Mercer University moves to virtual learning for rest of semester

Mercer University’s president announced Friday the school will close its campuses for the rest of the semester and move to virtual learning.

Most of Georgia’s largest colleges and universities — public and private — decided more than a week ago to move to virtual learning. Mercer had said it would make a decision about its plans by April 3. Its main campus is in Macon, but it also has a campus in north DeKalb County.

Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday ordered all public colleges to remain closed for the remainder of the semester. Mercer is a private university.

“My hope was that we could provide those of you who are graduating at the end of this semester or term an opportunity to complete your time at Mercer physically on our campuses with your colleagues and faculty,” the university’s president, William Underwood, said in a message posted online Friday.

Underwood said Mercer is working on a plan to reimburse students for unused university housing and board. The plan will include students who live in the various Loft developments immediately adjacent to the Macon campus that are a part of the university’s housing plan.

About the Author

More Georgia teachers are getting free or cheap master’s degrees. Here’s how.

With teacher turnover rates on the rise, school systems and universities are partnering in a growing effort to recruit and retain Georgia educators.

Georgia school districts prepare for cellphone ban ahead of state deadline

Metro Atlanta schools will be using lockers, pouches and the honor system to keep students from using their phones.

Atlanta school board votes to extend superintendent’s contract

The school board has extended Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Bryan Johnson’s contract, touting his “Back to Basics” approach.

The Latest

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

More Georgia teachers are getting free or cheap master’s degrees. Here’s how.

Atlanta school board votes to extend superintendent’s contract

Georgia school districts prepare for cellphone ban ahead of state deadline

Featured

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Georgia disability rights advocates fear weakening of U.S. accessibility law

Advocates worry the Department of Energy’s move could be the start of a broader effort by other federal agencies to roll back civil rights rules.

From boycott to ballgame: Baseball’s political All-Star Game saga returns to Georgia

MLB pulled the 2021 All-Star Game from Georgia over the state's voting law, Senate Bill 202. Now it’s back — and Republicans say the return proves they were right all along.

OPINION

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour pushes fans outside the norm

Preparations for the show pushed people out of their comfort zones — into new stores, new communities, a new style of dress, and in some cases, to visit new cities.