Coronavirus Forces Hofstra To Close Dorms, Send Students Home

UNIONDALE, NY — Hofstra University announced that it would be closing its dormitories and sending all students home by this weekend, as well as shift all classes to online-only for the rest of the semester.

The move came as the new coronavirus continues to spread around the area, with more positive cases being reported every day. Though no cases have been associated with the school yet, Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz said the measure was being taken for the safety of students.

"I cannot recall a time that has required so much of us, and so quickly, to respond not just to the needs of our Hofstra community but the one outside our gates as well," Rabinowitz wrote in a letter to the Hofstra community. "All of us are suddenly dealing with questions of health and safety, our living conditions, and how we will be able to work remotely. We can and will pull together, as we have during other challenging times. This requires us to be creative, to be flexible, to be patient and understanding – and these are all qualities I’ve witnessed from our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Together, we will get through this."

All students currently living on campus will need to pack their belongings and move out of the dorms by Sunday. Students may have one healthy person help them pack and move.

Students with exceptional circumstances, including international students, will be allowed to remain on campus. Services for students who remain on campus will be limited, and they may need to move to a different dorm.

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Those who are being forced to leave will be receiving refunds from the school. The university will be refunding half of the semester's housing charge for students who are leaving the dorms because of the coronavirus. The school is still working out how it will handle dining plans and points.

"The immediate future will be challenging, I am sure, but the Hofstra community will show the grit and determination necessary to get through this public health crisis, and demonstrate the extraordinary kindness and creativity that I know we are all capable of to continue to thrive and grow," Rabinowitz wrote. "We will learn from each other. We will listen to each other. Most importantly, we must take care. Take care of yourself, take care of your loved ones and your neighbors."