Although the COVID-19 pandemic already makes vacations unlikely in the near future, UNI students shouldn’t plan on traveling anywhere for spring break in 2021.

In a press release on Monday, Sept. 14, as well as an email to the campus community, UNI announced that the spring 2021 academic calendar will be modified in response to COVID-19. 

The two biggest changes to the typical calendar include the cancellation of spring break and the postponement of the second semester start date to Monday, Jan. 25. Final exams will be held May 3-7. 

“We understand these changes might impact your plans which is why we are sharing the information as early as possible,” the campus-wide email stated. “We believe these calendar changes, coupled with the lessons we have learned during our fall opening, will give us the opportunity to further protect our campus community while still holding a full spring semester of on-campus teaching and learning activities.”

In addition, during the extended winter break, students will be able to take 3-week and 6-week “winter term” classes via distance learning. The select classes offered will “focus on courses that may help students progress to graduation,” according to the email.

During either of the two 3-week terms, which will take place from Nov. 30-Dec. 18 and Jan. 4-22, students may take up to three credits of coursework. The 6-week term will last from Nov. 30 to Jan. 22, with a two-week break from Dec. 21- Jan. 1 for holidays, and students may take up to six credits.

Winter term classes will be part of students’ spring course load in terms of credit hours, tuition and billing, according to the email. More information about these classes will be available through individual departments and when the spring schedule of classes is released.