Changes to Fall Semester Calendar Announced

Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced today to the University community an earlier start to the fall 2020 semester of Monday, Aug. 17, and an earlier semester end date of Wednesday, Nov. 25, the day prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. Previously, the semester was scheduled to begin on Aug. 31 and end Dec. 19.

The changes apply only to campus-based classes and programs. The calendar for online graduate classes and programs will continue as originally planned.

“The goal of all of our efforts remains the same: to deliver for our students an exceptional Catholic and Jesuit education distinguished by personal care and attention. The revisions to our calendar will support our hope and plan to do so on campus and in person,” said Fr. Pilarz in his message to the University community.

In the revised schedule, final exams will take place on campus from Friday, Nov. 20, through no later than 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25. In order to complete the mandated semester hours and to limit longer interruptions, the University will hold classes on Labor Day (Sept. 7) and the days previously scheduled for Fall Break (Oct. 12 and 13).

The plan was presented to the President’s Cabinet by the University’s Fall Planning Group, chaired by Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and was developed with input from the faculty, staff and student senates, as well as with consultation with representatives from key offices and departments across campus.

The University will announce full details of its complete plan for the fall semester in early July.

“The plan will include more detailed information about move-in procedures for new and returning students and health and safety guidelines for campus. We will also be working closely with faculty to create a schedule of courses that allows for appropriate social distancing precautions in the classroom and ensures that faculty, students and staff are safe and healthy,” said Fr. Pilarz.

The full message to the University community can be seen here.