Coronavirus Concerns Lead To Online Classes For AU Students

WASHINGTON, DC — Students at American University will be taking classes online for three weeks when they return from spring break, according to a letter sent to students, faculty and staff from university President Sylvia M. Burwell. The change is part of AU's response to concerns over the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

"The university will remain open and we are ensuring support for students, faculty, and staff," Burwell said, in her letter. "Critical functions for teaching, research and other services will continue. This includes shifting some services online. We will also continue to monitor the situation and will provide ongoing guidance to faculty and staff to support their work and well-being."

According to Burwell, the risk to the AU community is currently low, but that could change quickly.

"Our precautionary actions will help limit potential exposure to COVID-19 and enhance our ability to manage and/or isolate any suspected or confirmed cases that may occur at the university," she said.

A three-week period of online classes would limit the number of people living in close proximity or interacting on campus.

"The currently planned schedule also provides enough time in April to resume on-campus instruction, conduct finals, and complete the semester’s requirements if the conditions support that decision," Burwell said.

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In addition, the university is taking the following actions, which are taken verbatim from the letter:

• Spring break will be extended through Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17, and classes are canceled for those two days.
• Effective Wednesday, March 18 all American University classes and instruction will move fully online. Classes will continue online through Friday, April 3.
• Washington College of Law (WCL) classes will begin online on Monday, March 23, following the college’s spring break next week, and continue through Friday, April 3.
• All in-person classes are currently scheduled to resume on Monday, April 6. We will evaluate this time table based on the evolving situation and provide updates as needed.
• All students will receive instructions from their faculty regarding how their classes will operate prior to the resumption of classes on Wednesday, March 18. Please be sure to watch your AU email regularly during this period, as it will be the main source of information from your instructors and the university.
• Our campus will remain open and operational during this time. Core functions and services for our students will be accessible remotely. The COVID-19 Resources page will continue to provide information.
• Further information for faculty and staff will be forthcoming from the Human Resources team and department leadership.
• You can find additional information and answers to frequently asked questions on our COVID-19 Resources website, which will be updated regularly.

To avoid the coronavirus, health officials urge the public to take these steps to avoid the virus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.

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