KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee is currently on spring break until March 20.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, UT announced that classes will continue online through the end of the spring semester and will have alternate graduation plans.
Having students take online classes for the remainder of the semester coincides with the CDC issuing guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic to avoid mass gatherings.
The Southeastern Conference has also taken action to halt all organized team activities, competitions, team and individual practices, meetings and other organized gatherings through at least April 15.
“Our lives have changed and been interrupted like never before,” Tennessee Director of Athletics Phillip Fulmer said on “Vol Calls” Monday night. “You think of the young people that have prepared and worked so hard for these opportunities, it has been really, really tough from that standpoint.”
Fulmer said he is thankful for UT’s leadership, starting with Chancellor Donde Plowman, during trying times.
“I am very thankful for her leadership and president (UT President Randy) Boyd and our governor (Bill Lee),” Fulmer said. “My staff has done a tremendous job.”
Fulmer also thanked SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and other league athletic directors for their leadership during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Greg Sankey has been a great leader through all of this and the SEC athletic directors working together,” he said. “I haven’t been here that long, but almost unprecedented agreement of how we are working together and battling through this health crisis.”