Health and safety a priority for spring semester

COLUMBUS – Mississippi University for Women will continue to prioritize health, safety and well-being for the spring 2021 semester.

Classes will begin Monday, Jan. 11 and end Friday, April 23. Final exams will occur April 19-23. The spring academic calendar was designed to lessen the spread of COVID-19 from travel resulting in a shorter semester and the elimination of the traditional Spring Break. The balance of online to face-to-face course replicates the fall 2020 semester.

“Perseverance and resiliency are two-character traits that our W community exemplifies. I recently saw a quote that compares where we are in the COVID pandemic with mile 24 of a marathon. Having run eight marathons, I can definitely relate. Mile 24 is a weary one – but on the home stretch – and there’s no giving up at this point. This is the time for cheering each other on, and encouraging each other to finish strong,” said W President Nora Miller.

Public health guidelines will determine future plans for large gatherings, including Spring Commencement and celebration of the previous 2020 graduates. Student Life events will be virtual and registered student organizations will operate virtually when the semester begins. The Office of Student Life will continually assess the possibility of in-person events.

“Our campus, as it always does, came together to meet the challenges presented by one of the most difficult semesters in The W’s history. While it often felt like an unending, uphill struggle, we persevered and did so while continuing to provide the high-quality education and personalized attention that is emblematic of this institution,” said Dr. Scott Tolli