October 19, 2020
Dear Members of the Boston College Community:
The University has been considering its schedule and operations for the weeks between Thanksgiving and the start of the second semester, and it recently surveyed undergraduates for their preferences regarding Thanksgiving break. We write now to communicate the following:
- Undergraduates living in University housing will have two options regarding the period between Thanksgiving and the end of their final exams:
- Leave Boston College for Thanksgiving break and not return to campus until the start of the second semester, completing course work and examinations remotely. Students making this choice must inform the Office of Residential Life of their plans to ensure continued technological access for classes and libraries between the end of the Thanksgiving break (November 29) and their last exam. Information on how to register will be sent to students in a separate email later this week, and will need to be completed no later than Friday, November 13. Pro-rated room credits and board balances will be applied to these students’ accounts for the spring semester. Students graduating in December can seek a pro-rated refund through Student Services.
- Remain at Boston College or within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts during the Thanksgiving break and finish the semester on campus. (Note: Some in-person classes and finals may be provided remotely. All students must depart campus upon completion of their last final exam.) Those selecting this option must inform the Office of Residential Life of their plans in order to maintain access after Thanksgiving to University services, facilities, and COVID-19 testing. Additional information about how to register will be sent to students in a separate email later this week, and will need to be completed no later than Friday, November 13.
- Undergraduates living off campus also will have two options for the weeks between Thanksgiving and the end of the semester:
- Leave Massachusetts and not return to campus until classes resume in January, finishing all academic work remotely. Those making this choice must inform the Office of Residential Life of their plans to maintain their remote access to classes, libraries, etc. Additional information about how to register will be sent to students in a separate email later this week, and will need to be completed no later than Friday, November 13.
- Remain in their apartment or house near campus, or travel only within Massachusetts for Thanksgiving and then return for the rest of their classes and finals, some of which may be provided remotely. Individuals deciding on this option must inform the Office of Residential Life of their decision so they can have continued access to University services, facilities, and COVID-19 testing. Additional information about how to register will be sent to students in a separate email later this week and will need to be completed no later than Friday, November 13.
- Graduate and professional students who stay in the Boston area or who travel within Massachusetts for the Thanksgiving break will be required to inform the Office of Graduate Student Life to ensure continued access to on-campus services for the remainder of the semester. Additional information about how to register will be sent in a separate email later this week and will need to be completed no later than Friday, November 13.
- The schedule for second semester has not been determined at this time, but the University is reviewing the benefits of beginning the last week of January, eliminating Spring Break, and having classes on Holy Thursday and Easter Monday. Information about return times for students in January, start date for classes, and academic calendar will be provided in the near future.
- Boston College will test all undergraduate students the week of November 16, in advance of Thanksgiving travel. Details will be communicated at a future date. As in August, Boston College will require all students, faculty, and staff planning to be on campus during the spring semester to be tested for COVID-19 before classes resume.
- All residence halls will be closed as of the last day of scheduled final examinations, currently December 21, and reopen with the commencement of the spring semester.
We appreciate the generous efforts of the Boston College community over these past several weeks to help keep the campus healthy and safe, and we ask for your continued diligence and support as we complete the fall semester.
Sincerely,
