Iowa City Today

As students and faculty at the University of Iowa gear up for the first day of virtual instruction, they are also preparing for the new learning environment to last much longer than originally planned.

The University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa have all announced that its courses will be conducted online for the remainder of the spring semester to further prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports the universities were originally scheduled to start up in-person classes again after April 3.

“At the University of Iowa, it is in our nature to persevere,” IU President Bruce Harreld and Executive VP Montse Fuentes said in a message on the IU website. “This institution is a strong one, and we will weather this crisis just as we have others that have come before. That said, the COVID-19 pandemic presents a true challenge, and we must make what may seem like sweeping efforts to keep campus safe. Many of the changes we implement will be difficult and may leave some disappointed, but our chief responsibility is to the health and safety of the UI and Johnson County communities.”

Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa echoed similar sentiments of protecting public health in messages to their respective campus communities.

While students are moving out of residence halls, each of the universities are making arrangements for those who can’t. Spring commencement ceremonies have been canceled for the universities and students will have the opportunity to participate in alternative celebrations or a future commencement ceremony. The University of Northern Iowa will be further extending its virtual instruction with its summer courses.

The Iowa Department of Public Health reports there are 179 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state. Johnson County has the most with 49 cases.