St Xavier’s University on Thursday suspended classes till April 15 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The decision to suspend classes was taken in response to the advisory issued by the state government, vice-chancellor Father Felix Raj said.

The state government had announced on Monday that all educational institutions, run by the government as well as private bodies, would remain closed till April 15.

Father Felix Raj said teaching and learning at St Xavier’s University will continue online during this period.

Teachers will conduct classes through Skype or Google Classroom.

They can share lesson plans, lecture notes and study materials through email, the vice-chancellor said. Students will be able to contact teachers on email.

Hostel students have been advised to go home, he said.

All examinations and other programmes scheduled till April 15 will be rescheduled. The revised schedules will be posted on the university’s website (www.sxuk.edu.in).

The university offices will remain open and staff will attend work by rotation, the vice-chancellor said.

A health advisory detailing precautions to be taken by faculty and non-teaching staff has been posted on the website.