Pitt moving classes online due to coronavirus

PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh is moving all classes online due to the threat of coronavirus.

As of Wednesday morning, there were 14 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Pennsylvania, all in eastern areas of the state. School leaders outlined the steps Pitt is taking moving forward:

• Replacing in-person instruction with online and alternative learning options at all five Pitt campuses.
• Requesting that students not return to University housing, if they have this option.
• Canceling all study abroad and study away programming for the spring and summer terms.
• Restricting all nonessential domestic and international university travel until further notice.
• Canceling or postponing all events that exceed 25 participants or that are considered nonessential. When possible, we will seek to replace in-person events with virtual engagements.
• Expanding work flexibility to allow remote work arrangements, when needed.

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Students and faculty are being given time to implement these changes. All classes that will now be online will start on Monday, March 23. The changes will be in place through the end of the current semester.

This does not affect campus facilities, according to the school’s press release. All research and essential graduate and postgraduate work will continue. Room and board will also continue to be provided to students who cannot return home.

The University of Pitt Athletics Department released the following statement:

"This afternoon, the University of Pittsburgh announced it will transition to distance learning beginning Monday, March 23, as a precautionary measure in response to the novel coronavirus.

Although in-person classes have been transitioned to distance learning, the University has concluded that Pitt Athletics may continue its practice and competition regimen as previously scheduled.

Pitt’s Athletics Department, in conjunction with the University, will continue to evaluate the evolving circumstances and provide updated information as needed."

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