Butler County Community College announced Friday night the college is suspending all face-to-face format credit courses next week at all locations as officials transition those courses to remote instruction starting March 23 through the end of the spring 2020 semester.

A press release issued by the college said that "the precautionary measure is intended to protect the safety, health and well-being of BC3's students, faculty and staff, and aligns with decisions made by other institutions of higher education with regard to COVID-19."

According to the press release, at this time there are no reported or confirmed cases of COVID-19 on BC3's main campus or additional locations.

College officials will work to transition face-to-face format credit courses to remote instruction. Faculty will have the option of using an Internet-based learning management system, email and video conferencing to resume courses March 23.

The college also hopes to also transition online as many noncredit courses or trainings as possible scheduled to be held on BC3's main campus or at its additional locations in Brockway, Cranberry Township, Ford City, Hermitage and New Castle.

Noncredit workforce development, public safety, lifelong learning and adult literacy courses and trainings are expected to continue as scheduled if held at non-BC3 locations that have not closed, and officials will contact students registered for noncredit courses that may transition to remote instruction formats or be canceled.

BC3 also canceled all college and public events scheduled to be held on its main campus in Butler Township and at its additional locations until further notice.

The college has temporarily banned all international and domestic college-related travel.

BC3's summer credit session, which includes face-to-face format courses, is expected to begin as scheduled May 11.

To the north, Grove City College in Mercer County also announced plans Friday night to move to online, remote instruction through at least April 13.

Students are provided the option to return home or stay on campus if they perceive a greater risk being in their home communities. Students who return home will be required to leave campus by no later than Friday, March 20, and may not return to GCC until at least April 13 or a later date, if one is announced. Students who remain on campus will only be able to take classes online and dining services will be available.

“This decision was made out of an abundance of caution and overriding concern for the well-being of our college community,” said Paul J. McNulty, GCC president. “We have a clear obligation to reduce significantly the risks presented by this disease while continuing to educate our students.”

This is a breaking news story. To read the full story about important changes at BC3 and GCC, make sure to pick up Sunday's Butler Eagle or subscribe online.