YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Youngstown State University has announced that all face-to-face classes are canceled for the spring semester due to coronavirus concerns.

The university released the following schedule for the rest of the spring semester.

Schedule as follows:
*March 9-15, Spring Break.
*March 16-22, Spring Break extended. No classes, except for regular, fully online courses.
*March 23-end of semester, Spring semester classes resume. Instruction delivered remotely; students do not come to campus

The school announced earlier this week that spring break had been extended until March 22.

Remote classes will begin on March 23.

The University says "minimizing the number of students on campus for the rest of the semester is a proactive step designed to prevent the spread of the disease and keep the campus community and region safe."

YSU says it is working on establishing a fair and equitable way to offer refunds or credits for University housing students. Students that need to stay in housing will be accommodated.

The letter from President Jim Tressel called this week "truly challenging for our Youngstown State family and community."

Tressel sent out a recorded video message to students on Saturday afternoon, pledging to help students meet their needs as to dining, housing and other challenges that may arise as a result of the moves. 

In the video, Tressel also assured students the semester would still be finished and that seniors should still graduate on time, although he acknowledged that details are still not clear when or where graduation will take place.