URBANA – The University of Illinois System said on Wednesday night that courses will “immediately” migrate from in-person to online to help limit transmission of the coronavirus.
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In a memo to all students, faculty and staff, U of I said the policy is in effect at its universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield.
The university said there are no confirmed cases among faculty, staff and students.
“But such cases have been increasing in Illinois and our experts say early intervention is the best option to limit the spread,” said the memo.
The university said the goal is to complete the migration by March 23. Other highlights of the policy:
- Classes will be held at currently scheduled times
- After spring break (March 16-20), students have option of studying remotely from home or their campus residence
- Campus residence and dining halls will remain open
- Faculty and staff will continue work on campus
- University-sponsored events with more than 50 attendees are suspended indefinitely
- University-sponsored international travel and non-essential domestic travel are prohibited until further notice
The University of Illinois is not the only system switching to online only classes. Other colleges and universities include:
- DePaul University
- Illinois State University
- Northern Illinois University
- Northwestern University
- Parkland College, Champaign
- Southern Illinois University
The Illinois General Assembly has canceled scheduled legislative sessions next week to limit the possibility of spreading COVID-19 among large groups. Gov. J.B. Pritzker confirmed the canceled Springfield meeting days in a Chicago news conference Wednesday during which he announced the number of the flu-like illnesses in Illinois has risen to 25.
Chicago officials and organizers announced that this weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration has been canceled. Pritzker indicated he’s also begun discussions with Major League Baseball, whose March 26 opening day is the earliest ever.