President Patrick F. Leahy Ed.D., detailed the University’s plans for the upcoming 2021 spring semester, in an email addressed to the campus community on Friday, Nov. 20.
The spring semester’s academic calendar has been updated with a new start date of Monday, Jan. 25. The delay was implemented in an effort to “mitigate the risk of virus spread at the height of cold and flu season,” Leahy wrote.
“This postponement, coupled with the public health objective of preventing non-essential travel, has required us to eliminate the traditional spring break,” Leahy wrote.
In place of a weeklong spring break, the new academic calendar incorporates “break days” in March and April. “This adjusted schedule allows us to maintain our typical 14 week semester, which will end when it normally does in early May,” Leahy added.
Spring semester course delivery methods will be similar to those offered during the fall, with a mix of in-person, hybrid, and online delivery dependent upon class. The system is intended to be as “accommodating to student preferences as possible,” Leahy wrote. “While we may not be able to completely satisfy the preferred schedule of every student, our faculty advisors and department chairs stand ready to answer any questions about schedule adjustments.”
Students can log into the Personal Academic Information section of WebAdvisor for confirmation on course modalities for upcoming classes.
All students who live in on-campus housing, as well as all students enrolled in hybrid or in-person courses, are required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result within seven days of the start of the spring semester, Leahy wrote. “Students impacted by the COVID-19 testing requirement will receive further instruction as we approach the start of the new semester. We will continue to offer on-campus housing and meal plans for all interested students.”
Any student who deferred or cancelled their fall 2020 housing contracts and have reconsidered their decision can reinstate room assignments for the spring by contacting Residential Life Services. Residential halls will also continue to follow “previously prescribed community standards,” Leahy added, which include visitation limits and participation in surveillance COVID-19 testing.
The Faculty Council will make a decision early in the spring about continuing the Pass/Fail grading option for the spring 2021 semester, according to Leahy. The majority of the grades that were requested to be switched to a pass last semester were C grades ranging from C- through C+ with 775 pass requests, according to the Monmouth’s Registrar.
Upcoming spring iterations of the Study Abroad programming, Global Experience, and Global Seminar programs remain suspended. “Given the uncertainties of COVID-19, we strongly suggest that employees and students avoid travel during the spring 2021 semester,” Leahy wrote. “Exceptions to the suspension of Monmouth-sponsored travel must be approved by each employee’s area vice president.”
The University will continue to require the proper use of face masks and social distancing of at least six feet to reduce the risk of virus spread. Leahy also encourages all students and employees to utilize the CampusClear symptom tracking app and COVID Alert NJ contact tracing app.
“Monmouth is a University grounded in resilience and determination, and I have great faith that our community will continue to demonstrate these strengths in the months ahead,” Leahy wrote. “I am grateful for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate these challenging times together and look forward to a successful spring semester with you.”
PHOTO COURTESY of Anthony DePrimo
