On March 18, President Brian F. Linnane informed the Loyola community that the University will extend online-only instruction through the close of the spring semester. 

“As we continue to get clear guidance from government and health officials, we have no option but to keep instruction online through the end of the academic year,” Linnane said in his email this morning. 

In addition to the extension of online course instruction, Linanne announced the postponement of the 2020 Commencement.

Linnane did confirm the Class of 2020 “will have a Commencement, even if the timing of those festivities is beyond our control at this moment.”

Linnane also announced the University’s plan to “provide an appropriate prorated refund or credit for room and board.” Because of the complexity of this situation, the community will receive more information in the near future. 

The email also addressed the current move-out situation for students. Because of “the current challenges around travel and social distancing, [the University is] unable to determine a time frame that will work for students to come back to empty their residence hall rooms, safely,” Linnane said. 

Housing selection will also be postponed, as the Office of Student Life will communicate directly with the student body going forward.

Currently, Loyola’s campus “remains open to faculty, staff, administrators, and the very limited number of students with exceptional circumstances who have permission to stay.”

In conclusion, Linnane said:

“With each day’s news, we encounter new challenges. Difficult as it may be, I encourage you also to view those as possible opportunities—for learning, for connecting with others, for reflecting, and for keeping a hopeful eye on the future…During this time, I will continue to pray for you and feel grateful for the strength and compassion of our wonderful Loyola community. God bless you.” 

Continue to check back with The Greyhound for further updates on the University’s response to the coronavirus.