Letter from Provost Agho on Spring Semester

Dear Faculty and Staff:

I hope you and your families are having a restorative winter break.

As a follow up to the message you received on Nov. 19, 2020, I write to provide you with an update on the spring 2021 schedule.

Given the worsening coronavirus conditions nationally and across the state and predictions of rising positive and hospitalization rates in the coming weeks, the Executive Policy Team has decided to transition to a fully remote learning environment for at least the beginning of the spring 2021 semester at all campus locations.

To minimize potential disruptions to our students' educational experience, all spring 2021 classes will be delivered remotely from Jan. 19 through at least Feb. 1. The Executive Policy Team will continue to assess conditions and will update campus on when classes are expected to transition to their originally scheduled format. Starting instruction in an online format allows us to maintain our existing spring academic calendar—classes begin on Jan. 19 and exams end on May 6—and helps students meet their educational goals and make progress toward earning their degrees. Recognizing that conditions may change, please be prepared to make any needed adjustments in response to the pandemic or winter weather.

Thank you for your flexibility during this uncertain time and for continuing to adhere to recommended health and safety guidelines. As we head into the winter season and spend more time indoors, continuing the COVID-19 daily check-ins, wearing a face mask, washing hands, and keeping physical distance will be vital to maintaining the health of our community.

Additional information on our enhanced testing plans, on-campus housing and other details will be coming in a series of announcements in the next few days.

I hope that you are having a safe, peaceful and happy new year!

Sincerely,

Austin O. Agho, Ph.D

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs