Editor’s note: This story is part of The Daily Texan’s coverage of how coronavirus concerns are affecting UT-Austin. Read the rest of our coverage here.

The UTLA Semester in Los Angeles and UTNY Semester in New York programs have canceled their summer sessions and replaced them with virtual programs, according to an email from Michael Wilson, assistant dean of professional programs. 

“This decision was not taken lightly and is deeply disappointing for us all,” Wilson said in the email sent to students admitted to the programs. “The safety of you and our faculty and staff remain our highest priority.”  

Students who were accepted into the programs can defer their acceptance to future in-residence programs in fall 2020 or spring or summer 2021, participate in the virtual programs or receive a full refund for the 2020 deposit and program and housing fees, according to the email. 

Admitted students are required to make their decision by April 13, and those who do not respond by the deadline will receive a full refund for the summer program. 

To participate in the virtual programs, students would pay a reduced program fee of $2,900, according to the email. 

The UTLA and UTNY virtual programs will be taught by industry professionals. The UTLA program will have virtual learning workshops led by UTLA Program Director Mira Lippold-Johnson. 

“The (UTLA) program will include guest speakers and panel discussions with industry leaders, movie screening and discussions with writers and directors, an alumni mentorship program, and career development workshops,” Wilson said. 

The UTNY program will have workshops led by UTNY Program Director Laura Brown, according to the email. 

“The UTNY Virtual Program will include guest speakers and panels consisting of NY-based executives in business, media and the arts,” according to the email. “There will also be panel discussions, virtual tours of museums and other noted NYC landmarks as well as career development workshops tied to living and working in New York.”

Because the programs are virtual, they can be done anywhere, but students who made plans to live and work in Los Angeles or New York City over the summer can consult with the Moody College of Communication regarding housing options, according to the email. 

“The novel COVID-19 virus has challenged us all,” Wilson said. “Thank you for your support of (UTLA and UTNY) and for your flexibility in these difficult times.”

This story has been updated to include the cancellation of UTNY.