Spring break cancelled
Utah State University will adjust its spring 2021 semester schedule to extend winter break and cancel spring break.
The changes to the schedule include moving the first day of spring classes to Jan. 19. Registration for spring classes will begin on Nov. 16.
Tim Vitale, USU’s associate vice president of communications, said the decision to adjust spring semester was made by administration, student government leaders and staff members.
Vitale said the discussion of adjusting the semester is an “everyday conversation.”
“It’s always a question of making adjustments that will keep students and faculty safe,” he said, “while at the same time trying to provide something as close to a normal university experience as possible.”
Vitale also said the goal of the adjustment is to limit travel.
“Travel is one of those areas that people worldwide are understanding we need to be careful with,” he said. “Our numbers are skyrocketing in Utah and we don’t know what those numbers are going to be like in the spring. This is one way to try to limit travel.”
Vitale said USU looked at a few options for moving things around for the spring 2021 semester.
“We were looking at cancelling commencement and that was taken off the table pretty quickly,” he said. “We were looking at all options and that was the one that seemed to make the most sense for the safety of students and their families.”
Some students have already taken to social media to voice their opposition or concern to the adjustment. Vitale said students’ questions, feedback and concerns are always welcome.
“We’re in a pandemic as a state and as a community here,” he said. “We know the adjustment is going to affect some students more than others.”
Vitale added that he believes most students understand the university is looking out for their safety.
Graduate Studies Senator Alex Braeger is on the USU Student Association executive council and participated in the discussion of adjusting spring semester.
Braeger said the adjustment is a “necessary sacrifice,” but that cancelling spring break will be disappointing for students and faculty.
“Spring break is a time where students can relax, get ready for finals, see family and go on trips with friends,” he said. “This break also gives faculty time to grade and get things ready for the end of the year. That being said, the pros still outweigh the cons.”
The pros, according to Braeger , are that USU may have fewer cases of COVID. There will also be a smaller chance of school being cancelled all together again.
Cancelling spring break also allows the university to consider a graduation ceremony.
Braeger said if students are wondering why the decision is being made so early, it’s because the calendar needs to be set before spring registration begins.
“Similarly, we have to react to the information that is present, which is that Utah is experiencing about 1,000 new cases daily,” he said.
Braeger said it’s OK to feel frustrated, but that USU should remain united as a community.
“The people making these decisions are also feeling them and are equally affected by them,” he said. “I hope that any frustration can channel itself into productivity, at finding ways to lift one another up and making an effort to strengthen our community.”
The dates for finals, last day of classes and commencement will be the same. USU will still observe President’s Day on Feb. 15 with no classes.
@harriskarcin