In an email to all students, President Hammond announced the plans for the spring semester of 2021. NCC will replicate a similar procedure that was set for the fall. More information will continue to come in from the official NCC COVID-19 website.
“For undergraduate students, changes to the academic calendar include a start date of January 25 (two weeks later than originally planned) and shortened spring break,” said Hammond in the email.
The plan is to still finish the year as scheduled. Finals will take place the first week of May, with commencement scheduled for May 9. Graduate students have no change to their schedules. Classes start Jan. 11 for them and end at the end of April with finals in May.
The NCC “learn from anywhere” model isn’t going anywhere either. The school is hoping to have classes primarily in person during the 2021 spring semester. Once the school has a better idea of this, students should receive an email regarding their classes for next semester.
Students should also expect similar health procedures that they had during the current fall semester. This includes face coverings and social distancing. Students are also expected to keep self-monitoring for symptoms using the #CampusClear app, according to Hammond’s email.
Other restrictions include large gatherings of students, enhanced sanitation measures and self-isolating when sick.
Student Reactions
With continued regulations, some NCC students share their thoughts regarding the 2021 spring semester.
“I mean ideally I’d rather be all in person. As a student I do better in a classroom where I can build a personal relationship with the professor,” said Tyler Utter, ’23.
He also mentioned how the school has done a good job keeping students safe and healthy. “It’s not ideal but if it’s the safest option, I’m all for it,” said Utter.
“I feel that if we get too comfortable and think we’re safe from COVID, the positive tests will increase and we’ll be sent home,” said Nicole Perez, ’22.
Perez is hopeful that the school will allow activities like in-person tutoring and club meetings to slowly return. She also believes in the restrictions set by NCC and thinks all students should continue to follow them.
