Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

The Spring 2021 semester is fast approaching, and we understand you must make plans. Below, please find additional details about the Spring 2021 academic calendar and know that more details will follow. We recognize that these adjustments impact more than the academic schedule, and we are working across the college to adjust schedules, including move-in dates for Centennial Hall.

Classes on ESF’s Syracuse campus will begin on February 8, 2021, and will be conducted through May 7, 2021. (Classes will be conducted in accordance with the modality noted online.) Reading day will be on May 9, 2021. Final exams will be held from May 10, 2021, through May 13, 2021. Commencement is scheduled for May 15, 2021.

In addition, two “wellness days” have been scheduled: ESF’s Syracuse campus will not conduct classes or assign academic coursework on March 23, 2021, and April 21, 2021.

This schedule effectively shortens the semester by one week, which has been done with approval from the New York State Department of Education and assurances that state and federal financial aid awards will not be impacted.

To reiterate, the Spring 2021 Academic Calendar for ESF’s Syracuse campus is as follows:
  • Feb 8: Classes start
  • March 23: Wellness Day (no classes; no academic coursework will be assigned)
  • April 21: Wellness Day (no classes; no academic coursework will be assigned)
  • May 7: Last Day of Classes
  • May 9: Reading Day
  • May 10-13: Final Exams
  • May 15: Commencement

Additional dates will be added to the academic calendar shortly, including move-in dates for Centennial Hall residents.

As you are making plans, please be sure to do so knowing we have confirmed that Syracuse University will require all students, faculty, and staff using their facilities – including taking classes and using the library, dining facilities, and recreational facilities – to present proof of having received a flu shot. Additional information will follow with updates about testing requirements/processes for returning to ESF’s Syracuse campus with proof of a negative COVID-19 test and COVID-19 testing throughout the semester. 

Thank you for your patience and support through this challenging time. It bears repeating. We are committed to our mission-driven priorities: providing a quality education and keeping our students, faculty, and staff safe. Every decision made is done so with these principles in mind.

Sincerely,
Joanie Mahoney
President