AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin is extending spring break for one week, due to the spread of coronavirus

According to a statement from UT President Gregory L. Fenves, classes will resume on campus on Monday, March 30, and students should plan on returning prior to that date. The university will remain open, and the additional week of spring break will provide UT faculty and staff members time to prepare to increase “social distancing” on campus.

On Thursday, Austin Community College made the same move extending spring break for one week. ACC classes are suspended March 23-29.

Some social distancing practices include shifting many lectures to an online format, reconfiguring classroom spaces, and updating practices in residences, dining halls, recreational facilities, and libraries to “reduce unnecessary contact and promote better personal hygiene.” 

UT junior Madeleine Ortiz of San Antonio told Spectrum News her main concern is how the changes, particularly online courses, will impact her academics. 

“I’ve always enjoyed coming to school and like actually being in class, so I don't know if I would really like doing that. I don't know if I would be held as accountable,” Ortiz said. 

Ortiz said she cannot totally rely on her parents for financial support, so she has an on-campus job. She said if the university completely closed the campus, she could pick up more shifts at her second job at a hotel. But that industry is being impacted by coronavirus concerns as well. 

“How are we going to support people that can't make money, because they're sick or can't make money because there's no opportunity because of what's happening?” she said. 

CONPREHENSIVE COVERAGE | Coronavirus

University officials said they will also examine how to support staff and students who have special needs or are especially vulnerable to coronavirus. The community is encouraged to practice preventative measures and stay cautious when interacting with others and traveling during spring break.

Fenves additionally said in a statement that university leaders will provide more details in the coming days. As UT’s contingency plans evolve, Ortiz said she hopes leaders will stand by the students. 

“I think it’s got plenty of resources to do that. It's kind of like its duty, I feel, as a public institution,” she said.

Students who want to return to campus on March 23 will still be able to do so and residence halls, dining halls, health and counseling services and other facilities will be open.

Earlier this week, UT suspended university-sponsored travel to certain countries, until the end of the summer. Students in France, Germany, Spain and Japan will need to submit a special request if they want to stay.

For the latest information from the CDC go here.