Officials are moving up the deadline for students to apply to remain on campus after “thousands” requested to not return home.

Students who wish to stay on campus after the University switches to online classes must now apply by March 16 at noon, two days earlier than the original deadline, according to an email sent to on-campus students Friday. University President Thomas LeBlanc said at a Faculty Senate meeting Friday that about 1,200 students will be allowed to remain in their residence hall rooms between March 20 and at least April 4.

“We have received thousands of applications from students requesting to remain on campus, and this decision was made in order to allow for more time for a thoughtful and intentional review of all submitted applications to return decisions to students in a timely manner,” the email states. “We are only approving students to stay on campus who have nowhere else to go.”

Officials encouraged students to apply only if they have an “absolute necessity” to stay on campus, the email states. Students are considered to stay on campus if they meet one of six criteria, and resident advisers are relieved of their responsibilities in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.