Local college students won’t return to campus this school year.
Franklin College will continue virtual learning for the rest of the spring semester, but will still look to hold commencement for graduating seniors.
President Kerry Prather made the announcement Tuesday in a video posted to the college’s YouTube channel. College officials initially planned to make a decision about strategies for the rest of the semester on April 5, but due to the rapidly growing COVID-19 outbreak, decided it would be best to avoid in-person classes, exams and activities for the rest of the semester, Prather said.
The college suspended classes on March 13, and sent the majority of on-campus students home.
“Franklin (College) has withstood many challenges for nearly 200 years and we will emerge from this one stronger than ever because of our commitment to one another,” Prather said. “Over the coming weeks, we will touch base with you as often as possible from as many corners of campus as possible.”
As of Wednesday, there were more than 450,000 COVID-19 cases worldwide. The virus has killed 14 Hoosiers, including three people in Johnson County, according to the latest numbers from the Indiana State Department of Health.
College administrators will do everything in their power to make sure commencement happens, he said.
“My promise to the Class of 2020—you have been through a very challenging academic year in many respects—we will do everything possible to make sure you have a special day of celebration. We will keep you informed as soon as possible if there are any changes necessary to the date or the format, but our goal is to celebrate with you and your family the impressive achievement of graduation from Franklin College.”
