UMD Tells Students To Prepare For 2 Weeks Off Campus After Break

MARYLAND — The University System of Maryland is advising all students to prepare to remain off campus for at least two weeks after spring break. It will not be an extended vacation — students will be expected to take their classes remotely, according to authorities.

The University System of Maryland spring break runs from Saturday, March 14, to Sunday, March 22.

While campuses will remain open, the university system's leader advised students to prepare.

The University System of Maryland, which includes 12 universities and three regional higher education centers, issued the new guidance Tuesday out of what officials said was an abundance of caution.

"The health of our students, faculty, and staff is my paramount concern as the University System of Maryland (USM) develops protocols in response to the coronavirus outbreak," USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman said in a statement Tuesday.

"Our recommendations align with those of our public health experts," he continued, "and we’re prepared to adapt our protocols quickly as circumstances change."

At least one university has canceled classes starting this week.

Towson University is canceling classes as of Wednesday, March 11, according to university officials. Its campuses in Bel Air (TUNE), Shady Grove, College of Southern Maryland and Hagerstown will all cancel classes "to prepare for potential remote teaching, learning and working after spring break," Towson University said in a statement.

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"All campuses will remain open before, during and after spring break," Perman said.

"Given the residential nature of the universities within the System, USM must apply an abundance of caution to ensure that students and employees are protected and safe," Perman continued. "Therefore, I strongly urge every university to prepare for students to remain off campus — for at least two weeks — following the end of spring break."

That means students should be prepared to stay off campus until Sunday, April 5.

"During those two weeks or longer, all USM universities should be prepared to deliver instruction remotely," Perman said.

"Given this guidance, I understand that USM presidents may need to cancel classes one or more days this week so that students, faculty, and staff can plan for this change in schedule post-spring break," Perman said in a statement. "Preparation for campus departures and online instruction will vary among universities, and each USM president therefore has discretion to ensure that faculty and staff have adequate time to set these plans in motion. While this means that some classes may be canceled this week, all campuses will remain open before, during and after spring break."

Some issues are still being worked out, and more information may be forthcoming. The chancellor said he was consulting with health experts and USM presidents about the following:

• Services offered to students who must remain on campus
• Students returning from studying abroad in countries without a CDC-issued health notice
• Leave policies for faculty and staff
• Large campus gatherings like graduation ceremonies and athletic events.

Said Perman: "This guidance will be shared in the coming days."

There is a coronavirus page with updates on the University System of Maryland website.

This is breaking news and will be updated.