Drew To Cancel Classes, Move Online Amid Coronavirus Spread

MADISON, NJ - The same day coronavirus claimed the life of its first New Jersey victim, Drew University announced Tuesday it will cancel classes beginning Wednesday and through Friday, and will then offer online classes only from March 16 through April 3.

With the decision, Drew is joining Rutgers in effectively shutting down its campus. The announcement comes one day after Princeton University made the same decision: On Monday, Princeton decided to move to online classes only for the immediate future.

Drew's move to virtual instruction and business also comes with the suspension of events and gatherings. For the remainder of this week, and throughout the time of virtual instruction, University residence halls and other community services will remain open for those who choose to remain on campus, officials said, noting no guests will be authorized to be in the residence halls.

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On Thursday and Friday, nonessential staff are asked to work remotely; if staff is unable to work remotely, alternate arrangements will be provided and on Monday, officials said they will resume normal business practices in a modified, remote way.

From now through April 3, all events and gatherings on campus are postponed. This includes all Drew Forum, Admissions, student/club, and rental events. Work-related events and meetings will be conducted remotely, noting that they will continue to evaluate the situation and provide updates about the postponement and resuming of events on campus.

All NCAA athletics practices and contests will continue per the guidance from the Landmark Conference, officials said.

"We recognize this situation may cause inconvenience, anxiety, and disappointment within our community, but the potential consequences of not acting at this time far outweigh the disruptions in the short term. We strongly believe our actions today will give us the best chance to decrease risk in our community," officials said in a release. "University leadership will continue to evaluate the situation in coordination with local, state, and federal public health officials, and will update the community accordingly regarding a return to on-campus learning and business after April 3."

Know more: Princeton University Begins Virtual Instruction Due To Coronavirus Concern (March 9, 2020)

First NJ Coronavirus Death; Total Cases Rise To 15: Governor (March 10, 2020)

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