Stephens College, William Woods suspend in-person classes
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Stephens College and William Woods University have added their names to the list of higher education institutions canceling or suspending classes because of the novel coronavirus.
Stephens said in a news release Thursday that it will stop on-campus classes Monday and all classes will take place online. On-campus instruction will be put on hold Monday and Tuesday while faculty and students make plans for virtual classes, which will begin Wednesday, the college said.
The all-online format will continue through April 10, though students will be on spring break from March 20-March 30.
Regular in-person classes resume April 13 and continue through the end of the semester, the school said.
Stephens will also limit public events on campus.
“Stephens joins scores of colleges and universities nationwide in prioritizing the safety and security of its community — both on campus and in the city as a whole,” Stephens President Dianne Lynch said. “Our students and faculty are accustomed to online interaction and instruction, and we have been preparing for this possibility for several weeks. I am confident we will continue to provide the high quality, individualized instruction that our students both expect and deserve.”
William Woods, which is in Fulton, announced after 5 p.m. Thursday it will be moving all classes online for the remainder of the semester, effective Monday. The online policy will be in effect until the end of the spring semester and final exams, which will be completed by April 24.
According to a news release, campus and residence halls will stay open. It said students will have option to remain or go home while continuing their studies.
University of Missouri leaders said Wednesday that on-campus classes were canceled for the rest of the week and will be held online next week. Classes are expected to resume as normal after spring break.
At least 1,300 people in the United States have tested positive for coronavirus. More than 30 have died.
