Semester Delay
This information is archived as of May 26, 2020, and is saved here for reference. See latest health information.
March 12, 2020
Central College has made the decision to delay the start of the remainder of the semester by one week – through March 30. We believe this adjustment is important amid global coronavirus concerns. The purpose of this adjustment is to ensure your health and safety as well as your successful academic career – all of which are the college’s highest priority.
We intend to use the one-week delay to get technology in place to allow faculty to prepare for the option of remote access to our campus-based courses as needed for those who are unable or elect to not join us in person on campus.
Central’s leadership team appreciates the patience you have demonstrated as we have worked to be strategic about keeping you healthy and safe while also ensuring you benefit from the Central education you have chosen. I appreciate the phone calls and emails from everyone who contacted us with advice and expressions of concern. Your insights have been helpful in informing our thinking.
What the adjustment means
- Spring break begins at the end of the day Friday, March 13.
- Classes on campus will resume on schedule Monday, March 30.
- Students have the option to join us on campus or to take advantage of remote access to our classes.
- Next week, we will provide an opportunity for you to inform us of your decision to either return to campus on March 30 or participate remotely in classes. As you leave campus for spring break, please consider preparing accordingly.
- If you select to participate in on-campus classes remotely, your account will be credited on a pro-rated basis for room and meal plan charges.
- Discussion is in process for classes that involve experiential learning such as ensembles and laboratories. Your professors will be in touch with additional information.
- We do not plan to extend the semester beyond finals weeks ending May 14.
- Campus will remain open for all business functions.
- As a reminder, we will make decisions about summer programs April 3.
To reiterate, we will resume classes March 30. The semester will end May 14.
Please stay tuned. As you know, the guidance from public health care experts and others evolves daily. I am grateful to you for your understanding as we work to develop this new institutional process for optional remote access following spring break.
Central will continue to post updates at central.edu/coronavirus.
Sincerely,
Mark L. Putnam
Central College President