SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NewsNation) — Class is back in session for many universities, but concerns over the spread of coronavirus may halt in-person learning.
The University of Notre Dame, Michigan State University, and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have transitioned to remote learning shortly after reopening for in-person classes.
The University of Notre Dame is now moving undergraduate courses online for two weeks, and Michigan State University is going entirely remote for the semester. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is remote for undergraduate students only.
These universities site social gatherings and off-campus living as the possible cause of spiked COVID-19 cases.
Syracuse University is now under investigation following a Wednesday night quad outing. A viral video shows a large group of first-year students gathered and running through campus.
According to the university, this action may have done enough damage to shut down the campus, including residence halls and in-person learning, before the academic semester even begins.
Students at Penn State University were also seen partying in a large crowd. The video began circulating on social media Wednesday night.
Penn State University’s president Eric Barron said in a statement, “It’s important all students understand that the consequences for violations include possible expulsion.” Barron continued, “We also announced this morning that a fraternity was put on interim suspension for a potential violation of COVID-19 rules regarding socials.”
It is uncertain how universities across the country will safely mitigate the spread of COVID-19 all while maintaining the structure of in-person classes.
NewsNation affiliates WSYR and WTAJ contributed to this report.