All on-campus classroom courses at MGH Institute of Health Professions have transitioned to an online format for the remainder of the spring semester, President Paula Milone-Nuzzo has announced. The decision is due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a graduate school focused exclusively on the health professions, we have a responsibility to lead in the effort to decrease the spread of infection and reduce the risk to our community,” said President Dr. Milone-Nuzzo. “A big way we can do this is to reduce the number of students, faculty, and staff on campus at one time.”

Faculty are using virtual strategies to continue classroom instruction for the school’s almost 1,600 students.  Academic departments have adjusted their work schedules and processes to ensure students’ needs are fully met and essential functions continue uninterrupted. The MGH Institute campus will remain open, but faculty and staff are being encouraged to work from home.  

School leaders continue to work closely with the hospitals in Partners HealthCare, of which the MGH Institute is the system’s only academic affiliate, so students can continue the clinical rotations that are a major component of their preparation to become health care leaders. “Students should be vigilant in the clinical area to keep themselves safe and protect the patients and families with whom they are working,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Alex Johnson. He added they also are working with other hospital and health facility partners so students can maintain their clinical placements.

On-campus events, such as open houses for accepted students and information sessions, will move to an online format. Other planned events that draw outside audiences, including seminars, will occur virtually or have been postponed.

“We are in some uncharted waters right now, and our responses are evolving along with the changing situation,” President Milone-Nuzzo said. “Our goal is to continue our operations as seamlessly as possible as we navigate through this outbreak while ensuring our unwavering commitment to the quality of students’ education continues unabated.”