University of Tennessee at Martin students will begin the spring 2021 semester online, university officials announced Wednesday afternoon.
They also postponed the start of the semester from Jan. 11 to Jan. 14.
The information comes just a week before the semester was set to begin.
"The initial all-virtual format will allow monitoring for a potential post-holiday COVID-19 surge," officials said in an email to students.
Virtual classes will continue for a week. After that, officials will monitor the situation.
Residence halls will open Jan. 8, but students are asked to stay off campus until closer to Jan. 14 if possible. Students are urged to get tested before returning to on-campus housing.