In an email sent May 29 to students, faculty and staff, Jacksonville University announced an amended schedule for the 2020-21 academic calendar.
Jacksonville University will start the fall semester one week early, on Aug. 17. The semester will be condensed to complete all fall courses by Nov. 24, before the Thanksgiving break.
“This allows students more time with their families during the holidays, reduces the need for more travel through busy airports during flu season and may reduce the risk to our campus,” the email states.
Also, the university will offer a shorter, fully online winter term with some discounted courses similar to our summer terms. The winter semester, which is optional, is for students who would like to continue earning credits during the longer break and accelerate their path to graduation.
The 2021 spring semester will begin Jan. 25 and end May 7, without a spring break, to reduce potential threats from another surge in COVID-19 cases during the holidays and spring travel.
“Our University continues its thoughtful, diligent planning for the fall 2020 semester with the expectation that we will welcome back students, faculty and staff to safely live, learn and work here on our campus. Our best leaders and experts are hard at work developing plans and policies in consultation with several experienced outside experts. We plan to announce the details of those plans by the end of June,” the email states.