EKU will begin fall semester in August, end in-person classes by Thanksgiving

During these especially challenging times, the EKU community has worked together to meet students where they are and in the safest way possible. The well being of our students, faculty and staff during this pandemic will continue to be our first priority.

We eagerly anticipate the fall semester and the opportunity to educate our students and provide a rich and exciting college experience. All groups engaged in COVID-19 planning have been meeting regularly to plan for anticipated contingencies.

We have new information to share with you about 2020-2021 calendar changes and about resources being assembled to support your work. EKU will begin the fall semester with academic instruction on August 17, 2020.  Please be aware that the task force’s work adheres to local, state, and national guidelines surrounding the reopening of higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic and are subject to modifications.

Proposed 2020-2021 Academic Calendar changes: 

The President’s Council, upon the recommendation of the Task Force, has approved a revised calendar that minimizes the effects of holiday travel, allows for a six-week winter term for students to get ahead or catch up, and retains the integrity of the eight-week block schedule for students who have chosen those courses.

Key features include:

• Completion of all in-person classes and requirements by the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, which will require eliminating Fall Break to add two instructional days
• Administration of final exams online the week of November 30
• A winter term during which students may take up to six (6) credit hours, allowing them to get ahead, catch up, or enroll in interesting and exciting offerings

Academic Offerings: EKU is developing plans for each course and will adjust spaces and delivery to enhance both academic quality and safety.  Students will receive individual communications about any changes to their enrolled courses.

Housing and Dining:  EKU is working to finalize residential housing and dining plans for the fall semester. We are eager to welcome you back to campus. More information will become available soon.

We look forward to seeing you on campus and online in the fall. Look for more detailed information from the task force later this month.

Back in May, Western Kentucky University unveiled a similar plan, with fall classes expected to begin August 24 and the final day of in-person instruction set for November 20. After Thanksgiving, WKU’s classes will resume via remote learning, with online final exams set to take place the week of December 7.

While other schools have announced their plans, we continue to wait for an announcement from the University of Kentucky regarding its plans for the fall.

Will UK follow in the footsteps of its peers with in-person classes being moved online after Thanksgiving?