Spring Semester No Homework Days

Dear Colleagues,

As you are aware, we have canceled the traditional spring break for the spring 2021 semester. Since this decision, our students have made their voices heard they need some sort of break during this time so they can recharge and reset. By canceling fall break this year, we learned from experience our students need these days to bolster their mental health.

With the Council of Academic Deans, I am implementing two days during the spring semester with no homework, tests, quizzes, papers, or projects due for our undergraduate students. These dates are Tuesday, March 2, and Wednesday, April 7.

We recognize this may require you to revise your syllabus for spring, and there may be some exceptions. However, we are asking you to implement this change to the best of your ability. We expect students will attend class and learning will still occur, but we ask you not to assign homework, tests, quizzes, projects, or papers on those dates.

We want to do what we can to help our students succeed. While this does not replace the traditional spring break, we believe these breathers will provide a needed respite for students during what is sure to be another unprecedented semester.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your college dean.

Sincerely,

Walter R. Zakahi, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

–Sent to Employees on 12/21/20