ASU, UA, NAU keeping classes online through end of semester due to virus

PHOENIX — Arizona State, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona on Monday announced they are keeping all classes online through the end of the spring semester because of ongoing coronavirus concerns.

Arizona State University President Michael Crow said in a letter to the ASU community that the decision was made after new guidance Sunday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended suspending or canceling gatherings of more than 50 people for at least the next eight weeks.

Last week, the university said that all classes would be transitioning online for at least two weeks beginning Monday. The university was on spring break last week.

“We are already in this mode and off to a great start with more than 14,000 classes being offered online,” Crow said. “Details on continued online instruction for students will be communicated by faculty directly to students.”

Crow said that university housing and other university services would remain open to students during the change.

ASU is planning to announce additional instructions for ASU employees who have to work remote later, according to Crow.

UA and NAU announced similar online-only restrictions.

UA will move to online-only instruction beginning Wednesday.

NAU President Rita Cheng said the university will fully transition to online teaching on March 23.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Superintendent Kathy Hoffman on Sunday announced a statewide closure of K-12 schools until at least March 27 because of the virus.

Follow @DannyShapiro13