The University of Maryland reported a record-breaking 135 new positive cases from 1067 on-campus tests on Thursday.
The latest numbers break the previous day’s record of 98 reported cases from on-campus testing.
University President Darryll Pines announced Thursday evening that final exams would proceed as scheduled, with students being required to wear KN95 masks for in-person exams. The university canceled all winter commencement activities, and dining halls and Stamp Student Union food court transitioned exclusively to carry-out.
More than 4,200 university community members have signed a petition that began circulating Thursday to move the remainder of final exams online. The SGA and undergraduate University Senators have condemned the decision to keep exams in person.
[SGA urges UMD to move final exams online]
“Students are concerned about the safety of themselves, their peers, their families, and their local communities as we approach winter break; they cannot, in good conscience, risk spreading COVID-19 to others, especially to high-risk family members,” read a letter from the undergraduate senators to the university administrators.
Towson and Bowie State universities – both University System of Maryland institutions – have shifted final exams online. A growing number of universities nationwide, including Cornell University, George Washington University and Princeton University, have also canceled in-person activities and moved final exams online.
