Harvard University has made the decision to shift to online classes and has instructed students to vacate their dormitories within five days, and those currently on Spring break have been advised not to come back due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
University spokeswoman Rachael Dane confirmed this decision to CNN, stating that “Harvard College students have been asked to move out of their Houses and First-Year Dorms by Sunday, March 15, in an effort to de-densify our community.” Additionally, she mentioned that all academic courses will continue to be held remotely, and meetings on campus after March 23 will be conducted virtually.
Harvard President Lawrence Bacow also released a statement addressing the new academic plans for students. He explained that the university will begin transitioning to virtual instruction for graduate and undergraduate classes by March 23, the first day of scheduled classes following Spring Recess. Furthermore, students are advised not to return to campus after Spring Recess and to fulfill academic requirements remotely until further notice. The statement also mentioned that non-essential gatherings will be limited to 25 people to minimize the need for large group gatherings.
The goal behind these changes is to reduce the necessity for large gatherings and prolonged close proximity with each other in spaces such as classrooms, dining halls, and residential buildings. The measures taken align with the recommendations of health officials in curbing the spread of COVID-19 and are consistent with decisions made by several peer institutions. Despite these changes, the campus will remain open, and operations will continue with appropriate measures to safeguard the health of the community.
