Auburn announces academic plans for spring 2021

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Auburn University has released its spring 2021 academic plans, which include modifications to the academic calendar and updates to key protocols designed to foster a safe campus environment.

Modifications to the academic calendar include delaying the start of spring semester, replacing spring break with several wellness days throughout the term and adding a reading day prior to final exams. Designed to reduce risks of COVID-19 transmission associated with travel and provide the campus community with days to focus on mental health and wellness, the modified calendar supports the university’s efforts to provide on-campus teaching and learning next semester.

Key elements of the spring calendar include:

  • Classes will begin on Jan. 11. The university will reopen on Jan. 4, as originally scheduled.

  • Spring break will be replaced with wellness days on Feb. 16, March 10 and April 1. Campus will remain open on these days; classes will not meet.

  • Classes will end April 22, with a reading day on April 23 for final exam preparation.

  • Final exams will be completed by April 30.

  • Commencement will be held May 1-3.

Other items of note in the academic plan include instructional modalities to be used in the spring and the suspension of study abroad programs due to increases in COVID-19 cases internationally. The university plans to offer more than 70% of its spring undergraduate course sections face-to-face, along with some online and blended options. Students can currently review course modalities as they prepare for registration beginning next week.

Because adherence to safety protocols remains key to a successful spring semester, the plan stresses the continued importance of wearing face coverings indoors, limiting classroom capacities and maintaining appropriate physical distancing. In addition to COVID-19 risk reduction strategies, students, faculty and staff are expected to follow additional safety measures, including required daily Healthcheck self-screenings and self-reporting positive cases.

To read the complete plan, visit AHealthierU.

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.