Adjustments to the Spring 2021 Academic Calendar
From Dr. Jean Morrison, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer
It is wonderful to see the energy that has returned to campus, thanks to the tireless work of faculty and staff throughout the summer and to the diligence of all community members in adhering to our new public health protocols. I am proud to be part of a community that has shown so much resilience and dedication during this challenging time.
With the fall semester underway, we are now actively planning for the spring 2021 semester. Our overarching approach to the spring 2021 semester is to continue the elements of Back2BU that have been working, while incorporating improvements based on our experiences this semester. At this time, we are planning to continue the Learn from Anywhere model during the spring 2021 semester. We hope to welcome even more students back to campus in the spring, but will continue to offer students the option to learn remotely if they are unable to be here in person. Graduate and professional programs will contact students directly if LfA is not an option for their program in the spring 2021 semester.
I am writing today to announce two changes to the University’s spring 2021 academic calendar:
- Spring semester classes will begin on Monday, January 25, 2021, rather than Tuesday, January 19.
- There will be no spring break recess in spring 2021.
The remainder of the spring 2021 academic calendar is unchanged at this time. Information for students and advisors about adjusted registration dates will be posted to the Registrar’s website today. These adjustments are designed to reduce our community’s risk of exposure to COVID-19 by limiting the amount of travel occurring within the semester. I know the loss of spring break will be a disappointment to many of you, but we believe that this is an important public health measure that must be taken this year. Please note that these changes apply to schools and colleges that follow the University calendar; the School of Law, the School of Social Work, and the schools on the Medical Campus may choose to set different calendars.
Housing and Residence Life will communicate any Residence Calendar changes to all undergraduate students living in campus housing in early November. Both new and continuing students should plan for an extended move-in and return schedule in January with reserved arrival dates and times, similar to the move-in schedule used at the start of this semester. More information about the spring semester move-in process will be communicated shortly.
It is impossible to predict with any certainty at this time what next spring will look like, so we will continue to closely monitor global and local health trends and will alert the community if these plans change at any point. In the coming weeks, we will consider several other important decisions about the spring 2021 semester, including the workplace adjustment request process and the status of spring Study Abroad programs. Those decisions will be communicated as soon as they are finalized.
Thank you all once again for your continued patience and flexibility throughout this time. We all look forward to a time when these measures are no longer necessary and our campuses can return to their full vibrancy.