CHARLESTON, W. Va. – The University of Charleston has made the decision to suspend all in-seat classes for the remainder of the 2020 academic year.

Additionally, the University has announced the cancellation of all spring sports seasons due to the outbreak and projected spread of the Coronavirus. At approximately 4 p.m. on Thursday, the National Collegiate Athletic Association made an announcement stating that they would be canceling all remaining winter and spring championships for the 2019-20 academic year. Following the NCAA's decision to cancel all National Championships for the spring semester, individual conferences were tasked with the decision as to whether or not to continue regular season play.

At 6 p.m. last night, the Mountain East Conference announced that along with the NCAA, they would be suspending all athletic competitions indefinitely. Any additional updates from the NCAA and the Mountain East Conference will be communicated on the University's websites.

Dr. Bren Stevens is supportive of the University's decision to cancel all collegiate practices and contests as a way to ensure the continued safety of student-athletes, faculty, and staff. "I am in full support of the precautionary measures that are being implemented by our University, the Mountain East Conference, and the NCAA. I am confident that our coaches, faculty, staff, and administrators will provide superb leadership, love, kindness, and compassion to all of our students during this time of transition. On a personal note, I will continue to pray for all of the individuals that have been impacted by the Coronavirus." Said, Stevens.

NCAA Press Release: http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/ncaa-cancels-remaining-winter-and-spring-championships Mountain East Conference Press Release: https://mountaineast.org/news/2020/3/12/general-mec-suspends-spring-conference-athletic-competitions-indefinitely.aspx

--UC--