Pitt, Duquesne go online only for rest of semester; Duquesne closes dorms

The University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University announced Sunday that they have committed to online-only classes for the remainder of the semester amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Duquesne also announced it is closing dorms for the rest of the semester and asked students living on campus to return home.

“We have concluded that, given recent events, it is nearly impossible that the situation will resolve by March 31,” Duquesne University President Ken Gormley wrote in a statement. “Therefore, I wanted to let you know that the university has decided to move entirely to online instruction for the rest of the semester.”

Last week, Gormley left open the possibility that the semester might return to normal. The confirmation of covid-19 cases in Allegheny County has made the university’s plan of action more clear.

Pitt is limiting public access to several facilities, including the Cathedral of Learning, Hillman Library and Heinz Chapel. All public events have been canceled at the Community Engagement Centers and University Club, as well as fitness and recreation facilities. The university’s Office of Financial Aid and Admissions is closed to in-person meetings.

Online courses at Pitt will begin March 23.

“These changes, which will be effective through the end of the current semester, mean that distance learning strategies will replace all face-to-face classes in satisfying the academic requirements toward a student’s degree,” Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said in a statement.

Online courses will also begin at Carnegie Mellon University on Monday. Carnegie Mellon released detailed instructions Sunday to prepare students for the transition, offering a series of tips on how to make the most of the digital experience.

CMU also all but has committed to online-only learning through the rest of the academic year.

“This situation is rapidly evolving, but the Carnegie Mellon community should plan for remote teaching and learning to continue through the end of the semester,” said a statement from CMU President Farnam Jahanian.

Nearly every university in Western Pennsylvania shuttered classrooms last week, extending spring breaks and preparing professors to transition to online learning.