The University of Wyoming has launched preparations for the upcoming spring semester, announcing its plan to hold many classes online, while also continuing to institute a variety of measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus for on-campus learners.
The university will focus on maximizing on-campus learning wherever possible, but acknowledged the spring semester will likely mirror the hybrid learning model experienced by students during the fall semester.
As it stands, about 40% of classes will be held entirely online instead of in-person during the spring semester. Up to 60% could be in a hybrid format.
That’s in sharp contrast to the typical 15% of classes offered online by the university in the past.
But 2021 will likely be anything but a typical year.
Public health experts largely agree the COVID-19 pandemic will continue its spread well into the next calendar year, with a vaccine not widely available until mid year or later. In response, the school has taken steps to modify the spring semester calendar.
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Registration for spring semester will begin on Wednesday. Students will see information on what format classes will take — in-person, online, or a mix of both — when they register online.
Classes will begin on Jan. 25, later than initially planned. The university will also skip its usual spring break, to minimize travel and the potential spread of the virus. In turn, the university will not hold classes on President’s Day on Feb. 15.