RI Coronavirus: URI Suspends In-Person Classes All Semester

KINGSTON, RI — Effective immediately, the University of Rhode Island is switching entirely to remote instruction for the rest of the spring semester, the university announced Thursday. The university remains open and operational, and a hotline is available for students with questions.

In a statement, URI also said it is considering the possibility that summer session courses could also be held remotely, and final decisions about summer classes for Sessions I, II and III will be announced soon.

According to the statement, graduate and faculty research will continue as usual — with an emphasis on social distancing — and thesis and dissertation defenses will be completed remotely and are limited only to the student and committee in attendance.

Students working on experiential learning programs should consult directly with their college, supervisor or employer about their ongoing internships or clinics.

The university said it will deliver more information about the cancellation of housing and dining by noon on Friday, March 20. A schedule allowing students to remove personal items from undergraduate residence halls will be provided along with information about housing and dining refunds.

Graduate housing, meanwhile, will continue to operate with limited access to certain services.

Students are asked to refrain from going to campus to remove personal items until further guidance is provided by the university.

On the topic of housing, URI also said it's working to support students who have to stay on campus for personal or family reasons.

"URI’s housing and dining operations will remain operational to meet your needs through the conclusion of the spring semester and as long as the University remains operational," university officials said in the statement.

Students who live off-campus or in Greek Life houses are asked to contact their housing corporations or landlords directly with questions about leasing or housing refunds.

Read more: Coronavirus In RI: URI Latest School To Cancel In-Person Classes

Students who anticipated graduating in the Spring 2020 commencement ceremony on May 16 can anticipate a decision from the university no later than Tuesday, March 24, the university said.

"First and foremost, we are committed to ensuring that our students and their families are able to remain safe and that their health and well-being are protected," URI officials wrote.

A plan for the in-person graduation ceremony scheduled for May had not been announced as of Thursday afternoon.

Students who have traveled outside of the country since Feb. 29 are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of their return to the U.S.

Anyone entering self-quarantine or showing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus is asked to contact their health provider and URI Health Services at 401-874-2246. Symptoms of the new coronavirus include cough, fever and shortness of breath.

Anyone with questions about the university's response to the COVID-19 virus can contact its informational hotline at 401-874-3082. The hotline is staffed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.