University Senate of Michigan Technological University
Proposal 55-20
Updated Fall Semester 2020 Academic Calendar in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
(Voting Units: All)
Submitted by: Office of the Provost
Proposal: To provide flexibility for an appropriate response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the following adjustments are proposed to the Fall 2020 calendar:
First day of instruction: Thursday, August 27, 2020
Fall Break: Thursday, October 15 & Friday, October 16, 2020
Alternate K-Day (if face-to-face instruction is delayed): Friday, October 23, 2020
Justification: There is a possibility that face-to-face instruction will not be allowed at the beginning of fall semester, or that if we are allowed to return to face-to-face instruction at the start of the semester, a resurgence of the virus in the fall may cause another disruption mid-semester. We need to plan for this possibility and also plan for a smooth transition from online/remote instruction to face-to-face instruction, or vice versa, in the middle of fall semester.
Starting fall semester two days earlier than planned will provide the opportunity for a 2-day break in mid- October without losing any days of instruction. Fall Break would be an opportunity for students to transition to/from the local area and on-campus housing. This break would be between the two 7-week tracks (Track A and Track B) of fall semester. We anticipate that some academic units will increase in the number of 7-week courses offered for fall semester 2020, in which case the Fall Break will provide a convenient recess between the tracks, as well as additional time for faculty to evaluate final grades for these courses.
In the event that fall semester begins in an online and remote instruction format, it is proposed that K-Day be moved from Friday, September 11, 2020 to Friday, October 23, 2020. As one of Michigan Tech’s traditions, K-Day provides an opportunity for returning students to reunite, new students to be welcomed into our community, and student organizations to highlight their activities. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be more important than ever to ensure students have this opportunity to come together to celebrate being a Husky.
April 15, 2020