Marist College Transitions to Online Classes Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

In what was described as a “difficult decision,” Marist College President Dennis Murray announced that all classes will be moved online for the remainder of the spring semester due to growing coronavirus concerns.

“We have not made these decisions lightly, and this is certainly not the outcome we had hoped for when the coronavirus crisis began,” wrote Murray in an email sent to the community Monday afternoon. “The Marist community thrives on personal interaction, engagement, friendships, and mutual support, and those are made more challenging by these decisions.”

Online classes will begin on Monday, Mar. 30 following the extended spring break period. 

The address stated that students will receive an additional email on Friday from the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Thomas Wermuth, to further explain the transition to remote learning.

Furthermore, all residence halls will be closed for the rest of the semester. Students living on campus will have until Apr. 30 to move out their belongings, as stated in an email by Vice President for Student Affairs Deborah DiCaprio.

Housing will remain open for limited exceptions, such as for international students who cannot return home or students “with specific academic obligations that require residency at the College.” These exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the students will be housed in a manner consistent with social distancing, according to Murray. 

President Murray has not made a final decision regarding commencement activities for graduating students. 

“I am particularly disappointed for our seniors, because the last few months of a senior year have many special moments and occasions,” he stated. “I am keeping open the possibility that we will be able to do something special for our seniors later in the semester, but clearly this will be dictated by the changing public health conditions we face.”

“We find ourselves in an unprecedented global health crisis, and the safety of all members of the Marist community must be paramount,” closed Murray. “Like you, I am saddened that it has come to this, but I hope you understand that these actions have become necessary.  Despite the current challenges, Marist remains a tight-knit community, and I know we will all continue to support one another as we weather this storm.”

For more information, visit the Marist College coronavirus webpage, https://www.marist.edu/coronavirus-updates.