Illustration by Andrea Nebhut

This article is a part of the Trinitonian’s coverage of Trinity University’s response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here to read the rest of our coverage.

Updated March 11 at 5:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, March 11, at 4:17 p.m., Trinity University announced its decision to cancel classes and close residence halls due to concerns of the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. University president Danny Anderson delivered the announcement in a campus-wide email, the second official notice students received from the university in the last week regarding COVID-19.

“Beginning March 23, the University will transition to synchronous remote teaching online for all graduate and undergraduate classes for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester,” the email reads. “All classes will be canceled March 16-20, and residence halls and City Vista will be effectively closed beginning Monday, March 16. Students may return to campus during the suspended semester only to collect any personal belongings and check out of their on-campus housing in the coming weeks.”

The Residential Life Office sent an email to on-campus students ensuring they will receive reimbursement. More details to come.

For students unable to return to their permanent residences, the university will consider exemptions to remain on campus. The email also included that Trinity Athletics will be canceled for the remainder of the year.

There are no cases on campus currently, and the university’s decision is primarily to prevent exposure of the virus.

“Please know that this decision was not made lightly. Trinity is a close-knit community, and we pride ourselves on our personal approach to academic collaboration and strong interpersonal relationships,” Anderson wrote in the email. “We understand the strain it will cause for everyone. We care deeply for our students, and we want the best for them.”

Trinity’s announcement follows similar announcements from other Texas schools, including University of Texas-San Antonio and Alamo Colleges, which announced an extension of their spring breaks on Wednesday.

“University offices and campus services will remain open and continue operations for the foreseeable future. At this critical time, it is important that all hands are on deck to support our students,” the email reads.

More information will be available to students in the coming days.