URI, Bryant, Roger Williams move to online classes over coronavirus concerns

Universities cancel face-to-face instruction, move to online classes

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Some Southern New England universities have decided to cancel face-to-face classes until the coronavirus outbreak is contained.

The University of Rhode Island is the latest to cancel classes at all of its campuses and move to online instruction. The school announced Wednesday that classes next week will be canceled, with online instruction starting March 23 and going until at least April 3.

URI’s residence halls will remain open and operational, but the school suggests that students don’t return until April 3.

“This is a difficult and extraordinary situation, and we recognize that people throughout our community are concerned for their personal health and that of their families and friends,” wrote President David Dooley.

Sweeping changes to on-campus activities, including sporting events were also announced at URI.  Starting Friday, March 13, all events of 100 or more participants were canceled or to be postponed until April 3. Sporting events currently scheduled will proceed, however they are closed to all spectators. Only players, coaches and essential staff are allowed to attend.

Bryant University announced Tuesday that they’d be switching to online classes until the end of the month, and their campus will remain open.

Roger Williams University also switched to online classes Tuesday, and officials said they will continue with online classes until further notice.

“When I heard about that I was really upset because I’m a senior. So I want to be on campus, I want to be in my classes, I want to see my friends,” said Megan Willgoos, ABC6 Intern and journalism major at RWU.

Willgoos, whose spring break was cut short after her friend had to quarantine from attending the Conservative Political Action Conference, said she’s disappointed that she can’t return to campus.

“It’s just not the same doing online classes. Everybody else is a little happy, and us seniors are like, well, we don’t get this again. This is our last few months to be together.”

Roger Williams students who lived on campus were also told they need to stay out of their residence halls, and spring break was extended an extra week.

“I definitely hope that we’re able to go back, especially for commencement, just because I would like to walk with all my friends,” said RWU senior Shafton Haley.

Brown University said they are prepared to move their courses online but have not yet made the decision.

Salve Regina University said they’ll make their decision by March 18, and in the meantime, told their students to bring materials needed for online coursework with them on spring break.

Rhode Island College, Providence College, and the Community College of Rhode Island have not yet decided to move to remote classes.

©WLNE-TV/ABC 6 2020