Spring 2021 Academic Calendar

Dear campus community,

As the fall semester comes to its conclusion, I am pleased to announce the revised academic calendar for the spring semester. We expect an on-campus, in-person learning and living experience. Students should be advised that they may be required to take a COVID-19 test prior to their return for the spring semester, but more details will be provided on testing at a later date.  

Spring semester classes will begin Monday, Jan. 25. We anticipate move-in to start Friday, Jan. 22, however, final details will be provided after the first of the year in order to allow Residence Life staff to assess the state of COVID-19 in the community and develop a move-in schedule to keep students, families and staff as safe as possible.

Changes to the traditional spring semester schedule are: 

• No Spring Break
• March 3 and 31 will be Healthy Wednesdays. No classes will be held on these days in order to give students and faculty a brief respite from instruction, providing all with the opportunity to rest, rejuvenate and focus on personal wellness.
• Wednesday, May 5, the last day of classes for the spring semester. 
• May 6-11, Finals Week.  
• Sunday, May 16, Commencement. At this time, we are not able to commit to an in-person Commencement ceremony. More details will be communicated as we are provided with a clearer picture of the state of COVID-19 and its impact on large gatherings.

We also do not have a clear sense of whether athletic competition will occur during the winter and spring sports seasons, therefore, we do not yet have complete information on whether or not athletes will be required to return to campus early as they have done in the past. The athletics department remains in close and frequent communication with the Midwest Conference, and student-athletes will be updated as soon as information is available.

We will continue to monitor the public health situation as we move toward reopening campus for the spring. The health and safety of our students, staff, and faculty are our priorities, and if we must change this planned calendar to protect our community, we will do so.

Please continue to monitor ripon.edu/covid19 for pertinent updates and answers to FAQs.

Thank you for your commitment to the health and safety of the campus community throughout the fall semester. We will continue to rely on your dedication so that we will be in the best position possible for a safe and healthy spring semester.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. John Sisko
Vice President and Dean of Faculty