Sent on behalf of Tom Ormond, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As the fall 2020 semester started, the university began the process to develop several alternative plans for how we will operate during the spring 2021 semester. As the weeks have progressed, we continue to learn more about the COVID-19 virus, the pandemic landscape, and how we can best support students to achieve success while we implement mitigation efforts to provide a healthy environment for our community. Similar to our approach to planning for this semester, we engaged in a collaborative process to revise the existing spring 2021 academic calendar to assist in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Students, faculty and staff, have openly shared their perspectives and have considered such issues as; different start and end dates, instructional modalities, individual and community health and well-being, spring break and how we can best meet the needs of faculty, staff and students going forward. 

After much deliberation the spring 2021 semester will be modified as noted:

February 1      Classes Begin 

  • Online, hyflex & face-to-face instructional modalities will be in effect for undergraduate and graduate students 
  • No Spring Break

May 7              Last Day of Classes

May 10-14       Finals Week

May 14-15       Commencement Ceremonies (Graduate Friday, Undergraduate

Saturday)

Please note: Given the uncertainty of the pandemic landscape and how it will evolve in our region over the next several months, this academic calendar is subject to change.

As we approach our mid-semester point for fall 2020, I wish students success in your studies and encourage you to use our array of resources and services. 

Sincerely, 

Tom Ormond

Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs