Amid Coronavirus Uncertainty, URI Cancels 2021 Spring Break

KINGSTON, RI — As colleges and universities across the country work to adapt to the new realities of the coronavirus pandemic, the University of Rhode Island is already planning ahead for the upcoming semester. The faculty senate voted to eliminate spring break 2021, opting instead to wrap up classes a week earlier than originally scheduled.

The university cited several reasons for the calendar change, which was approved by President David Dooley. These include "ensuring that the University’s spring semester runs as smoothly as possible and be a positive experience for all of our students and faculty," keeping campus safe for students, staff and faculty, making sure as many in-person or blended classes can be offered as possible, avoiding disruptions and preventing a sudden pivot to completely online classes like that of spring 2020.

Spring break was originally scheduled for March 22 to 28. Under the new calendar, classes will be held that week, with the last day of classes moved to April 26, and reading days on April 27 and 28. Final exams will be held April 30 and May 3 through 7.

Both graduate and undergraduate commencement dates remain unchanged, scheduled for May 22 and 23, respectively.

"In making its decision, the Faculty Senate cited uncertainty created by COVID-19 outbreaks across the United States and, in particular, on college campuses, and the need to prepare for the likely persistence of existing outbreaks and potential for a new wave of infections," the university said in a statement.

The senate met over the summer to discuss potential calendar issues, allowing members to vote on the changes this month.