By Mari Pizzini –
Morningside College announced to students on October 20, 2020 that the Spring 2021 semester is scheduled to continue as originally planned. Unlike the Fall 2020 semester, the spring will have normal start and end dates, and it will include all pre-planned breaks.
Chris Spicer, the vice president for academic affairs, spoke about this decision.
“Moving toward the spring, we know much more about how to manage Covid-19 virus on campus,” Spicer said. “Our testing capability is stronger, reliable, and more consistent than in June and July when the fall decision was made.”
Spicer also spoke on the responsibility of the students on campus.
“Students have also learned that they have an individual responsibility to help keep us face-to-face.” This responsibility comes by wearing masks, abiding by social distancing guidelines, and sanitizing hands and surfaces.
The decision to change the Fall 2020 semester was met with confusion and anger. Spicer noted that there was too much uncertainty when entering the fall semester, and minimizing breaks discouraged unnecessary travel. However, this left room for student, faculty, and staff burnout.
“One of the things we have heard from all constituencies this semester is that having breaks interspersed throughout the semester is valuable for a multitude of reasons,” Spicer said. These breaks will also leave room to hold annual events, including the Palmer Research Symposium. “Events and activities contribute positively to the emotional wellbeing of the campus and the overall experience for students.”
Students are responding to this announcement differently than the fall.
“I am glad that they are deciding to have a normal second semester,” said Caleb Watson, a freshman at Morningside. “I really feel like if we are responsible, it will help us return to a sense of normalcy.”
Lex Wurth, a junior, feels similarly to Watson but both have some concerns.
“I’m excited but a little nervous about it being normal,” Wurth said. “I’m concerned about Covid spread after spring break.”
Watson said, “I am concerned that not everyone will take the precautions necessary. I also think that because there is no definite answer on what is going to happen with Covid, people will continue to stress.”
To combat these concerns, Spicer reminds students to heed the weekly emails.
“As to what steps students can take to ensure the next semester goes well, the weekly email articulates them well: wear your masks; wash your hands; refrain from large groups and physically distance when possible; rest and eat well; and make good decisions.”
The Spring 2021 semester will begin on January 13 with 8 a.m. classes and will end on May 11 after the final exam time. Spring break will be held from March 5 after the conclusion of classes until March 15 at 8 a.m.
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