University System of Georgia reverses decision on classes amid coronavirus outbreak
The 26 institutions that make up the University System of Georgia will suspend classes for two weeks amid the new coronavirus outbreak, according to a press release.
Classes throughout the state of Georgia were planned to remain in session following spring break, according to an initial press release sent to university presidents on Thursday and emailed out to students within the USG system.
USG reversed that decision hours after the initial release. Starting March 16 all USG institutions will temporarily suspend instruction, allowing college and university officials time to test out plans to hold classes online while monitoring Georgia COVID-19 cases.
“Students who are currently on spring break are strongly encouraged not to return to campus,” Teresa MacCartney, Executive Vice Chancellor for USG, said in the release. “Further guidance will follow as the situation allows.”
MacCartney adds that students should leave campus by March 13 and not return until March 29. Students aren’t being asked to move out if they live in dorms or residence halls on campus.
Institutions in west and middle Georgia under the USG umbrella include:
- Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
- Columbus State University
- Fort Valley State University
- Georgia College & State University
- Georgia Southwestern State University
- Middle Georgia State University
- University of West Georgia
In the previous press release, MacCartney said practicing prevention is one way to be responsible during the outbreak and told presidents to urge faculty, staff and students to wash their hands regularly and practice other hygiene measures.
USG is also not approving travel to locations classified by the CDC on a level three of higher travel health notice, such as Italy, South Korea and China.
USG joins many other university systems throughout the country have decided to extend their spring breaks, or have online classes the remainder of the semester.
According to a spreadsheet complied by Bryan Alexander, senior scholar at Georgetown University, more than 100 schools across the country are taking part in various preventative measures, whether that is online after their respective spring breaks, or something else entirely.
For more information on the COVID-19 virus, visit the CDC’s website.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 2:46 PM with the headline "University System of Georgia reverses decision on classes amid coronavirus outbreak."