Ball State University will start its spring semester classes a week later than usual and eliminate Spring Break.  It’s a schedule designed to minimize student travel during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  And it’s in line with shortened on-campus fall semester.

Students will start classes on January 19. Provost Susana Rivera-Mills said the slightly late start gives students extra time to navigate the pandemic at that point.

“If there is in fact a surge in the pandemic or complications with the flu season as well, it allows them a little bit more time at home to recover if they need to, perhaps to quarantine before they come to campus.”

There will be no spring break week for 2021.  Graduation is scheduled for May 8.

Read More: Ball State Postpones All 2020 Graduation Ceremonies

Ball State trustees gave approval for the semester to begin fully or partially online, should COVID-19 cases ramp up during the winter months, as is predicted.  Rivera-Mills said this gives the option of a “staggered arrival” for students coming back to campus.