Dear Southwestern community,
Our
spring schedule was finalized this week after the faculty approved the addition of scheduled reading days. This means
no classes will be held on February 16 or March 17 in order to give students a break during the semester. Additionally,
no classes will be held on April 22 as that is the day of the virtual Research and Creative Works Symposium.
Spring registration began last month, and any students who have not yet registered are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. In the fall, approximately 70% of all classes were held on campus and in classrooms. We anticipate a greater percentage in the spring. Spring registration is trending to be our highest student enrollment in history.
Student Life
sent an email to students about
COVID-19 testing requirements for spring. In short, all students, faculty, and staff who will be coming on campus must be tested prior to the spring semester. Students will need to get a PCR test off campus (please note the Georgetown Library is currently providing free PCR tests; you can make an appointment online). The university will provide faculty and staff with home testing kits at no cost. We will begin surveillance testing during the first week of classes. Southwestern will be continually monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations and guidelines and making adjustments as appropriate.
In order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, students are once again asked to self-quarantine at home for seven days prior to their arrival on campus. As in the fall, we intend to start the spring semester with a 0% positivity rate.
The campus move-in schedule for the spring is as follows:
- January 3, 2021 – Designated athletes return.
- January 8, 2021 – Additional designated athletes return.
- January 15, 2021 – All on-campus residences open, and students can move in. More information will be provided at a later date regarding details for returning to campus.
We’re all excited about the return of Pirate athletics. Although many details about the spring season are still being finalized, you can view the current
sports schedules on our
athletic website.
In addition to the
academic calendar, please note the dates of the following
university events:
- February 5, 2021 – Virtual Charter Day (181 years)
- April 11–18, 2021 – Virtual Homecoming
- May 8, 2021 – Commencement for the Class of 2020 at 9:00 AM and the Class of 2021 at 2:00 PM
Finally, please join us on the mall every Thursday from January 21 to May 6 for the Captain’s Sweet Surprise. The treat for those Thursdays will remain top secret until the day of the event (but if the super-secret Sweet Surprise Committee is taking requests, glazed doughnuts would be great).
Please keep in mind that due to the ongoing pandemic, all dates are subject to change. We will communicate any scheduling changes as soon as possible.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone as we wrap up our 180th fall semester. University offices will be closed during the winter break (December 24, 2020 to January 1, 2021). We look forward to seeing you in January and wish you all a healthy and happy break.
Sincerely,
