Murray State University will instruct courses exclusively through online means for the remainder of the spring semester, and close all campuses to the general public, President Bob Jackson announced Tuesday. This follows the first confirmed case of the new coronavirus in Western Kentucky — in Lyon County.
“This is an unprecedented international public health issue which is changing daily,” Jackson said in an email. “These decisions, which are very difficult to make for our university, are done with great thought and consideration with review of state and national directives.”
Jackson said residence halls will not reopen following the end of the university’s spring break. Students will receive instructions Wednesday to move out, and personal items from students are expected to be out of residence halls by March 27.
He also said while he understands some students cannot leave the residence halls because of various circumstances, “very few exceptions” can be made regarding who is allowed to stay. Not all housing contract provisions will be enforced during the transition, and information will be made “forthcoming” regarding dining and housing refunds for students.
All campus activities are also cancelled or postponed through May 15. Commencement, scheduled for May 9, is postponed to a future date. Jackson said he is also encouraging staff and faculty to work remotely.
University updates regarding the coronavirus can be found at https://murraystate.edu/healthupdate
