Liberty Makes Several Drastic Changes to Spring Schedule

Spring semester will see changes in the academic calendar, the biggest of which is seen this upcoming year with the elimination of spring break.

Days off now include Martin Luther King Jr. Day as well as Easter holiday, which provide the previous Thursday and Good Friday off from classes.

The biggest calendar change is the cancellation of spring break. The week originally designated for the mid-semester break will shift to the beginning of the semester after students arrive, before classes begin.

The new calendar also includes two weeks at the beginning of the semester dedicated to remote learning to allow students to quarantine on their return.

Jason Byrd, a member of the registrar’s office, explained why the break was shifted to the beginning of the semester.

“It allows for a time period where students are able to return to the university but wouldn’t be interacting in large groups like classes until a time period has passed,” Byrd said.

He elaborated that the week spent in remote learning is a safety precaution and will hopefully make the transition back a lot smoother.

Byrd explained that the decision was necessary and a heavily discussed topic from multiple departments, including the president’s office, the provost office, enrollment management, health and wellness department, and the registrar’s office. While considering the concerns about how it would affect students, it was ultimately decided this was the best option.

“There was consideration for how it would affect the student body, but at the end of the day this was the safest, wisest move that we can make to help ensure that not only the student body is safe, but also the community in general,” Byrd said.

He noted how throughout the semester students seemed eager to follow the guidelines to ensure that nothing would jeopardize the ability to attend classes in person and hopes the same attitude will follow to the next semester.

“We appreciate the positive understanding that the students have had during the fall semester and hope that [it] continues as we move into the spring semester as well,” Byrd said.

According to Byrd, Liberty administration is continuing to find ways to improve student experiences during the COVID-19 era. Students have mixed feelings about the removal of the break.

“I don’t think it is a good change,” student Lauren Saeger said. “I can understand that the university is trying to minimize the amount of travel that happens during the semester, and I do think that it will help a little bit, but I do believe that the costs are going to outweigh the benefits for the students.”

While she shared that she can understand why the university chose this route, it still is disappointing not keeping the break on the calendar to break up the weeks in the semester.

“For me personally, I am nervous about not getting a break in the middle of the semester,” Saeger said. “Spring semester always feels especially long, and I am worried that without spring break, it will feel even longer, but I know that I will adapt as is necessary.”

These changes have been updated to the posted academic calendar as of Oct. 7. The registrar hopes to stick to this schedule, although it is not completely set in stone.

“I would say with anything in a COVID era, there is a possibility for change,” Byrd said.

Stephanie Haydon is a News Reporter. Follow her on Twitter at @Steph_Annice.