IU Moves Courses Online Following Spring Break Due To COVID-19

Matt Rasnic

Indiana University has temporarily suspended face-to-face classes starting later this month in light of the rapidly changing coronavirus outbreak, according to a university press release.

Coursework will move online for all IU students following the school’s spring break, from March 23 to April 5.

This decision comes after the state announced its sixth confirmed case of the virus Tuesday morning. As of Tuesday afternoon, only 36 people have been tested by the Indiana State Department of Health, according to its website.

The university is encouraging students to travel home to their permanent residences during this period, but will not close campuses, residence halls or dining facilities.

Unit heads are being tasked with deciding if faculty and staff are able to work remotely.

University-sponsored travel out of the state will also be suspended through April 5 and personal travel out of the state is being discouraged.

New events of more than 100 people are also being discouraged, and organizers of already-scheduled events are strongly encouraged to reschedule or cancel. The release says athletic events will follow the guidance of their governing conferences and public health officials.   

The last time IU adjusted classes due to widespread illness was when the university shut down for 10 days due to the Spanish influenza on Oct. 10, 1918.