Emory University unveiled more stringent plans Friday to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on its campuses for the fall semester that includes limiting on-campus housing to one student per room, lowering the number of students taking in-person classes and postponing sports through January.
Additionally, all undergraduate and graduate student clubs and activities, including fraternities and sororities, will be held virtually for the fall semester, the university also said.
Emory, Georgia’s largest private institution, is requiring all students and faculty to agree to a “community compact” to follow the rules concerning campus activities and other guidelines recommended by health experts, such as frequent hand washing and social distancing. The penalties for violating the rules include expulsion.
Emory ended in-person instruction in March as federal officials announced a national health emergency because of the coronavirus pandemic. In June, the university announced it would reduce class sizes and require mandatory COVID-19 testing for students living in dorms.
Emory said on its website Friday, where the new rules are posted, that in-person instruction would be limited to students making ”meaningful progress toward graduation in the coming academic year” and a few other categories. Students not listed in categories to be allowed to take classes in person “should stay where they are and not travel to Atlanta for the fall semester.”
“Our intention was to bring all members of our community back this fall for in-person learning but the current COVID-19 conditions in our region prevent this option,” Emory said.
Face coverings will be required at all times on campus, Emory officials said. Students who test positive will receive a temporary housing assignment at a specific location on its campuses. Visitors, for now, are not allowed on the campuses.
Emory said it will not increase tuition for the upcoming school year. Last year’s tuition was more than $50,000.
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