because they are bleeding money. Which means money they take in has fallen off drastically no fault of their own.
They do not want interest in their college to wane among potential students-namely new but ones and also ones like yourself that are going now. This is a goodwill gesture on the part of the school and one I'd applaud them on.
The reasoning for taking it over for free? I'd have to think they believe many are distracted bu this virus and the new way of life, whatever it may be, that we will have in the coming months. One who is distracted and concerned-perhaps for friends and family is not going to do their best on assignments. That will not end by fall but we will have gotten a bit used to the daily apprehension regarding life.
