Note: This story was updated on 9/30/20 at 5:00 p.m. CT to clarify information about reporting known or potential cases of COVID-19.
The University of Alabama will continue in-person instruction and on-campus residence for the 2021 Spring Semester with some important changes to the calendar:
- Classes will begin Wednesday, Jan. 13, a week later than previously scheduled to provide 12 days between New Year’s Day and initial classroom meetings.
- Spring break will be canceled for continuous learning to mitigate risks associated with travel.
- The last day for students to add/drop classes without a “W” is Wednesday, Jan. 20.
- Classes will be canceled on Monday, March 15, as a wellness/study day mid-semester, but offices will remain open.
Other important dates for Spring 2021 include the following:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (UA closed) – Jan. 18
- Honors Week – April 5-April 9
- Honors Day – April 9
- Final Exams – April 26-30
- Commencement – April 30-May 1
Classes will look much the same as they do this semester, with the majority having an in-person component and remote options in case a student or faculty member needs to quarantine or isolate.
Faculty and Staff holiday information:
The five paid holiday days UA employees normally get for Spring break will be shifted to provide an extended Winter break beginning Monday, Dec. 21, and continuing through Wednesday, Jan. 6. Offices will close Friday, Dec. 18 at the end of the day, and the first day employees return to work is Jan. 7.
Faculty and staff who would like to take the week of March 15-19 off must coordinate with their supervisors and use accrued leave.
Spring semester health and safety protocols:
The established public health policies will continue to be in effect, including wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Faculty and staff will be allowed to use available leave as needed for symptoms, quarantine and isolation related to COVID-19.
Those on campus are encouraged to report known or potential cases of COVID-19 to the University’s COVID-19 Response Team by calling 205-348-CV19 (2819).
The COVID-19 Response Team is responsible for case managing all UA students, faculty and staff and can offer help and assistance when notified of suspected cases and positive exposures. Team members include nurse practitioners available to answer all health-related questions.
Faculty and staff concerned about being at a higher risk can contact UA Human Resources to assist with questions and requests for accommodations.
The spring semester will continue to work in accordance to UA’s return plan, which is governed by the UA System Comprehensive Health and Safety Plan.