Guide to Fall 2020
June 30, 2020 - 11:17 a.m.
Fall 2020 Planning Update
June 30, 2020
Dear Lumberjacks,
Today we are launching a new “Open SFA: Guide to Fall 2020” website that will outline our most current plans for the fall semester. This website will be a source of information for you as you are making your plans for the upcoming semester. The information on the website will not be static; it will continue to develop as our planning continues to evolve.
I’d like to share the answers to a few common questions we’ve received:
Will face-to-face classes be offered?
Yes.
We have a large number of face-to-face classes planned for this fall. As you might expect, there will be protocols in place that will create a different type of face-to-face experience. These include physical distancing in classrooms and labs, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, and the wearing of face coverings in all public spaces, including classrooms.
What about students who would rather take classes remotely?
Students who choose not to return to campus this fall will have more remote course options than ever before. Not all classes will be available in this format, so you will need to assess how such a choice would affect your path toward graduation.
Will the cost for remote and on-campus classes be the same?
Yes.
The cost for your classes will be the same no matter how you choose to take them.
Will face coverings be required?
Yes.
Effective July 7, 2020, face coverings must be worn by all individuals on the SFA campus in the following areas:
- Indoor spaces accessed by the public, including classrooms, labs, hallways, lobbies, restrooms, conference and meeting rooms, break rooms, and non-private office settings; and
- Outdoor spaces when physical distancing of 6 feet or more is difficult to reliably maintain.
Requests for exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There are related FAQs on the Open SFA: Guide to Fall 2020 website.
Will classes start and finish on the regular schedule? What about after Thanksgiving break?
Classes will begin as scheduled on Monday, Aug. 24, and the fall semester will end as scheduled on Friday, Dec. 11.
The change is that, in almost all classes, instruction will be remote-only after the Thanksgiving break.
Are the residence halls and dining going to be open after Thanksgiving break?
Yes. Housing and dining both will be open through Dec. 12.
Housing and dining rates will remain the same as published. Please make sure you take that into account should you choose to live on campus this fall.
What about fall commencement?
Unless there is a significant positive change in the COVID-19 situation, fall commencement 2020 will be postponed, and a virtual commencement ceremony will be held. This is another difficult but critical decision given the continued threats associated with large gatherings.
Will any of the current plans change?
Possibly.
One thing we have learned over the past several months is that every plan has to be adaptable to the situation as new facts present themselves. Just a few weeks ago, the COVID-19 case numbers in Texas were stable – today they are surging. We will be watching the situation both in the state and in our region of the state closely as the summer progresses and will make whatever changes are needed to address the changes we observe. We will always try to inform you of any significant change as soon as possible.
We are mindful that this disease remains a persistent threat. Our plans must be adaptable and allow us to adjust quickly should circumstances require. I know it can be frustrating as plans constantly evolve. Know that our focus is on how to provide you with as much flexibility as possible so you are able to have the fall semester that best meets your needs, either on campus, remotely, or a combination of the two.
I know you will likely have follow-up questions as you take a look through the website. Our Call Center (936.468.3401) will be open this week from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. through Thursday, July 2. The university will be closed July 3 through 6, and the Call Center will re-open July 7.
I thank you for your patience and your understanding as we work to provide outstanding educational opportunities while keeping our campus community as safe as possible.
Axe ’em,
Dr. G