Dear Campus Community:

Because Old Dominion University places top priority on the health and safety of its community, the University decided today to extend spring break for one week, suspend in-person classes and move them online for the immediate future.

We plan to resume all classes, online, on Monday, March 23. We will monitor developments and update the campus about any changes by Monday, April 6.

I want to reassure you that there are no suspected cases of COVID-19 on the campus or in the University community at this time. But the World Health Organization has declared the spread of novel coronavirus a pandemic, and more than 1,000 cases have been confirmed across the country. Our goal is to safeguard the health of our community, following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health.

Therefore, we urge students who are still on campus this week to return home by the weekend and those who have left for spring break to remain home. Students will receive more details about online classes, as well as when they will be able to retrieve their belongings from campus.

Faculty members also will receive guidance on transitioning to online instruction, how to continue their research and other topics.

Faculty and staff will continue to report to work, and the campus and its buildings will remain open. But those who feel sick should stay at home and follow existing protocols regarding notifying supervisors or chairs and using sick leave.

In keeping with CDC recommendations to promote social distancing, Old Dominion will cancel all University events until further notice.

Athletic events will continue, with restrictions. Only family members and essential staff will be permitted to attend indoor athletic events. A limited number of spectators will be allowed for outdoor athletic events. For more information, consult the Athletics website.

I urge you to bookmark and continue to refer to odu.edu/covid19, where we will post updates regularly and have an extensive FAQ. I appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate an unprecedented challenge. Our goal is to minimize the inevitable disruption and provide students with a successful completion of their spring semester.

Sincerely,

John R. Broderick

President