Oct. 29, Elizabethtown College released a plan for the upcoming spring semester. It followed speculation amongst students, faculty and staff, as they were waiting in anticipation for the release of the plans.
Prior to the email, the College addressed the concerns of students in the most recent Student Senate meeting. Within the meeting, students raised questions about the upcoming spring semester.
The plans for the spring semester will be based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as higher education and regional partners. The plan will also be based on the climate at the College, in addition to state and federal guidelines.
“As a campus community, we have worked together this semester to offer in-person class instruction and remote options for our students at a level of excellence that is expected at Elizabethtown College,” said the College in the email.
The College also noted how students, faculty and staff have been committed to the COVID-19 guidelines set forth. They also emphasized how the fall semester has been a learning experience; as such, the College can prepare more for the spring semester.
For the Spring 2021 semester, students will move onto campus from Jan. 23 to Jan. 31. The first day of classes will be Jan. 25; however, classes will be remote until Feb. 1, when in-person instruction will be allowed. Move-in information will be released close to Jan. 23.
Spring break has been canceled and so classes will be in session; however, Easter break has been shortened to provide April 2 off, which is Good Friday, and classes will be in session April 5. From the email, three days were allotted for study breaks and no classes will be held on these days, which are as follows: Feb. 24, March 8 and May 7. The last day of classes will be May 6, followed by finals week May 8 through May 12.
A contracted Senior Week will be held May 13 and May 14. The commencement ceremony for the Class of 2021 will be held May 15, followed by the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 graduates May 16. Details are forthcoming regarding commencement ceremonies.
Students who plan to live off-campus and/or learn remotely will have to submit an Exception Form to update their living arrangements from Jan. 4 to Jan. 8. Instructions will be released prior to the form’s release. Students who plan to attend classes in-person will not be required to complete the Exception Form.
While students were mostly tested on campus for COVID-19 this semester, students and employees will be tested at home prior to their arrival on campus in the spring. Such details will be released later.
The plans may evolve based on the status of the pandemic. Ultimately, the plans are subject to change.
Further announcements will be released via email. Students are recommended to check their email daily for COVID-19 updates.
