IU Extends Remote Learning for Semester
Indiana University has announced it will utilize remote learning for the remainder of the spring semester in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus. The university says it will extend its spring break an additional week and begin virtual instruction March 30.
IU says its Fort Wayne location, which is part of the Purdue University Fort Wayne campus, will remain on its current schedule and return to remote teaching March 23.
In a letter to the university community Sunday, IU President Michael McRobbie said, “This is a rapidly changing public health situation, and it is now clear we need to go beyond the actions we have already taken.”
“At this time, we continue to have no confirmed cases on Indiana University campuses. But with the anticipated greater availability of test kits in the near future, this could change very quickly,” said McRobbie. “The health and safety of the IU community are our foremost concerns as we make vital decisions for the operations of the university.”
Additionally, IU says it will require students to return to their homes or live off campus for the remainder of the semester. Procedures will be implemented for students with “highly exceptional situations who do not have a permanent residence or cannot return to their permanent residence,” which includes some international students.
The university is also canceling all events surrounding the men’s and women’s Little 500 bike races. A decision on upcoming spring commencement ceremonies will be made in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, DePauw University also announced Sunday it is directing all students who are not already approved to stay or are not awaiting a response to a previously-submitted petition to leave campus by 5 p.m. Monday.
The university adds that it has no presumed or confirmed cases of coronavirus on the Greencastle campus.
IU and Purdue were the first Indiana higher education institutions to announce a suspension of in-person classroom instruction. Numerous schools, including DePauw, followed suit over the next few days.