Schools

Salem State Delays Start Of Spring Semester 2 Days

Salem State said it will cancel the first two days of classes next week to align with state guidelines.

SALEM, MA — Salem State University will start the spring semester two days later than anticipated in accordance with state guidelines.

Because of state guidance to "refrain from bringing students back to campus before January 18" the school will push back the start of spring classes to next Thursday. Classes were to begin on Tuesday.

The two days of cancellations apply to both in-person and remote classes. All classes on Thurday and Friday will take place remotely.

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In-person education will begin on Jan. 25.

The add/drop period has been extended by two days, to Jan. 27, for full semester courses.

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The school said it does not have any plans to cancel spring break at this time.

Coronavirus testing will be provided to residential students during their move-in beginning on Monday. Commuter students with in-person classes can access testing beginning on Jan. 25.

All students who are living on campus, taking an in-person class, participating in athletics, participating in an in-person placement, or working on campus should get tested every week.

Free COVID-19 testing is available to on-campus students and employees who are not experiencing symptoms or have known exposure. Testing is available weekly Monday through Thursday.

Commuter students taking in-person classes are required to get weekly COVID-19 tests for the weeks that they are on campus. Failure to meet this requirement will result in a RED, or "restricted," CoVerified badge until they are tested and results received.

Any student with an in-person class, job, or other on-campus responsibility is required to receive their flu vaccine prior to the spring semester. Students should upload their proof of the flu vaccine into their health portal.

The school said it will be checking to make sure students are compliant with the flu vaccine during move-in and during the first week of in-person classes.

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