HAMPTON, Va. - Due to concerns over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Hampton University will continue learning remotely for the rest of the semester, Hampton University President William R. Harvey announced Wednesday.
Dr. Harvey said students have been "doing quite well" with virtual instruction. To help students, the course withdrawal deadline has been changed to April 10.
Additionally, the university's commencement exercises have been postponed rather than canceled. Once students complete all academic and financial requirements, their degrees will be mailed to the graduating seniors' permanent home addresses.
"The decision to postpone instead of cancel Commencement was made because we feel so strongly about the importance of the ceremony to students, their families, alumni and the entire Hampton University community," Dr. Harvey said, adding that it was a "difficult decision to make."
The 2020 Commencement is now scheduled for September 25, conditions permitting. This is also the date of Hampton's Opening Convocation Ceremony.
Dr. Harvey also said currently it is not in the best interest of the health and safety of the Hampton community for students to return to campus, so the university has established a four-day period when students can retrieve their belongings from their dorms. The dates that have been set aside for students to retrieve their belongings are May 7, 8, 9 and 10; however, these dates are subject to change based on the conditions and status of the pandemic. Students will hear directly from Dr. Barbara L. Inman and the Office of Student Affairs regarding specific details.
The university will fund travel for international students currently on campus to return to their homes. Should traveling home not be an option, the university will fund travel to an alternative location, Harvey said.
"We will all make it through this when we work together and do what is best for ourselves and each other," Dr. Harvey said.
Click here for more information on how Hampton University is working through the COVID-19 pandemic.
