SALISBURY — Catawba College plans to cancel all in-person classes next week and transition to remote delivery.

In an email to the campus, President Brien Lewis said the school will use next week to make the transition to remote delivery to resume classes. Classes under the new delivery model will resume on March 23 and continue that way until, tentatively, April 12.

“These measures are essential to support the health and well-being of all members of our campus community and all citizens of the broader community,” Lewis wrote. “This is a rapidly changing public health situation, so please understand that additional changes may be needed in order to further protect our academic community. Over the next few days, we will continue to communicate directly with students, faculty, staff and the community.”

Because remote delivery methods may not be the same for every class, Lewis encouraged students to check their email on Friday for details from professors.

Students living on campus are being encouraged to return home, but Catawba officials said students can stay if needed by completing a form linked in the email. Students planning on leaving were also asked to complete a form.

“If you are unsure of what to do and need assistance, the Dean of Students’ Office will provide guidance for each individual student,” Lewis said in his message. “The Office of Housing and Residence Life will continue to communicate with residential students throughout this time with important updates.”

Lewis said Catawba College’s campus and offices will remain open, except for student workers, and that a separate set of instructions would be provided for the school’s faculty and staff.

The college is posting updates related to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak at catawba.edu/news-events/coronavirus.