University of Kansas officials announced today they plan to resume classes in the fall, with a shortened schedule.
In a message to students, faculty and staff, Chancellor Doug Girod stated that he would like to start the fall classes on Aug. 24, and end classes before Thanksgiving. The schedule is for both the Lawrence and the Overland Park campuses.
After Thanksgiving, there would be a study week followed by final exams conducted remotely, according to the chancellor’s message. No Labor Day holiday or fall break would be in the schedule.
He also would like to move the first day of the spring semester from Jan. 19 to Feb. 1. There would be no spring break as it usually happens; instead, it would be added to the winter recess, according to the message.
The changes to the university calendar would have to be approved by the Kansas Board of Regents. Also, according to the message, plans are subject to change based on medical advice.
Changes are planned to allow more time between classes, and also to limit the density of classes. The academic day may start at 7 a.m. and end at 9 p.m., five days a week, with the day ending at 5 p.m. for most classes.
Several changes are being made to have physical distancing in residence halls and food centers, according to the Dr. Girod’s message.
In addition, KU plans testing and contact tracing through Watkins Health Services on campus, partnering with the University of Kansas Health System, Lawrence Memorial Health, the Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health and Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Dr. Lee Norman, Kansas secretary of health and environment, said at a news conference on Monday that the KDHE has met with KU leadership and KU Health System representatives to discuss the plans.
“It is a daunting task, no question about it,” Dr. Norman said.
He said he believes it will be more favorable to hold classes early and then dismiss at Thanksgiving.
A testing strategy will be put in place, and there will be a lot of effort to keep social distancing and other health measures in place, he said.