BALTIMORE ­– Loyola University Maryland announced today that it will hold all undergraduate classes online-only during the fall of 2020.

Previously, the Patriot League had cancelled fall sporting competitions; decisions will be made in the future about winter and spring competitions.

"All of us in athletics recognize the incredibly difficult decisions that have been made regarding our return to campus this fall; however, we also appreciate the continued commitment to the health and safety of the entire Loyola University community," said Donna M. Woodruff, Loyola's assistant vice president and director of athletics. "We will now work to identify the best plans for continuing to provide the most positive experience possible for our student-athletes."  

Following is information from the University:

After reviewing the national and statewide effects of COVID-19, Loyola University Maryland's Board of Trustees and leadership have decided the University will offer online-only instruction to its undergraduate students for the fall semester. Graduate programs, which are mainly part-time programs for adult learners, will also be offered primarily online.

"Our carefully researched and well-formulated plans to welcome students in person were predicated on a model that expected COVID-19 to die down over the summer," Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president, wrote in a message to the Loyola community. "That transition would have given us the opportunity to open the University as scheduled. Unfortunately, the data has proven that did not happen."

While acknowledging the students' grief over the loss of this time in person, he encouraged them to make the most of this time and look forward to being together. Loyola intends to welcome undergraduate students back for a full residential and academic experience for the Spring 2021 semester.

Further updates from Loyola can be found on the University's Coronavirus Update page.