Academic Calendar and Schedule

For Fall 2020, the semester will begin early and end early. There will be no typical breaks in Fall 2020. There will be, however, an extended winter break once fall semester ends, beginning on November 25.

It is our intention to manage the academic calendar in a way that permits seniors to graduate on time. The Emergency Academic Committee (EAC) has made special exceptions for students who intend on completing their degree requirements in 2021. Please feel free to contact the Registrar’s Office should you have any questions or concerns about degree completion.

Yes, you should be able to do so, although in some cases the lab might operate a little differently in order to meet COVID-19–related safety guidelines.

At this time, we plan to begin Interim on January 4 as originally scheduled. This is subject to change based on the impact of COVID-19 and guidelines from the CDC and MDH.

At this time, spring semester will begin February 8 as originally scheduled. This is subject to change based on the impact of COVID-19 and guidelines from the CDC and MDH.

At this time, no. Grading will revert back to what it was prior to Spring 2020. This is subject to change should there be a disruption to classes.

The new fall schedule is designed to start and end early to minimize exposure and to complete the semester before the anticipated commencement of flu season. It is difficult to predict the future course of the pandemic, but we are modeling Interim and spring term calendars that should provide some flexibility to adjust to relatively short-term disruptions. Our plans are designed to try and minimize the likelihood that students will have to leave before the end of the fall semester. In the unfortunate event that this does occur, the College will have a plan for students to complete their coursework. As was done in Spring 2020, it is likely that completing the semester will entail classes and exams online. Regardless of the scenario in which we may find ourselves, faculty and academic support staff will be ready to provide a great St. Olaf education.

Given the 6 foot physical distancing guideline for classrooms, there is a high likelihood that some, if not many, classroom locations will change. This could also result in schedule changes. We are hoping to have more answers in July and will notify affected students at that time.

We are increasing the number of online-only classes for fall. Students who have already registered will be able to change their registration to include more online options. Look for an email from Dean Roz Eaton.

Please work directly with staff in the Center for Advising and Academic Support to receive individualized planning for the fall to accommodate any health concerns.

International and Off-Campus Studies has made the difficult decision to cancel all off-campus Interim programs (in the U.S. and abroad) for January 2021. We made this decision due to ongoing pandemic-related concerns and travel restrictions, and to best protect the health and safety of our student participants, faculty leaders, and community partners.

Several of the faculty will be teaching on-campus versions of their planned Interim programs. You will register for these classes as part of Interim and spring registration later in the fall. No application via IOS will be necessary. These courses will offer a unique opportunity to get to know the topics, community members, and resources of the intended program site, even if you can’t travel at this time. Other faculty will replace their planned off-campus Interim program with another course in their academic department. Check the Class & Lab Schedule for details as Interim/spring registration approaches and discuss your plans with your academic advisor.

Finally, we are currently investigating the option of moving a few of the Interim courses to June of 2021. More information will soon be available by announcement to the campus community and on the IOS web site.