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Bethune-Cookman University switching to online courses for remainder of fall semester

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach is switching to online classes for the rest of the fall semester due to a spike in COVID-19 cases on campus.

They’d already announced plans to cancel sports for the rest of the year because of the coronavirus.

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Face-to-face courses stopped completely Wednesday.

All remaining courses, final exams, and projects for the remaining three weeks of the semester will be offered remotely, according to an announcement from University President E. Labrent Chrite.

“We know there was anxiousness with parents and some of our students so we wanted those students who so desired or had the wherewithal to be able to depart for the Thanksgiving and Christmas break early,” Chrite said.

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B-CU officials are also encouraging students to “expedite” their plans to leave campus, starting this week.

Students will be allowed to be on campus through the last day of finals, Nov. 20.

Those students who stay on campus will be required to adhere to a “strict set of guidelines” including a curfew and shelter in place order that will be enforced by Housing and Residence Life staff conducting nightly curfew checks.

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University officials say students caught violating the curfew will be removed from campus housing.

In his letter to the B-CU community, Chrite says University officials are “still exploring” plans for the spring semester.