Spring Semester Academic Calendar Now Available, Spring Break Eliminated

Dear Members of the Syracuse University Community:

As our students, faculty and staff remain vigilant to continue residential learning and to remain on campus this semester, work is well underway to refine the spring 2021 schedule. The spring schedule, as outlined below, provides 14 weeks of instruction with no weekend classes required.

• Monday, Jan. 25: Residential instruction will begin (students living in on-campus housing will receive notification of their move-in date).
• Friday, April 30: Residential instruction will conclude.
• Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2: Reading Days
• Monday, May 3, through Thursday, May 6: Final Exam Period

The revised calendar starts one week later than usual but eliminates spring break in order to minimize travel-related COVID-19 risks and to avoid quarantine-related complications. Many of our peer institutions are adopting similar schedules. The University Public Health Team is working to finalize spring semester quarantine and COVID-19 testing procedures. While Jan. 25 will be the first day of classes, more information will be forthcoming about the timing and process for our return to campus.

Subject to continuing and further guidance from New York State and public health officials, May 7-8 will be reserved for college and school convocations and May 9 for University Commencement. The format of these celebrations, whether virtual or in-person, will be contingent on public health conditions and approval by the appropriate officials. This schedule will also allow some flexibility for rescheduling Commencement for the Class of 2020, if public health guidelines allow.

We appreciate your continued patience, flexibility and understanding as we work to provide a safe and productive academic year for everyone.

Sincerely,

Kent Syverud
Chancellor

John Liu
Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost

Robert D. Hradsky, Ed.D.
Vice President for the Student Experience