Outer Banks Times

The classrooms at Hampton University will remain vacant through the spring 2021 semester over health concerns.

Virginia-based Hampton University President William Harvey said based on concerns about recent COVID-19 trends, WAVY.com reported on Oct. 22.

With the virus cases surging into the fall season across the country, and a vaccine not expected for the general public until next year, Harvey said that it was "in the best interest of the entire Hampton University community" to keep students attending the school virtually, WAVY reported.

The president said it was not an easy decision to make.

"[...] We miss our students greatly," Harvey said, WAVY reported. "We would prefer that all of our lives return to the normalcy we now recognize as 'before the pandemic.' However, this is not presently possible."

While Harvey said that, for the most part, the student body is adjusting well to virtual learning, the pandemic has posed additional stressors, including loved ones contracting and passing away from the virus.

Hampton University will implement additional wellness breaks for the students next year to make things easier as supplements to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day break and spring break, WAVY reported.

The university president has asked professors to record their lectures so students may view them at a later time, as well.

"Each decision that we make is made with you in mind as we continue our legacy as THE Standard of Excellence. Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay positive!" Harvey said, WAVy reported.