Spring semester calendar revised, start of classes pushed back

Posted: September 3, 2020

We will be starting the spring semester two weeks later than usual and taking a number of other steps to limit the risk of COVID-19 to the Gannon community.

Classes will resume at our Erie and Ruskin campuses on Jan. 25 instead of Jan. 10, as previously planned. In addition:

• There will be no spring break;
• Easter break is shortened;
• T.R.A.V.E.L., G.I.F.T. and ABST trips have been shifted to the end of the spring semester;
• The semester will end as originally scheduled on May 8; and
• A 13-course “winter-mester” of online core classes will be offered from late November to mid-January so students can take advantage of the longer break.

As with finishing the fall semester early, the intent behind the later start is to minimize our time on campus during typical flu season and to avoid potential increased COVID-19 incidence around the holidays.

We are hoping to reduce risk further by limiting the challenges associated with travel during the semester by shortening or eliminating breaks and shifting Alternative Break Service Trips and other trips to immediately after classes end.

We will observe the Holy Day on Good Friday by ending classes at 12:30 p.m. Typically, we would be off Thursday, Friday and the following Monday for Easter break, but we have shortened this given the safety needs of campus. For staff and faculty, these paid days off will be made up elsewhere in the year.

Unresolved at this point is the status of our athletic seasons. We are anticipating many students returning to campus in late December to prepare for contests beginning in late-January and February. We will provide updates as we learn more from the NCAA and PSAC.

We will announce the return-to-campus COVID-19 testing plan for both campuses later in this semester as details become more definitive.

We understand these essential changes may create additional difficulties for some of our community members, but we greatly appreciate the incredible flexibility each of you are showing and we will continue to work with you to make this a successful year.

Given what we know right now about COVID-19, we believe it is prudent to plan an alternative structure for the spring semester that limits risk and offers the best chance of continuing face-to-face instruction. We are confident that with everyone’s continued patience and commitment to protecting each other we will be a stronger and healthier community.

OUR UPDATED CALENDARS

Gannon Online Winter-Mester (6 weeks)

• Nov. 30 -- Classes start.
• Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 -- No classes.
• Jan. 22 -- Last day of classes.

Gannon Online Spring Schedule

• Spring 1 session: Jan. 25 – March 14.
• Spring 2 session: March 14 – May 2.
• Summer 1 session: May 10 – June 27.

SPRING SEMESTER 2021

January

• 18 -- Last day to confirm enrollment with the Cashier's Office for spring without a late fee.
• 25 -- First day of the semester.
• 25-29 – 100 percent tuition and fee refund for dropped courses. This includes 7-week, 9-week, and 14-week courses. No refund for 7-week or 9-week courses after Jan. 29.
• 28 -- Students who have not confirmed their enrollment by 4:30 p.m. will have their registrations deleted. In order to re-register, the student must have written permission from the instructor and a $100 late fee will be charged.
• 29 -- Last day to add/drop courses without adviser's written approval. Last day to add courses without instructor's written approval.
• 30 through Feb. 7 -- 80 percent tuition refund for dropped courses. No fee refund.

February

• 5 -- Last day that dropped courses can be removed from transcript. Last day to add full-semester courses (with instructor’s written approval).
• 8-14 – 60 percent tuition refund for dropped courses. No fee refund.
• 15-19 – 40 percent tuition refund for dropped courses. No fee refund.
• No tuition refund after Feb. 19.
• 22 -- Freshmen grades are due in the Registrar's Office by 4 p.m.

March

• 12 -- Mid-point of Spring Semester
• 19 -- Mid-semester grades due in the Registrar's Office by 4 p.m.

April

• 1 -- Last day to: a) withdraw from a course; b) elect pass-fail; c) revert to a letter grade for courses being taken pass-fail. Consult the dean regarding pass-fail. If the dates of a course are different from the regular semester dates, the student can withdraw from a course before 60 percent of the course is complete.
• 2-5 -- Easter vacation - no classes.
• 7 -- Advising Day. No classes from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Evening classes beginning at 4:30 p.m. or later will be held.
• 8 -- Registration for next semester starts.

May

• 3-7 -- Final exam week.
• 7 -- Residence halls close at 5 p.m. Dining hall closes at 1:45 p.m.
• 8 -- Erie Commencement ceremony.
• 13 -- Final grades are due in the Registrar's Office by 4 p.m.
• 15 -- Ruskin Commencement ceremony.