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A spirit that is not afraid

Auburn University suspends on-campus instruction for 2020 summer semester, cancels study abroad

<p>Toilet paper hangs from a tree in Samford Park on Sunday, Nov. 26 in Auburn, Ala.</p>

Toilet paper hangs from a tree in Samford Park on Sunday, Nov. 26 in Auburn, Ala.

Auburn University announced it has suspended in-person classes for this year's summer semester and canceled this summer's study abroad programs.

The University's summer semester consists of three sessions. The first two will be delivered remotely and a decision on the the third will be made by June 1, the University said.

The decision comes after the announcement that the entirety of the spring semester will be finished remotely in an effort to practice social distancing and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended higher education institutions cancel study abroad programs due to global concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Office of International Programs is working with students to refund any program fees paid for spring and summer semesters. Students who had planned to study abroad should work with their academic advisors to identify potential summer course alternatives where possible.

"While I am hopeful that the risks associated with COVID-19 will lessen in the coming weeks and months, Auburn must continue to do its part to decrease the chances of transmitting the virus and protect the health of others," said President Jay Gogue. "I know this decision is disappointing for our students and faculty who had planned to study abroad this summer. However, I am confident that limiting travel and continuing remote instruction for the foreseeable future is the best way that Auburn can actively help to slow the transmission of the virus."

Registration for the summer semester opens on Monday, April 6 and continues through the start of each of the three sessions.

Click here to see The Plainsman's full coverage of COVID-19 in the Auburn-Opelika area.


Eduardo Medina | Editor-in-chief



Eduardo Medina, senior in journalism, is the editor-in-chief of The Auburn Plainsman.


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