Coronavirus In RI: Roger Williams Transitions To Online Learning

BRISTOL, RI — Roger Williams University is the latest school in Rhode Island to cancel in-person classes amid concerns of the new coronavirus. Residence and dining halls will be closed until further notice, all residence and dining halls will be closed, school offiicals said, and online instruction will begin on March 23 and continue "as long as necessary."

"While there are no known cases of coronavirus within our campus community, we are taking these steps to limit exposure to the virus among our community, their families, and our neighbors," the school said in a statement.

Students can expect more information about the next steps in the coming days, the message said, with more information about when students can enter their dorms and retrieve their belongings. Faculty and staff will remain on campus as usual to prepare for long-distance learning. Every Wednesday, the university will send students an update about residence halls and other campus buildings every Wednesday. More information is available on the university's COVID-19 website.

The university had already suspended study abroad programs in countries declared "Level 3" by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and canceled all trips planned for spring break.

The announcement was made late Tuesday night, the same day the Bryant University announced it would be transitioning to online instruction as well.

The University of Rhode Island and Community College of Rhode Island have also taken preventive measures, canceling study abroad and planned travel.

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