EAST LANSING — Michigan State University postponed spring commencement and students will continue to attend most classes remotely through the end of the semester in response to the spread of the coronavirus.

MSU President Samuel Stanley initially announced Wednesday that most MSU in-person classes were suspended through April 20. Saturday night, he announced that extend to the end of the spring semester, moving most in-person classes online, including final exams.

The switch online applies to most courses, MSU spokesperson Emily Guerrant said. Faculty covering some art, science and music courses continue reviewing options for in-person classes, she said.

Students in the colleges of Human Medicine, Nursing, Osteopathic Medicine and Veterinary Medicine must fulfill unique requirements and will look to their college deans for guidance, Stanley wrote in a letter announcing the decision.

"All students are in our thoughts as they battle through these unprecedented circumstances," Stanley wrote. "We understand that our students, and staff come from very different and unique backgrounds and have different levels of social supports, and food and housing securities. If you have any concerns about your options, please don’t hesitate to contact your advisor."

Stanley added that officials "will make every effort" to reschedule the spring graduation ceremony.

Campus and student housing and dining facilities remain open, Guerrant said.

MSU facilities staff ramped up cleaning efforts about month ago in response to the coronavirus, Guerrant said, including using extra-strength disinfectants. Dining halls started cleaning surfaces and utensils at an increased rate in January, she said.

"We are strongly encouraging students to return to their permanent homes," she said. "But we know that we have students who don’t have that option."

MSU initially suspended face-to-face instruction after they learned that a student was being monitored for potential coronavirus. The student had contact with a Wayne County man who had tested positive for the virus. Ingham County Health Department officials later announced that the student tested negative for the disease.

Students headed to bars to celebrate cancellations

Wednesday night, students lined East Lansing streets waiting to get into local bars to celebrate the cancellation of in-person classes, despite the threat of the spreading coronavirus and health advice to use "social distance."

"I am very concerned and troubled by the photos and media coverage I’ve seen of crowded student lines at local East Lansing bars over the past few days," Stanley wrote in his statement Saturday.

"The spread of the novel coronavirus is very serious, and our students need to understand the critical importance of social distancing and how the virus can spread quickly in large crowds. I want to remind everyone again, that this is a time for personal responsibility and personal hygiene — make smart decisions to keep yourself healthy and please consider those around you."

On Friday Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order that prohibits most gatherings of 250 or more people. But East Lansing officials, after seeing the throngs of students lined up at watering holes and night clubs, say that number might be too high.

Violating the governor's order is a misdemeanor, but unless the inside crowd exceeds 250, it's unclear what actions the city could take.

MSU students and all Michigan residents should avoid crowds and try to keep at least six feet from other people in efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and other public health agencies.

Stanley urged students to be safe and wished them all well, thanking them and the community for their work to keep the campus running.

"The novel coronavirus is impacting all of us in some way," he wrote. "Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones."

Contact Mark Johnson at 517-377-1026 or at majohnson2@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByMarkJohnson.