The University of Tulsa has opted to hold all classes online until at least April 5 due to events that have increased the overall risk of spreading the coronavirus on campus. This news was delivered via a campus-wide email from Interim President Janet Levit that went out at 7:25 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10. The new “social distancing policy” will take effect on Wednesday, March 11.
These actions were prompted following the confirmation of a second case of the coronavirus in Tulsa with this new case being a family member of a TU student. Although the extent of any campus-wide exposure is unknown, this new policy is intended to reduce the risk of exposure for everyone on campus.
The email continued, “Given the likelihood of significant disruptions to life on campus, students who are able are strongly encouraged to go home” and added that instruction would remain online until April 5 at the earliest. The email adds that students who remain on campus should, “expect to receive instruction remotely” and that, “arrangements have been made to provide dining services.”
Additionally, this announcement immediately preceded a tweet from the official University of Tulsa Twitter account: “Out of an abundance of caution, and with concern for the health and well-being of our campus and greater Tulsa community, we have decided to postpone the Tulsa Cyber Summit.”
When asked for comment, the TU PR Department defaulted to the campus wide email. Further updates can be found at https://utulsa.edu/coronavirus-updates/
The email concluded by stating that, “Campus is not closed, and this announcement does not affect or extend spring break.”
