**Message from Professor Laurent Champaney, President**
In order to best protect the entire population and to take account of the evolution of the COVID-19 epidemic, the President of the Republic announced a series of measures, including the closure of all higher education institutions to the public from Monday, March 16, until further notice.
As a result of this announcement, and in view of the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation Arts et Métiers will suspend all on-campus classes as of Monday 16th March for an unlimited period. As of Tuesday 17th March, classes will be given on-line, the exact details will be communicated to students by each campus.
Exchange students already on our campuses are considered Arts et Métiers regular students and as such receive the same information as the Arts et Métiers community regarding the measures put into place for the Covid-19, particularly access to on-line courses and tutoring.
Exchange students may also keep their accommodation in the halls of residence during this period. However we would understand if some exchange students decide to go home. On each campus, our international teams will be able to provide them advice and support.
We really would like to reassure students and their families, that the Arts et Métiers community : management, professors, technical and administrative will strive to ensure minimal disruption so that all students have the ability to continue their studies in the best possible conditions given the current circumstances.
Protecting the health and safety of all of our students, faculty and staff is our number one priority. Arts et Métiers is following all health and security recommendations from both state and regional authorities, and remains in close contact with these authorities to monitor the evolution of the situation. The situation is evolving rapidly so we will strive to keep you informed in real time.