UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio — John Carroll University announced this week that it has delayed in-person living and learning for three weeks but affirms many student services will be available online.

According to the university, classes will start online on Aug. 31.

JCU cited the increased infection rate among younger adults as one of the reasons behind its decision.

“The fact that cases have not declined as expected over the summer and the infection rate among younger individuals has increased requires us to take additional time to carefully monitor the situation in the coming weeks,” JCU President Michael D. Johnson said in a statement issued this week on the school’s website.

The availability of "consistent, reliable testing" is another reason JCU is taking extra precautions.

"Presently, we are prepared to test symptomatic students and provide quarantine and isolation options for students living on our campus. While we have conferred with medical partners and explored a number of options for rapid testing of asymptomatic individuals, the limited availability of such tests and the slow turnaround time for test results have made securing consistent and reliable testing of asymptomatic individuals across the campus community difficult at the moment," said Johnson. "Given the rate of infection in our county and Ohio, we are actively reviewing the current situation regarding testing, including evolving public health and medical advice and available testing capabilities, and need additional time to make a determination on the best alternative for the health and safety of our campus."

The university said it is monitoring the situation to determine its next steps regarding the three-week delay. At this time, it’s unclear if the delay could extend to the full semester. A decision regarding the rest of the semester will be made no later than Sept. 8, school officials said. Student residents will be provided with updated information regarding revised move-in dates the week of Aug. 24.

The school said it is consulting with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health as well as the Cleveland Clinic about the pandemic.

“We are actively reviewing the current situation regarding testing, including evolving public health and medical advice and available testing capabilities, before making a determination on the best options for the health and safety of our campus,” the university stated.

During the three-week delay, the campus will remain open, but access to buildings will be limited. Students should use their university ID cards to enter the buildings.

Below is a list of current building hours. It should be noted that hours are subject to change:

• D.J. Lombardo Student Center — Open everyday from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Grasselli Library and Breen Learning Center | Services Also Available Virtually | In-Person Days/Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mail and Copy Center | Monday to Thursday, 9:00 - 1:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 9 - 11:30 a.m. |
• RecPlex | Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.; Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Closed on Sunday
• Rodman Hall (for Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, and Billing) | Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

Additionally, the following services are available virtually:

• Academic Success Center
• Campus Ministry
• Career Center
• Center for Service and Social Action (CSSA)
• Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI)
• Counseling Center
• Learning Commons
• Office of Student Engagement
• Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
• Student Health and Wellness Center
• Writing Center

"Students contribute so much to the culture of John Carroll University, and we miss your energy each day you are not with us on campus. It is safe to say that this generation will be shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is too early to reflect on and discern the impact of this unsettling time, I remain assured that Jesuit-educated leaders will continue to be in high demand to help us emerge stronger, smarter, kinder, and with the perspective needed to lead and serve," said Johnson. "In the midst of difficult days, I am so encouraged by the care, compassion, patience, and flexibility that our community continues to display. We are finding strength in the face of challenge and staying true to our faith in God in the midst of uncertainty. We remain together, apart."

The university's fall 2020 plan can be found, here. A list of frequently asked questions can be found, here.

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