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AMHERST, N.Y. – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ������Ƶ College has announced it will begin the fall semester as scheduled in September but will forgo fall break and transition to remote learning for the final two weeks of the semester.

Fall classes will begin on-campus on Sept. 8 as planned. Under the revised schedule, fall break on Oct. 12 and 13 has been cancelled and classes will be held on those days. Also, immediately after Thanksgiving break, the college will move from on-campus to online instruction starting on Nov. 30 and will continue in this format through final exams that end on Dec. 18.

“These semester changes are proactive measures to best protect the campus community and to mitigate the potential spread of the coronavirus while also maximizing on-campus instruction for our students,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, senior vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. “We look forward to welcoming our students on campus for fall classes and providing the exceptional academic quality and student experience that are the hallmark of a ������Ƶ education.”

As part of the academic calendar adjustments, ������Ƶ students will return home for the last two weeks of the fall semester before a possible second wave of COVID-19, which has been predicted by public health experts. Students will complete the semester via an online format, which the college is well-prepared for to ensure students receive the same high-quality instruction as they do for in-person classes. Throughout the semester, all student services, residence halls, dining operations, administrative offices, and other services will remain open and available for use.

“While we are aware that the fall semester will be somewhat different than what we are used to at ������Ƶ, our goal is to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff when we all come back together this fall,” said Dr. Greg Nayor, vice president for strategic initiatives. “Limiting students traveling off campus during holiday breaks and moving to online instruction in the final weeks of the semester will be vital to helping to decrease potential exposure to COVID-19 and reduce density on campus during this time.”

In preparation for in-person fall classes, ������Ƶ is implementing extensive procedures and precautions for the safety and well-being of the campus community. A number of measures have been developed, including a process for screening, testing, and mandatory use of PPE; cleaning and sterilization of rooms and equipment; campus signage and floor markers for social distancing; density control for classrooms, offices, residence halls, and other areas; dining services protocols; and adjustments to many other areas.

������Ƶ has also rescheduled its new student orientation from July to just prior to the start of the fall semester on Sept. 4 and 5. In advance of the in-person orientation, interactive virtual experiences with new students, orientation leaders, and advisors will be held throughout the summer. Information on move-in for students will be provided in the coming weeks.