Baylor University late Monday afternoon announced it’s extending online instruction through the end of the spring semester, postponing May commencement exercises and urging students not to return to campus as part of the nationwide effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“The pace of the nation’s response to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) scaled up exponentially over the weekend and today. As such, we must all do our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus – or as epidemiologists say, “flatten the curve” – by exercising significant “social distancing,” such as avoiding public spaces, eliminating large gatherings of more than 10 people and generally limiting movement,” Baylor President Linda Livingstone said in a letter to students, faculty, staff and parents.

Because of the guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May graduation ceremonies will be postponed, she said.

“I share in the disappointment for all of our students on pace to graduate in May. Please know that Baylor will still confer degrees in May for those who satisfy their academic requirements. We also know how meaningful it is for graduates to walk across the stage at Commencement, and we plan to extend that opportunity to our spring graduates at an August ceremony,” she said.

The university has also extended suspension of events through the end of the semester.

Residence halls will be restricted to students who have no other option rather than living on campus through the end of the semester including those whose homes are outside of the U.S.; those whose internships or practicums require on-site presence; those who are independent students, part of the foster care program; those whose families do not have permanent addresses; those whose home communities are quarantined; those for whom returning home would represents a health/safety threat, and those who would be prevented by a return home from accessing courses remotely because of insufficient internet and technology capabilities.

“We ask that you make the best decision based on your own health and safety; however, we strongly encourage students that you not return to campus or to Waco, as available activities and services are becoming more and more limited,” Livingstone said.

“If you are home for the extended spring break at your permanent residence, you are encouraged to remain there. If you have returned to Waco and have the ability to return to your permanent residence, you should seriously consider doing so as soon as practicable.”

Campus dining will be limited to grab-and-go meals at one location.

“As we walk through these significant challenges together, let us remember to heed Jesus’ command to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Let us be kind, gentle and compassionate and help each other through these difficult and emotional circumstances. This is new to all of us, and we are forging a path forward together,” Livingstone wrote.

— KWTX 10