President’s Update Regarding Spring 2021

Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As we begin a new month on the calendar and near completion of the fifth week of our semester, I want to extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to each of you for all you have done to contribute to the successful start we have experienced thus far under some very trying circumstances.

It has not been perfect and there have certainly been challenges, however, learning is taking place, enrollment is strong, and because of your commitment to each other’s health and safety, we have experienced a minimal number of COVID-19 infections to date. 

Please remember the core principles of the Flyers Promise: respect for each other; following the basic guidelines on face coverings, physical distancing, and hand-washing; and notifying the COVID-19 Hotline if you receive notification of a positive test.

This fall, we have learned that we can successfully partake in a Lasallian experience, regardless of the delivery modality. Our student and faculty relationships have strengthened as we have worked together to adjust to a hybrid or online experience. Our students continue to conduct research, engage in experiential learning opportunities, and serve our community in numerous ways. Our university services continue to support our students as they encounter the various challenges of earning their degrees. Our degree recipients are connecting with employers and alumni are making a positive impact in their own communities. We have learned from these experiences and continue to innovate in order to provide the best educational experience during this pandemic.

I am writing today to update you on the upcoming Spring Semester. Over the past few weeks, we have collaborated with many members of the Lewis community to discuss how the Spring Semester should unfold. The decisions outlined below have been made with the health and safety of our community members foremost in our minds.

Class Formats Will Remain the Same in Spring

We will continue in a similar model to what we are doing now. We will offer hybrid classes that meet one day a week as well as many purely face-to-face experiences through labs, clinicals, and flight to name a few. In addition to our face-to-face classes in-person, we will continue to offer many fully online classes.

Revised Spring Semester Academic Calendar

We are adjusting our academic calendar to account for health guidance as well as student and faculty feedback. The spring semester will involve an extended Christmas break and a shortened spring break.

Spring 2021 Semester Begins Tuesday, January 19 – We will begin the Spring Semester one week later than originally planned. This allows more time for students and faculty to complete a quarantine if needed before the start of classes.

Spring Break Modified – Instead of taking the entire week of March 8 – 14 off for Spring Break, we will be having a limited break from March 11-14. This is consistent with successful modifications made in the Fall Semester that have contributed to a safer environment. 

University Offices Will Continue In-Person and Remote Operations

Our university offices and services remain open and available to support our students. However, there are some revised hours and some offices require appointments before visiting. Please visit www.lewisu.edu to find out business hours.

All of the measures outlined above are designed to continue what has been to date a very successful return to campus with a limited number of COVID-19 infections. We must remain vigilant, which is why we will continue much of what we have done this fall while adding some additional measures learned through our experience this semester.

Each of you has conducted yourself admirably this fall semester as you have lived out the Flyers Promise and kept your friends and colleagues safe and healthy.

Thank you again for your commitment to creating a vibrant learning community in spite of the many challenges that we face.

Sincerely,
Dr. David Livingston
President