Universities across the region are starting the semester with virtual classes or delaying student return as COVID cases surge to record highs.

American, Gallaudet, Georgetown, George Washington, Howard, and Maryland are among the universities making the changes. (Disclosure: American University owns the license to DCist’s parent company, WAMU.) Many are encouraging staff and faculty to telework where possible, mandating vaccinations, letting students still move into dorms, and having return-testing regiments. Some are suggesting or providing KN95 masks for students and staff, which offer better protection against the virus.

At least two schools are continuing with learning as planned: George Mason University has made no announcement about spring plans. And Catholic University President John Garvey said in an announcement last week that the university is set to resume the spring semester as planned, but added, “if the omicron strain continues to spread rapidly, we will consider beginning classes online. We will make a decision by Jan. 4.”

Here’s which schools have made changes to their spring semesters so far. We’ll update this list as more changes are announced.

American University: Classes will temporarily move online from the start of the semester, Jan. 10, until Jan. 30. In-person instruction will resume on Jan. 31. Students, staff, and faculty will be required to take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of their on-campus return.

Gallaudet University: The first two weeks of spring classes will be entirely remote, and the university will stagger the return to campus of staff, students, and faculty. Those in-person will be required to take a COVID-19 test from the university at least twice a week for their first two weeks on campus.

Georgetown University: Spring semester will begin with virtual instruction through Jan. 30. In-person classes are planned to resume on Monday, Jan. 31. 

George Washington University: Classes will be virtual to start the semester and the university is projecting they’ll return to full in-person operations on Jan. 18. The school also moved up its deadline for eligible students, staff, and faculty to receive COVID-19 boosters, from Feb. 1 up to Jan. 10.

Howard University: The university is delaying the start of the spring semester until Jan. 18 when in-person courses will begin. Additionally, all students, faculty, and staff will be required to receive a COVID-19 booster by Jan. 31.

University of Maryland: From Jan. 3-21 most courses offered during the winter term are being delivered online. Students and instructors whose classes will continue in person must obtain a negative COVID-19 test before their first class, and students must wear KN95 masks while learning in-person.

Related: 
COVID Cases Are At All-Time High In D.C. – And Among The Worst In The Country