Westminster Cuts Spring Break and Shortens Spring 2021 Semester

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. — This week, Westminster College announced modifications to its spring 2021 academic calendar that eliminates spring break and shortens the semester.

Classes still begin Jan. 19, but the semester will conclude a week earlier on April 30, according to a college release. Final exams will be held May 3-6.

Spring break has been cut from the calendar in an effort to minimize the risk of spreading of COVID-19 through the mass exit and return of students. Instead, Westminster designated Feb. 18 and March 16 as student self-care days and classes won’t be held.

“Westminster is committed to protecting the physical and mental health of our students, and the modified calendar reduces the chances of exposure and transmission that can occur when students leave and return to campus en masse,” said Jamie McMinn, dean and vice president for academic affairs. “Additionally, we know from the fall semester that students need opportunities to reflect on their learning and catch their breath, which will be provided through self-care days.”

Commencement is scheduled for May 8. No changes have been made to the summer session, which begins June 7.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.