Important Announcement about the Fall 2020 Schedule

Based on the unanimous endorsement of the ISU Health Team (Rex Force, Chris Owens, Ronald Solbrig, and Ryan Lindsay), Academic Affairs and Student Affairs recommend that ISU adjust the fall academic calendar to ensure that all face-to-face instruction is completed by Tuesday, November 24th, two days before Thanksgiving. This new academic calendar will provide 16 weeks of instruction, which aligns with SBOE Policy III.D. It includes instruction on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week (November 23rd and November 24th) and an online final exam week following Thanksgiving (November 30th – December 4th). Grading and graduation deadlines will remain unchanged, allowing for an extended grading period for faculty. The start date for the fall term will remain unchanged (August 17th).  As with the Spring 2020 term, limited exceptions will be necessary for some clinical and technical face-to-face programs. Grades will still roll on December 15th as previously planned. 

1. The return to campus of thousands of students and employees from Thanksgiving travel (especially out-of-state travel) may pose significant health and safety challenges to our campus communities.
2. A calendar adjustment allows ISU to complete face-to-face instruction before late fall, when projections in our neighboring states suggest greater prevalence of general illness and perhaps an increased threat from COVID-19. 
3. The calendar adjustment supports students’ academic progress as well as ensuring the critical support services are available and in compliance with federal regulations including financial aid, scholarships, orientation, and housing.