{"id":1456,"date":"2020-06-25T16:34:02","date_gmt":"2020-06-25T21:34:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/covid-19\/?p=1456"},"modified":"2020-06-25T16:39:38","modified_gmt":"2020-06-25T21:39:38","slug":"fall-semester-begins-monday-august-17th","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/covid-19\/2020\/06\/25\/fall-semester-begins-monday-august-17th\/","title":{"rendered":"Fall semester begins Monday, August 17th"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear Griffon Nation,<\/span><\/p>\n

As you know, universities across the country are planning for the upcoming semester in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, determining the best way to provide a safe on-campus environment as we resume classes this fall. Taking into account recommendations from faculty, students and staff leadership, we have been formulating a plan over the past several months that provides a quality educational experience true to our applied learning mission while concurrently protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our campus community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you for your patience as we have evaluated multiple scenarios for the upcoming academic year. The complexities of this situation are unlike any that universities have experienced in the past. Our planning has required thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making and careful consideration of all factors involved in reopening campus. While we are still nailing down details to this very fluid situation, we wanted to share some important information with you with respect to the <\/span>Fall Schedule<\/b> and other matters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fall Semester \u2013 Date Shift<\/b><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, we realize that the continued spread of COVID-19 will remain unpredictable for many months and that we need to remain flexible for the foreseeable future. In light of the recent announcement that the Chiefs will not be holding training camp in St. Joseph this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have gained some additional flexibility with respect to the start of our academic year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Due to concerns about COVID-19, many universities and colleges are either moving up the start date of their semesters or shifting classes\/exams to online only after Thanksgiving. After considerable discussion with faculty, staff, and student leaders, we are joining with other universities that have announced early starts to their fall semesters in an effort to hopefully avoid the unpredictable and best serve our students. As such, <\/span>we\u2019ve decided to begin our fall semester on Monday, August 17th,<\/b> and <\/span>conclude the semester by Thanksgiving<\/b>. This offers us the best option to help protect the health and safety of the campus community while providing a quality and accessible education. Our reasoning and details are described below.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If we have learned anything from the past few months, it is that we need to remain flexible. We apologize for any inconveniences caused by shifting the academic calendar and hope you understand that these decisions are being made with the health, well-being, and success of our students, employees and the broader community in mind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why – The Reasoning?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

As we consider that health and safety issues related to COVID-19 could cause mid-semester issues again, we believe that starting early enables us to:<\/span><\/p>\n