Kutztown University Announces Spring 2021 Reopening Plan

November 20, 2020

Please note: The spring 2021 has been revised and this version of the plan is no longer applicable.  Refer to the updated letter to campus for the most recent information.

Dear Kutztown University Community,

Thank you for your continued support of our fall reopening plan. Our students and employees came together, made adjustments in their academic and personal lives – all for the health and wellness of our campus community. You have shown tremendous strength this fall and I thank you for your commitment to each other and Kutztown University.

Over the last several weeks, we’ve gathered feedback, assessed our resources and abilities, and made appropriate changes for the spring semester. Our Spring 2021 reopening plan is now available for review. Our primary focus from the fall remains the same: to complete our mission of providing a quality education for our students, and doing everything possible to provide a nurturing environment for all those who work and learn on our campus.

Please be aware that the plan is a “living” document and we will adjust our plan based on revised guidance. Any changes will be communicated to the campus community.

Our plan is to conduct the 2021 spring semester similar to the current model that is in place for the fall.

  • Classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.
  • 87% of our course offerings will have a synchronous component, wherein the classes will be held live in person or with technology (or both) in real time. Our expected offering of courses include 67.6% online, 25.8% in-person hybrid, and 6.6% in-person.
  • Masks and social distancing are required in many areas of our campus.
  • There will be no spring break. Instead, there will be four regular class days throughout the semester in which classes will not be held (Feb. 11, March 10, April 2 and 20).  In addition, no classes will be held Saturday, April 3. These days are meant to be “wellness days” for students and faculty. No school work should be assigned on these days.
  • Residence halls will remain open for students (move-in Jan. 16-18).
  • Dining halls open Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021.
  • Final testing protocols will be determined after further consultation with the State System and PA Department of Health. We will continue to test students for COVID-19 who are symptomatic, per guidelines. We are considering multiple options to increase our rapid testing capacity and to allow testing for groups wherein testing is required, such as intercollegiate athletics, student teaching and other areas. We will continue to monitor state guidelines concerning asymptomatic testing.
  • Limited, temporary housing is available for students in quarantine or isolation.

I want to thank the Emergency Management Committee for its tireless efforts in putting this plan together, and the many others who have contributed their time and ideas to this endeavor.

We will continue to update the campus through winter break as we approach the spring semester. I encourage everyone to read through our plan to fully prepare yourself for your return to campus. If you have additional questions, our Office of University Relations is ready to help at ur@kutztown.edu.

My very best wishes to you all.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson
President
Kutztown University