DETROIT (WWJ) -- Wayne State University will be returning to virtual learning for the beginning of its winter semester come 2022.
The Detroit-based university announced on Thursday that the decision was made in response to the rising level of COVID-19 cases in the city, due in part to the omicron variant.
Wayne State President M. Roy Wilson said in a statement that the plan is to return to online classes from now through Monday, Jan. 31, at which time the school will resume in-person learning.
Campus housing will remain open to students, but starting on Sunday, visitors will be limited to campus residents only.
All critical infrastructure employees will continue to report to work on campus, while all other campus employees are instructed to work remotely.
Students enrolled in clinical classes in the licensed health professions in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Science, the College of Nursing and the School of Medicine will receive specific instructions from their deans.
Upcoming Wayne State sporting events will continue as scheduled, but there will not be any spectators allowed in the stands. Additionally, any on-campus events and activities will be canceled or moved to a virtual format.
“As you enjoy your upcoming break, please do so safely,” Wilson said. “The omicron variant spreads rapidly, but we are confident that by adhering to the safety measures that have guided us through this pandemic, we can make a quick return to campus. Enjoy your much-deserved break.”
The news comes just one day after Oakland University made the same decision to move all classes back online for the start of its 2022 winter semester.
More information on Wayne State's COVID policies can be found at wayne.edu/coronavirus.
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