TIFFIN — Heidelberg University will extend its spring break and transition to remote learning amid the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Heidelberg is joining Tiffin University and several other higher education institutions throughout the state, including Ohio State, in suspending face-to-face instruction and moving towards online learning after Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency and gave a list of recommendations to colleges and universities.

Most Heidelberg students and staff are currently off-campus for spring break, which is now being extended to Monday and Tuesday, March 16-17, 2020 to give instructors time to make arrangements for remote learning.

Classes at The ‘Berg will resume on Wednesday, March 18, however, all courses will move to remote instruction until further notice. Decisions are still underway with regard to labs and performance-based courses.

All university-related student travel is suspended until further notice. All events on-campus are suspended through Friday, March 27, 2020.

Heidelberg students are permitted to return to campus from spring break, but since classes are being conducted remotely, students aren’t required to return unless their personal situation dictates that they be on-campus.

“Going forward, all of these decisions will be re-evaluated continuously by Senior Leadership and the appropriate staff and personnel, and adjusted accordingly as new information and guidelines emerge,” Heidelberg President Rob Huntington said in a statement. “We fully understand that the measures outlined above will cause disruption and anxiety, but we believe we must take these steps to protect our students, faculty, staff and community and still deliver the high-quality education experience expected of us.”

The announcement from Heidelberg came on the same day that state health officials confirmed the fourth case of coronavirus in Ohio.