HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University President Jerome Gilbert says Marshall will offer additional classes virtually during the fall semester because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an e-mail to the Marshall community Wednesday afternoon, Gilbert said “in light of the rising number of COVID-19 cases across our region and actions being taken by other universities around the country, we have decided to transition more fall courses to Virtual (live, remote) delivery than originally planned.”
Gilbert said Marshall still plans to begin its semester on Aug. 24 with its residence halls opening under a previously announced plan.
Instruction will take place face-to-face, virtual and online, Gilbert said.
“The Virtual mode of instruction we will provide … is different than the strictly online options many universities are moving to, and we believe it gives our students a distinct advantage,” Gilbert said.
Similar to what West Virginia University announced earlier this week, freshmen and some graduate level students will take part in most of the in-person classes.
“Freshmen, some Graduate and most Professional students can expect some combination of Face-to-Face and Virtual courses. It is especially important that freshmen are able to get as close a traditional introduction to college life as possible. Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors can expect mostly Virtual courses,” Gilbert wrote.