Carleton University cancelling March Break events, may move to online classes

By Mike Vlasveld

A number of large events at Carleton University have been cancelled, while its President and Vice-Chancellor says the school may have to move to online instruction for the rest of the term due to coronavirus concerns.

The March Break Open House, FIRST Robotics competition, Athletics March Break Camp and Relay for Life have all been concelled in an attempt to curb the transmission of COVID-19.

President and Vice-Chancellor Benoit-Antoine Bacon said the safety of the Carleton community is the top priority.

“All structures are in place to make decisions quickly in a rapidly changing environment,” he wrote in a statement, Thursday. “This is a matter of making the right decisions at the right moment, neither prematurely nor too late.”

Bacon said the semester is not at risk, but teachers have been notified that they may have to move classes online for the rest of the term. That transition could come as soon as next week.

A full contingency plan for final exams is being finalized and will be communicated shortly by the Provost.

There are no COVID-19 cases in the Carleton community, but there are a few people who are self-isolating due to recent travel. The university said it's “undertaken appropriate mitigation measures under the direction of Ottawa Public Health.”

As of Thursday, the school is suspending all travel outside Canada “that is not vital to its academic mission.” More detailed information is expected to be released by Monday at the latest. The university added that it will reimburse cancelled plane tickets and “any other reasonable expenses incurred.”

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