Mississippi University for Women will continue to prioritize health, safety and well-being for the spring 2021 semester.
Classes will begin Monday, Jan. 11 and end Friday, April 23. Final exams will occur April 19-23. The spring academic calendar was designed to lessen the spread of COVID-19 from travel resulting in a shorter semester and the elimination of the traditional Spring Break. The balance of online to face-to-face course replicates the fall 2020 semester.
“Perseverance and resiliency are two-character traits that our W community exemplifies. I recently saw a quote that compares where we are in the COVID pandemic with mile 24 of a marathon. Having run eight marathons, I can definitely relate. Mile 24 is a weary one — but on the home stretch — and there’s no giving up at this point. This is the time for cheering each other on, and encouraging each other to finish strong,” said W President Nora Miller.
Public health guidelines will determine future plans for large gatherings, including Spring Commencement and celebration of the previous 2020 graduates. Student Life events will be virtual and registered student organizations will operate virtually when the semester begins. The Office of Student Life will continually assess the possibility of in-person events.
“Our campus, as it always does, came together to meet the challenges presented by one of the most difficult semesters in The W’s history. While it often felt like an unending, uphill struggle, we persevered and did so while continuing to provide the high-quality education and personalized attention that is emblematic of this institution,” said Scott Tollison, provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Housing and Residence Life will continue to assign students as single occupants, prioritizing students with face-to-face classes. All residential students are required to receive COVID-19 testing before returning to campus.
Spring semester important dates
· Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 18
· Mid Semester Break, April 2-5
· Final Examsm April 19-23
· Commencement, April 24
The W’s plans and corresponding policies will continue to advance as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. Plans will align with and be consistent with the orders from local, state and federal authorities and guided by recommendations from health agencies including the Mississippi Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
All members of The W community are expected to comply with current COVID-19 protocols and continue practicing preventative measures, including symptom monitoring, personal safety practices, physical distancing, cleaning and disinfection.
All faculty, staff, students and visitors are required to wear face coverings unless walking alone in an outdoor space or working alone in a personal office space. Any person experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (or any other illness) should stay home. Protocols for students, faculty and staff reporting any potential exposure or diagnosis of COVID-19 can be found at muw.edu/renewal/health.
For the latest university COVID-19 updates, visit muw.edu/disease.
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