The University of New Orleans, Loyola Univerity, and Tulane are all setting up online instruction for all classes starting next week, and canceling large gatherings.
"All classes will be conducted online beginning Monday, March 23 through the end of the semester," Tulane University president Michael Fitts announced. "Friday, March 13 is the last day of in-person classes for the semester."
"While none of the presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Orleans Parish is connected to the University of New Orleans community—as far as we know—it is imperative that we take decisive action before the outbreak becomes more widespread in our area," said UNO President John Nicklow. "We are implementing these reasonable, science-based safeguards in an effort to protect our campus community and to improve the public health of our city."
The university says all in-person courses scheduled for tomorrow will be "delivered remotely" to test their readiness. Then, starting Monday, Marsh 16, all courses will be conducted remotely until further notice. The UNO campus will remain open and employees are expected to report to work as usual. Students can stay in their dorms or choose a more convenient way to continue their remote classes.
"The University of New Orleans has a long history of confronting and overcoming challenges," Nicklow said. "Through the determination and teamwork of our campus community, I am confident that we will pull closer together and persevere through this uncertain time. Quite simply, it’s the UNO way."