Dear UNT community,
We have made several decisions about the academic calendar for Spring 2021 with the intention of maintaining a safe and effective working and learning environment for our students, faculty and staff. The spring schedule of classes will be released in a couple of weeks with registration beginning shortly after, and I wanted to arm you now with important dates for planning.
The semester will begin in typical fashion with the first day of classes for Spring 2021 on Jan. 11. We will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. with a university holiday on Jan. 18.
From March through May, there are notable changes to the academic calendar. The semester will conclude one week early with the final class day scheduled for April 22 with April 23 set as a reading day. Finals will begin April 24 and conclude May 1. This shortened semester will eliminate the usual spring break in March, but we have designated Friday, April 2, as a no class day to give students a long weekend break in the middle of the semester. You can view the complete academic calendar here.
Like the countless other universities across the country who have made similar changes in recent weeks, we believe this is in the best interest of overall public health and social responsibility. Spring break has always been special, whether it meant time spent with family, on a sunny beach or serving others. However, spring break also involves crowded public transportation, airports and vacation spots, all of which dramatically increase risk during a global pandemic. With that in mind, we believe this revised spring schedule is in the best interest of our entire community.
You have shown so much kindness and respect for one another throughout a year that, at best, can be labeled challenging. The responsibility and compassion you share for our community, combined with your adaptability and ingenuity, have created success in the midst of struggle. I will never tire of telling you just how proud I am of our Mean Green Family.
UNT proud,
Neal Smatresk
UNT President