Columbia goes remote after campus arrests

• The arrests were preceded by protesters barricading entrances of a university building, which leadership warned would result in their expulsion, and following a move to suspend students refusing to leave their on-campus encampment.

Zoom in: All academic activities on the Morningside Heights campus, including classes, review sessions, office hours and final exams, will be fully remote for the remainder of the semester, with some exceptions, per the letter.

Yes, but: The university still plans to host its in-person commencement on May 15, the university president said in a statement earlier Wednesday.

What they're saying: "Given the evolving campus situation, we are working hard to provide support and accommodation to our students, particularly those who are in residence on our Morningside campus," the letter states.

• "Again, the safety of our community is our highest priority as we strive to support our students' learning and all the required academic operations," it continues.

• Addressing faculty, the letter from University Provost Angela Olinto said: "This is a challenging time for all of us committed to our central mission of teaching and research," but accommodating students will benefit them "in these difficult times as they strive to finish the semester achieving their full potential."

Go deeper: Hundreds of protesters arrested at college campuses across the U.S.