October 15, 2020
Dear WSU Community:
Thank you again for your continuing adaptability this semester as we partner
to protect the health and safety of our community during this ongoing public
health crisis. The extraordinary effort that each of you has demonstrated on a
daily basis is inspiring and deeply appreciated.
That same type of adaptability will be necessary for spring semester. With
the goal of continuing to reduce the risk of spreading COVID‑19 in our communities,
we announced this morning some changes to the spring 2021 semester academic
calendar.
Spring semester systemwide now will begin January 19, which is about a week
later than originally planned. The delay gives us time to safely stagger the move‑in
times for students living in Pullman campus housing and to adjust to any new
requirements from the U.S. Department of Education regarding instructional models.
The method of delivering spring semester courses will be very similar to this
fall. The majority of classes will be taught virtually. Those courses requiring an
in‑person component will be offered with the most up‑to‑date protocols
to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff.
Course schedules for all of our campuses will be available online today.
In an effort to reduce nonessential travel, the University will replace the
traditional spring break that occurs in March with a series of weekday academic
breaks scheduled throughout the semester. These breaks will be on February 25, March 17,
and April 13. A class holiday will also take place on Presidents’ Day,
February 15.
We understand that this change is likely to cause disruptions and create
challenges for a significant portion of our community. But it is essential that
we continue to do everything we can to reduce the spread of COVID‑19 in
order to return to the in‑person WSU experience we all desire. These
measures will help us get there.
The Division of Student Affairs will be providing information about housing for
Spring 2021 on November 2. As outlined in our August communication,
information on student fees will be forthcoming.
WSU’s COVID‑19 testing plan for students and employees will be
communicated in November as well.
Chancellors from each of the other campuses will communicate campus-specific
information regarding the spring semester as additional decisions are made.
Let us each continue to do our part to mitigate risk, to actively demonstrate
our care for the physical and emotional well‑being of others, and to rally
as a community to complete a successful academic year.
Wishing you good health,
Kirk Schulz
President
Elizabeth Chilton
Provost and Executive Vice President
