Dear Marquette community,
First, I want to thank and commend you all for doing your part to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on our campus and in our community. It is because of your efforts and diligence in following campus guidelines that we have been able to provide an in-person, on-campus experience this fall semester.
Based on guidance from public health experts and information detailed in our recovery plan, which was developed in accordance with medical and government guidelines, we have important updates regarding the Academic Calendar for the spring semester.
The calendar updates received support from the University Academic Senate, Committee on Academic Procedures, COVID-19 Academic Steering Committee, COVID-19 Academic Planning Group, department chairs, and deans, as well as from members of the Provost’s Cabinet, Marquette University Student Government and Graduate Student Organization.
A brief outline of these updates includes: removal of Easter break and the mid-semester break (the day after Easter), and replacing that time with four Mental Health Days, spread throughout the spring term.
University leadership recognizes that it can be difficult to manage the anxieties and stress associated with this pandemic. The Mental Health Days will provide students the opportunity to rest and recharge while also reducing unnecessary travel. The Counseling Center also has virtual services that are accessible now. Contact the Counseling Center at (414) 288-7172 if you are in need of mental health or counseling services.
Please note that certain schools — specifically, the School of Dentistry, College of Health Sciences professional degrees and the Law School — will make separate decisions concerning their academic calendars and will communicate those decisions with their faculty, students and others in the near future.
Spring 2021 term
As previously announced, spring 2021 undergraduate and Graduate School courses will begin on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021 (a week later than usual). The semester will conclude on Saturday, May 8, 2021. The university will observe Good Friday, April 2, 2021, as a university-wide holiday.
The following days have been designated as Mental Health Days:
- Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021
- Wednesday, March 10, 2021
- Tuesday, April 20, 2021
- Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Midterm exams will be held the week of March 15-20, 2021, and final exams will be administered in person the week of May 10-15, 2021.
Consistent with board adjustments made for fewer residential days on campus during fall 2020 semester, there will be a board adjustment for additional residential days on campus during spring 2021. This will result in a spring 2021 meal plan fee of $2,550.
As we’ve shared previously, any of our plans may need to change based on government and medical official guidelines, so we ask for your continued patience and flexibility. If future guidance requires a different action, be assured that the safety of our students, faculty and staff will be the most important factor in our decisions. Please watch Marquette Today for regular COVID-19 and recovery plan updates and information on future town hall meetings.
Thank you for all you do for Marquette.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs