URI Asks Students To Leave Campus Right After Finals

KINGSTON, RI — It's finals season on college campuses, traditionally a time for marathon study sessions and post-exam celebrations. With COVID-19 cases on the rise in the region and across the country, the University of Rhode Island is asking students to head home as soon as they finish their last exam.

In a statement, the university made it clear that it is still open, and that there are no plans to move to remote final exams.

"We know that you want to stay healthy and safe so that you can fully celebrate this special time without bringing a dangerous and unwanted guest like COVID-19 to gatherings," the university said. "The best way to do that is to leave your off-campus rental house, campus residence hall or Greek house as soon as you can after your last in-person final examination."

University officials asked students to avoid gathering with anyone other than those they live with, to help slow the spread of the virus on campus. Students are also urged to get tested before heading home.

Read the full statement here.