TOWSON, Md. — A noon deadline found students racing against the clock to move out of campus housing on Wednesday at Towson University.
The move caught freshman Olu Aylku off guard.
"I'm worried more about my studies and having to switch to online classes,” said Aylku. “I think that's going to be a real challenge."
The university canceled all classes for the rest of the week to prepare for remote teaching as a precaution during the spread of the coronavirus.
Last week, students returned to campus after attending the AIPAC conference in Washington, D.C. where five people have since tested positive for the virus.
When Aylku’s father learned of efforts to disinfect classrooms after the students returned to Towson, he grew concerned for his daughter's safety.
"Nine students were in contact with some people who were probably positive, so we're really worried about it,” said Adesina Aylku, who drove up to get his daughter from Prince George’s County. “Their safety is more important. School will continue. They're young."
The question now is where studies may resume.
Students leaving campus today have no idea when or if they'll be coming back.
"When we go on spring break, we're supposed to be notified how much longer we're going to be home, because they might extend our spring break by two weeks, because of it," said Olu.
For the freshman biology major, the challenge appears to be daunting.
"I'm just worried about passing right now," she added.
But for her parents, the grades are not their first priority.
"We're worried more about their safety than anything,” said Adesina Aylku. “No matter what happens, we'll deal with it on a daily basis according to the information they pass to us, but I just want to make sure that my child is safe."
In addition to suspending all upcoming international travel, Towson University has also suspended all non-essential, out-of-state travel for all students, faculty and staff, and it has recalled all of them who were participating in study programs abroad.
