Babson College Announces Calendar Modifications for 2020–21 Academic Year
As part of continued planning for an anticipated fall return, Babson College has announced modifications to its 2020–2021 academic year calendar that are meant to limit the community’s exposure to coronavirus while also providing a full semester of instruction.
These changes include an earlier undergraduate class start date and virtual undergraduate final exams following Thanksgiving break.
A comprehensive yet evolving plan will be shared by July 1. Babson College will be taking into consideration progress on the Reopening Massachusetts plan as well as recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and abiding public health agencies.
“An important strategy for maintaining our community’s health is minimizing interactions outside of our campus throughout the semester,” said President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD in a message to the community on June 5. “We continue to plan and prepare for the fall semester with two guiding principles: the health and well-being of our community, and maintaining academic continuity for our students.”
The Undergraduate School
Face-to-face undergraduate classes will begin on August 24 and conclude on November 19. Residence halls will close on November 28. Final exams will be held online the week after Thanksgiving break.
Classes will be held on Labor Day (September 7) and Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 12). Students will be asked to minimize in-person interactions outside of our communities throughout the semester.
Students are asked to remain flexible with teaching methods, as some classes may need to be shifted depending on circumstances.
Additional details on registration will be forthcoming.
The Graduate School
Face-to-face graduate classes will begin on August 31.
The graduate course catalog will be posted on June 8, with the understanding that course formats are subject to change. Registration will open the second week of July.
The Dean’s office will review enrollment across electives once second-year MBA, part-time MBA, and Certificate in Advanced Management students complete registration.
The College is continuing to assess whether graduate students will return to campus or be fully remote following Thanksgiving break. This decision is expected to be made before course registration, and, again, there are plans in place for a variety of delivery methods should formats shift based on public health requirements.
Education Abroad Programs
Fall 2020 education abroad programs have been canceled. Students impacted have been contacted directly, and anyone with questions about education abroad or re-registering for fall classes is asked to contact the Glavin Office of International Education or Class deans.
Opportunities to Remain Connected
While the College’s comprehensive plan will be released on July 1, Babson College students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend upcoming Community Forums where they will receive a preview for fall semester and an update on decisions that have been made and what is still to come. Dates and times are as follows:
- Undergraduate Students and Families: Thursday, June 11 at 11 a.m. ET
- Faculty and Staff: Wednesday, June 17 at 9:45 a.m. ET
- New Undergraduate Students and Families: Thursday, June 18 at 11 a.m. ET
- Graduate Students: To be announced
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