Spring 2021 Semester to Start Online Feb. 15, In-Person on March 1

President Dennis J. Murray announced a revised spring 2021 semester schedule on Wednesday. Citing scientific evidence, Murray said the spring semester will begin online on Feb. 15 to avoid peak periods of spread for COVID-19 and the flu. In-person classes are scheduled to resume on March. 1.

“This plan was developed with two key goals in mind: continue keeping our community safe, while at the same time providing the best possible educational experience for our students under the circumstances of this pandemic,” Murray said.

With its delayed start, the spring semester will now conclude on May 28. The commencement date has yet to be announced and will be “determined based on public health conditions.” Unlike the fall semester, students will no longer have Saturday classes, but non-essential travel remains prohibited. Spring break and Easter break have been eliminated as a result.

Many of the protocols utilized in the fall semester will remain in place. Students must take a PCR test within 14 days of their coming to campus. A phased move-in process will start on Feb. 15 through March 1. “Students coming from non-contiguous states and abroad will be subject to further testing requirements and additional quarantine protocols per New York State guidelines,” Murray said.

Some notable changes to the fall semester’s operations have been made. Cleaning protocols will be targeted toward high-touch areas, so classrooms will be cleaned three times per day rather than in between each class period.

Surveillance testing on campus will be increased, per the medical team’s recommendation, Murray said. “We believe this enhanced testing protocol will allow Marist students to enjoy more campus activities, which the Student Affairs team is currently planning,” Murray said.

Students will hear from other Marist departments in the coming weeks with further information about the spring semester. Murray reminded students that the college’s plans may be subject to change at the behest of federal, state and local officials.

“The College fared better than many peer institutions last semester, and we want to continue this success. I have every reason to believe we will do so because I’ve seen the dedication, flexibility, and grit of the Marist community,” Murray said. “I know we are up to this challenge.”

Marist’s spring semester will begin online on Feb. 15 and commence in person on March 1. The college aims to avoid peak spread periods for COVID-19 and the flu in January and February, President Dennis J. Murray said. Source: Sarah Lynch