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TJC announces 'tentative' return to on-campus classes for April 6 after governor's executive order

The college made the announcement two days after setting a tentative return date of March 30.

TYLER, Texas — Tyler Junior College announced a tentative return date to on-campus classes of Monday, April 6.

The college planned to return to on-campus classes a week earlier on March 30. However, Gov. Gregg Abbott issued an executive order Thursday barring schools from holding on-campus classes through April 3.

RELATED: Texas governor: Schools, bars, restaurant dining rooms must close temporarily due to coronavirus

Students will be allowed to return to on-campus housing on April 5. The college has also extended its drop date to April 29.

Meanwhile, all courses will be moved to online beginning Monday, March 23.

The college's announcement Tuesday caused confusion among students.

RELATED: TJC to resume on-campus classes March 30

"If classes do go back on March 30th, if I don't feel safe, I'm not gonna go back," said freshman Sory Rivera before the school's announcement Thursday. "I kind of freaked out a little bit, I have a neuromuscular disease called spinal muscular atrophy type three, so I'm already kind of a high risk as far as like catching things."

However, not all students feel this way. Andrea Valdez is also a freshman at TJC. She says that she plans follow whatever decision the school makes.

"I do trust and the decisions that the higher-ups are making in order to help with the safety and the health of students," said Valdez.

TJC President and CEO Juan Mejia said there initial statement on Tuesday was not meant to be confusing.

"We will be compliant with any direction from the local, state or national levels," said Mejia. "At this time, it is prudent that we really focus on the priorities and well being of our communities and the health of all of our students."

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