Coronavirus Updates

March 11, 2020

Dear Members of the Boston College Community:

     Concern about the coronavirus (COVID-19) has been increasing in our country and around the world for the last several months, and Boston College has been following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  Yesterday the Governor of Massachusetts declared a state of emergency and urged individuals and organizations to take whatever steps they could to limit the spread of this virus.

     No one at Boston College has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Nevertheless, given current circumstances and the importance of helping to safeguard not only our campus community but also wider society, I have decided that Boston College should take the following steps:

  1. Cancel all on-campus classes, effective tomorrow, March 12, through the end of the semester, including finals, and move to online instruction starting Thursday, March 19;

  2. Close University residence halls and require students to vacate their rooms starting Thursday, March 12, at 3:00 p.m., and ending Sunday, March 15, at 9:00 p.m.  Those who cannot return to their homes because of international travel restrictions, serious personal reasons, or University obligations must obtain written permission from the Office of Residential Life to remain in University housing. (They will likely need to relocate from their current room or apartment);

  3. Suspend on-campus academic events as well as University-sponsored travel to international and domestic locations, unless approved by the Provost, Executive Vice President, or the Office of the President.

  4. Continue to provide updates about COVID-19 and Boston College's response at bc.edu/coronavirus.  Those with urgent questions should send emails to covid19@bc.edu.

     All other University operations will continue at this time, and any changes will be communicated as necessary.

     Provost and Dean of Faculties David Quigley will send details about the transition to online learning, and Vice President for Student Affairs Joy Moore will provide information for students at Boston College.

     I realize that these decisions will bring challenges to many at Boston College, particularly members of the Class of 2020.  But knowing the abundant spirit, generosity, and commitment of our University community, I am confident that we will resolve any issues we face, and I ask that you join me in praying for those affected throughout the world by COVID-19.

 

                             Sincerely,

                             William P. Leahy, S.J.

                             President   

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