The modified calendar begins on Monday, August 17, and ends on Tuesday, November 24 and prioritizes the health and safety of the entire BU community.
The plan also maximizes the use of classrooms for instruction while following social distancing guidelines, and allows for flexibility should there be a resurgence of COVID outbreaks during the coming year.
According to a press release, the university also said it will continue to adhere to health and safety guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as directives from the Governor’s Office and the Office of the Chancellor regarding the reopening of campus.
The semester will begin one week earlier than initially planned, and will consist of two six-week sessions in combination with a 12-week term. The full schedule to include finals week will be released as the new schedule is built. One-third of all courses will be offered within one of three sessions. BU will also offer a six-week online winter term.
“I would like to thank the faculty and staff that are working behind the scenes to make these decisions, “ said Rogers-Adkinson. “We want to make sure a quality educational experience occurs for all of our students. Due to social distancing guidelines this model maximizes contact times for students and faculty in face-to-face instruction.”
“I am grateful to our Provost, Dr. Diana Rogers-Adkinson, our acting Vice President for Student Affairs, Jim McCormack, and the planning task force committee members for their hard work and many hours of virtual meetings to craft this plan,” said BU President Bashar Hanna. “I also thank our faculty, our students (members of the Community Government Association), and the various constituency groups with which the task force has met over the past several weeks to seek their input.”
Information posted from a Bloomsburg University Press Release