Trinity University dorms will be closed as of Monday afternoon. Fewer than 40 students have been granted exemptions to remain on campus.
🚨 Due to the continued spread of the coronavirus, Trinity University will extend its spring break through March 22 and close its residence halls for full-time occupancy for the rest of the spring semester. pic.twitter.com/nzzPoKyv9f
— Trinity University (@Trinity_U) March 11, 2020
For many seniors, the surprise announcement last week effectively marked the end of their time at Trinity.
I thought I would have more time to say goodbye to my professors, to my friends, and to Trinity.
— Theresa Ho (@hoherewego) March 12, 2020
I didn't realize that I wasn't ready to go.
Because the university has a three-year on-campus living requirement — and many seniors choose to remain in dorms during their senior year — the vast majority of students live on campus. Trinity is providing a prorated refund for students forced off campus.
Trinity made its decision while many students were out of town for spring break. Some students missed their chance to say goodbye.
We’re all grappling with not seeing our friends or significant others til possibly August. Some of us won’t get to say goodbye to our friends who are graduating soon.
— Carson Autri (@carsonautri) March 12, 2020
The university also announced that classes will be moved online for the rest of the semester.
On March 23, the University will transition to synchronous remote teaching for all classes for the remainder of the spring semester. Visit https://t.co/PGx0U4dtPu for FAQs and updates.
— Trinity University (@Trinity_U) March 11, 2020
For many professors — and students — the across-the-board shift to online classes raised concerns.
They're also worried about how labs will work, dealing w/ serious distractions at home, inconsistent internet access, time zone differences, being prepared for next course. Some don't have stable place to live. Some very worried for university staff incomes. 2/n
— Dr. Michele Johnson (@LizardMichele) March 13, 2020
Labs, ensembles, studio art classes and other courses that rely on in-person interaction and university-owned equipment are unlikely to continue as planned, but it is unclear how the university plans to handle the affected curriculum.
Thank you for sharing, Michele. Over the past few days I've written to colleagues with my concerns about the switch, pedagogically and contractually. I'm aghast at the one-size-fits-all decree of remote synchrony: a real impossibility for students and misunderstanding of teaching
— Benjamin Eldon Stevens, Ph.D. (@🏡) (@beldonstevens) March 13, 2020
Other San Antonio universities’ campuses and dorms remain open, although some are shifting courses online.
Transparency Note: The author of this story is a Trinity University senior.
Dominic Anthony can be reached at Dominic@TPR.org and on Twitter at @_DominicAnthony.
