UAlbany students finished up their midterm exams on Wednesday afternoon to learn their time inside a classroom is coming to an end. Governor Cuomo announced all of SUNY and CUNY will be holding classes online for the rest of the semester.

“I guess better be safe than sorry since it’s spreading a lot,” said David Ahay, a sophomore at UAlbany. 

Similar efforts have been underway at other colleges across the state with confirmed COVID-19 cases increasing. Spring break begins this weekend, and once that is over UAlbany students will be taking classes remotely when school resumes March 23.

“Our dorms and lecture centers are already 300, 400 kids in one, and we do not know who is exactly going to be in the crowd with us,” said freshman Tsering Lhakyi.

In a letter to the UAlbany community, university president Havidán Rodríguez says all three campuses will remain open, even with classes happening online. That includes the dining halls, dorms, and offices.

"However, as circumstances surrounding COVID-19 remain very fluid, students are encouraged to bring all academic materials on spring break to be prepared for every possible scenario," Rodríguez said. "Please note that only the Governor can close state offices, agencies and SUNY campuses."

“I’m bringing like at least 95 percent of my stuff in there," said freshman Yaw Bohadu, referring to packing up for spring break. "Almost everything has got to be going now.”

However, SUNY has not said anything regarding refunds for room and board, and meal plans. It's also unclear if graduation will be affected this May. A university spokesman says they'll continue to work closely with SUNY, and state, and local health officials. 

“Since early February, a task force composed of departments across the University has been preparing for various possible contingencies related to the novel coronavirus outbreak," said Jordan Carleo-Evangelist, the director of media & community relations for UAlbany. "Our community will understandably have many questions as the University transitions to remote instruction."

"Most of my classes are lectures so I don't know how they're going to translate that on to online," said junior Isabel Cardona.

There will be some exceptions. For example: students that take lab courses or those with nowhere to go may remain on campus. The governor's office say the goal is to reduce the number of people at SUNY and CUNY schools.

​“I guess I’m going to have to spend more time with my family back home and make sure I get my work done online,” Bohadu said.