Modified Academic Calendar
As announced last week, leadership at Oklahoma Christian University have been working closely with health officials to study potential virus patterns and modeling to determine the very best start and end date for the fall semester. Models suggest the COVID-19 virus could peak in the months of December, January and February. This second wave could potentially arrive as OC is finishing one semester and beginning another.
"With the goal of maximizing in-person student learning while prioritizing the safety of our students, employees and the community, we have modified the 2020-21 academic calendar," announced President John deSteiguer.
Safety for students, employees and the community is always OC's most important responsibility. So out of an abundance of caution, OC will begin the fall semester two weeks early. The current plan calls for finals to conclude before Thanksgiving allowing students to return home just before the potential COVID-19 second wave. The updated calendar will not include a fall break.
Robust online course options will be available in two winter sessions in December and January. Current plans include an in-person spring semester start date on Monday, January 25, 2021. If a COVID-19 second wave were to necessitate a change in the current plans to return to an in-person start, the university will be ready to pivot to online learning.
Any change in the traditional calendar brings challenges, concerns and questions. Campus leaders look forward to working through those together with flexibility and creativity.
Important Dates:
- Saturday, August 8 - Move-in
- Thursday, August 13 - Classes begin
- Sunday-Thursday, November 15-19 - Final exams
- Friday, November 20 - Graduation
- December/January - Online course options
- Monday, January 25 - Spring classes begin
The full academic calendar will become available over the next few weeks. The registrar's page is also a great resource.
