Emory Student Residents Told To Leave Campus Due To Coronavirus Concerns

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Emory University has directed student residents to vacate by the end of next week amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus.

Laurie Ray is one of several Emory University students scrambling to pack their belongings after getting word all student residents need to leave the campus by next week.

The university's decision comes amidst growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

University System of Georgia has canceled classes at all 26 schools for two weeks starting Monday. Savannah College of Art and Design announced Thursday classes are moving to digital learning.

Emory University sent an email to students on Thursday, saying student residents should "collect belongings and move out of their spaces between now and Sunday, March 22 at 5 p.m." After that, student residencies will be closed for the rest of the spring semester.

The university's choice to close campus housing has left students like Ray trying to find a place to stay.

"I’m overwhelmed and shocked," Ray said. "I know this is the best public health move but it’s really going to screw over so many students’ living situations and financial stuff."

Emory students have begun setting up shared Google drive documents with resources for places to stay and share contact information for those who need help moving their things quickly.

"I’m lucky that my family lives in state," Ray said. "I don’t know what I’d do if I was an international student or lived out of state."

Emory was the first university in the state to switch to digital learning for the semester amidst the coronavirus outbreak. A statement announcing Emory's decision was sent to all students, faculty and staff on Wednesday, March 11 by Interim Provost Jan Love.

“Effective immediately, Emory University will extend spring break for students until Sunday, March 22, 2020, and transition to remote learning for graduate and undergraduate classes on Monday, March 23, 2020. Residential learning will be suspended for the remainder of the semester while the university remains open.”

In addition to switching to digital learning, the university has also extended spring break by a week.