Michigan State University is changing course for the fall. The university will now conduct the fall semester with online-only instruction, according to an announcement from MSU’s president.
“Given the current status of the virus in our country — particularly what we are seeing at other institutions as they repopulate their campus communities — it has become evident to me that, despite our best efforts and strong planning, it is unlikely we can prevent widespread transmission of COVID-19 between students if our undergraduates return to campus,” President Samuel Stanley wrote in a letter to students.
The letter continued, “So, effective immediately, we are asking undergraduate students who planned to live in our residence halls this fall to stay home and continue their education with MSU remotely. While a vast majority of our classes already were offered in remote formats, we will work the next two weeks to transition those that were in-person or hybrid to remote formats.”
A handful of exceptions will be made, including colleges of nursing, law, human medicine, osteopathic medicine and veterinary medicine. A selection of graduate programs will also continue in-person.
According to MSU’s athletic department, athletes may stay on campus.
“Michigan State student-athletes who are engaged in practices or workouts can return to (or stay on) campus this fall,” the department said in a statement. “Spartan athletics will continue to follow medical advice and local guidelines regarding the most current safety protocols and procedures for all team activities.”
Classes at MSU are scheduled to begin Sept. 2.
