STATESBORO — Georgia Southern University’s President Kyle Marrero announced in a video update Tuesday that the university plans to return to in-person classes in the fall, depending on guidance from public health officials.

“We’re working through contingency plans now on what that will look like, but it is my hope that we will soon again see you on our beautiful campuses this fall,” Marrero said in the video.

The remainder of the spring semester and the summer semester will continue to be online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In terms of cost, Marrero said summer’s online courses will be a good value due to a reduction in fees. Additionally, the University System of Georgia will not increase tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year.

“In fact, this summer may be the best time for you to further your progress toward your degree. The Board of Regents has reduced all mandatory fees for the summer semester to only institutional fee and technology fee,” Marrero said in the video.

Graduation update

The graduation ceremony for spring 2020 graduates cannot be rescheduled yet due to social distancing measures still being in place, Marrero said in the video.

Currently, spring’s graduating seniors have the option of participating in a to-be-announced rescheduled ceremony or the regularly-scheduled December ceremonies for fall graduates.

There is also a virtual ceremony on May 8 and 9 for seniors who sent their participation forms earlier this month.

“I’m excited to celebrate our seniors’ accomplishments with each of you during the virtual graduation that will air on May 8 and 9,” Marrero said in the video.

For more information about the ceremonies for spring 2020 graduates, visit the GS commencement announcements page.

Blakeley Bartee, The George-Anne Editor-in-Chief, gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu