Update to Start of Spring Semester and New Testing Protocols

Dear KU Campus Community,

The university has received updated information and recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Department of Education and the State System of Higher Education. With the current state of the pandemic in mind and utilizing feedback from the KU council of trustees, student government leaders, APSCUF (faculty union) and University Senate representatives and State System officials, Kutztown University has adjusted its reopening plan for the start of the spring semester.

Classes will begin Tuesday, Jan. 19, using a 100% online format for the first two weeks. Residence Halls will open Friday, Jan. 29. Dining halls will open at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 29. Classes will return to originally-scheduled course modalities, including face-to-face instruction, beginning Monday, Feb. 1.

The university is evaluating its “wellness days” for the spring semester. Final confirmation will be made the first week of January. The university is considering changing one of its four “wellness days” for the spring semester, currently scheduled for Feb. 11, March 10, April 2 and 20. The originally-scheduled April 2 “wellness day” may be moved to Friday, Jan. 29, to accommodate a socially-distanced student move-in process, along with new testing protocols. The four “wellness days” would then be scheduled for Jan. 29, Feb. 11, March 10 and April 20, in which classes will not be held. 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. Final confirmation will be made the first week of January.

These changes (as well as the full details that were sent to the campus community on Dec. 23) have been reflected in the university’s Spring Reopening Plan, which can be viewed at https://www.kutztown.edu/spring2021. We continue to monitor new guidance and recommendations and will communicate any further changes as necessary.