Some students at Columbia University spent the weekend savoring what could be their final moments on campus for this academic school year.
While the university will remain open, it announced that all classes will be conducted online for the rest of the school year, as it grapples with health risks posed by the coronavirus outbreak.
Undergraduate students must leave residence halls by Tuesday. As of Monday, there was no decision yet made about commencement, which is scheduled for May 20.
“We recognize this is for almost everyone a major sacrifice, and are prepared to, and are preparing ourselves to, help in every way we can,” University President Lee Bollinger said in a statement. The school announced Sunday that one person at the school has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, though it was not clear whether that person was a member of the staff, faculty, or a student.
Students posed for photos wearing caps and gowns, in case a return for graduation will not happen.
“I know others are being hit by this much worse—not having a commencement is not the biggest tragedy that could happen to you, and I’m fortunate to have my health and a home to return to—but it still feels like a chapter hasn’t been closed yet,” said student Kate Hefner.
“I guess if I had known last week was going to be my final week on campus, I might’ve done some things differently,” she added.
