Pepperdine Suspends In-Person Classes Due To Coronavirus Concerns

MALIBU, CA — Pepperdine University is suspending in-person classes for the rest of the semester to limit the potential spread of the new coronavirus, according to a message from university President Jim Gash.

The last day of in-person classes across all campuses will be Friday. The university will transition to online classes starting Monday, and continue online for the remainder of the spring semester, the statement said.

"We fully appreciate that these steps are inconvenient — even disruptive — and unlike any we’ve ever had to take before," Gash said. "Please know these decisions are made with great care, and with your health and safety as our top priority."

Local students who live on campus must move out by 3 p.m. Sunday. Exception requests for students who have a need to remain on campus can be made by completing this form. International students should contact the Office of International Student Services to "seek further guidance and support during this time," the statement said.

Seaver College students and faculty are invited to attend an online informational town hall at 10 a.m. where further information will be provided.

The university is also canceling or postponing "non-essential Pepperdine events with expected attendance of 100 or more" through the end of March.

"We sincerely hope we will be able to host commencement ceremonies as scheduled, but we will make a final decision on these events at a later date based upon information available at that time," Gash said.

The university remains open and staff will continue to work as normal during the transition period, the statement said. All faculty and staff are encouraged to attend an online informational town hall at 3 p.m. today, the statement said.

Pepperdine is also restricting all non-essential international and domestic travel for employees through March 31.

"We are grateful for your understanding, your partnership, and your confidence in Pepperdine University," Gash said.

For more information, visit the Pepperdine University website.

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There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Pepperdine University is a private Christian college in Malibu. Pepperdine University is at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263.