University of Lynchburg moves online after coviD-19 outbreak

University of Lynchburg joins the number of Virginia colleges moving online.

On Monday, the University of Lynchburg announced 35 positive cases of COVID-19 among its residential student population, resulting in a transition to distance learning until further notice.

The university reported a total of 35 active COVID-19 cases. 

“I think the [university] did well preparing us for the transition,” Senior Criminology student Erica Terry said. “At first it was kind of like we were in school and everything was kind of hybrid, so some of the classes would be online one day and then we would meet in person the next.”

Terry said that the residence halls and university offices have remained open, but students have been told that no visitors are allowed on campus during this time.

“I think it’s just hard as students because we want to be on campus and I think that’s kind of the hardest part,” Terry said. “We want to be in the classrooms and with our peers but we just can’t.”

University of Lynchburg students are advised to limit social gatherings and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

“I thought we would make it a lot longer than we did but it was like, we were a week in and now we’re going to be two weeks online,” Terry said.

Other universities across the state of Virginia have been forced to take similar precautions in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Among those are Virginia State University, James Madison University, and Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Preventive measures such as free COVID-19 testing, daily self-monitoring questionnaires regarding coronavirus exposure risks and symptoms, take-out dining options, social distancing and mask-wearing are rigorously regulated at numerous universities.

“It spreads fast,” Terry said. “I didn’t think it would happen so quickly. Especially since we’re such a small school, but it’s only been two weeks and here we are.”

According to their website, the University of Lynchburg is home to 2,100 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students, representing 38 states and 15 foreign countries. Of the 3,100 students, 74% live on campus.

“The masks are mandatory and most people follow the rules even outside, so I don’t really know where we went wrong,” Terry said.  “I guess you can only do so much.”

Addi Tarr is a News Reporter. Follow her on Twitter at @addi_tarr.