SMU announced Friday afternoon that all classes will be moved online for the remainder of the Spring semester, due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19.

In an email to students and faculty, President Turner stated the decision was made to “align with declarations from federal, state and Dallas County health authorities.”

“Your health is of utmost importance during this time, so we all need to take serious precautions about social distancing, hand washing and other preventive and protective measures,” President Turner said in the email. “We must look out for each other – not just ourselves.”

Residence Life and Student Housing will announce when students who live on campus can return to retrieve their belongings by Friday, March 27. The email advised students, “please do not come to campus to retrieve your belongings until you receive guidance from RLSH.”

SMU is deciding how to handle “refunds for certain charges such as residence halls and dining.”

Starting Monday, March 23, the university will only allow essential personnel on campus until April 3. All faculty and staff will “be paid during this period” the email statement added.

The Dr. Bob Hope Health Center will remain open during normal hours and no decisions are finalized about whether or not Commencement on May 16 will go on as scheduled.