commencement ceremonies.
In an email to seniors on March 27, Dooley said that the university was aware that seniors were not in favor of an online or virtual graduation.