The University of Georgia and the other public colleges and universities in Georgia are taking steps to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus among their student and faculty populations.
The University System of Georgia announced Thursday it will suspend instruction for the next two weeks and then transition to a remote learning environment at all institutions.
the classes are being suspended on March26, the same day UGA students were to return from spring break.
All students who are on spring break are encouraged to stay away from campus. Those who are not are being asked to leave campus by the end if business Friday. Officials said they are asking all students to remain off campus until March 29.
In a letter to university presidents, Teresa MacCartney, executive vice chancellor of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia wrote:
"Dear Presidents:
"Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all University System of Georgia institutions will temporarily suspend instruction for two weeks to allow time for USG institutions to test their business continuity plans and online instruction modules and for state
officials to continue to assess the current situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) in Georgia.
"Students who are currently on spring break are strongly encouraged not to return to campus. Students on campus are asked to depart campus by close of business Friday, March 13, 2020, and to remain away from campus until March 29, 2020. At this time, students are not being asked to move out of their dorms for the remainder of the semester. For students who are unable to leave campus, please establish a mechanism to safely accommodate those students on campus.
"Please activate your relevant business continuity plans and ensure the operation of online instruction should that become necessary. Further guidance will follow as the situation warrants."