Classes and final exams after Thanksgiving will shift online
TAMPA, Fla. (May 27, 2020) – The University of South Florida today announced changes to its Fall 2020 academic calendar that prioritize the health of students, faculty and staff and mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19.
USF intends to offer some face-to-face classes, services and activities in the fall, however, after Thanksgiving all classes and final exams will be delivered in a quality online format. A full array of support services, such as advising, tutoring and counseling, will continue to be available to students remotely during this transition near the end of the fall semester.
The adjustments will reduce the number of students, faculty and staff who would normally come back to USF campuses and the surrounding communities within the Tampa Bay region following Thanksgiving.
“The University of South Florida’s commitment since the beginning of the COVID-19 challenge has been to make decisions regarding university operations that prioritize the health and safety of our community members,” USF President Steven Currall said. “These modifications are intended to avoid potentially thousands of students, faculty and staff from returning after holiday travel.”
USF Adjusted Fall Calendar:
Original New
First Day of Fall Semester Aug. 24 Aug. 24
Last Day of Classes on Campus Dec. 4 Nov. 25
Thanksgiving Break Nov. 26-27 Nov. 26-27
Classes Only Online N/A Nov. 30-Dec. 4
Final Exams Dec. 5-10 Dec. 5-10 (online only)
Last Day of Fall Semester Dec. 10 Dec. 10
Though classes won’t be held on Labor Day or Veterans Day, travel around each federal holiday will be discouraged.
Residence halls and dining options will remain open after Thanksgiving break for students who need access until the end of the fall semester.
USF’s fall commencement ceremonies are scheduled to begin on Dec. 11, however plans are still being developed with considerations to the safety of traveling back to campus and guidance from federal, state, and local government and public health officials regarding resuming large events.
In June, USF will announce more details about the fall semester and plans to gradually resume more on-campus operations.
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About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report’s national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state’s 12 public universities. USF has earned widespread national recognition for its success graduating under-represented minority and limited-income students at rates equal to or higher than white and higher income students. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.