Gordon State College makes changes to spring semester due to COVID-19

LAMAR COUNTY, Ga. -- Gordon State College officials announced Friday that the spring semester will not start until Monday, January 25.

The start of the second semester was supposed to kick off on Wednesday, January 13, but this was changed due to COVID-19. Move-in day for students is now scheduled for Sunday, January 24.

Officials said delaying spring classes by about two weeks will give the college more time to monitor COVID-19.

Spring classes are scheduled to end on Thursday, May 13. Officials said this end date still allows students the time they need for their credit hours, as set by the University System of Georgia and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

“After careful and thoughtful consideration of our campus community, we view this decision as the right move to take for the continued health and wellbeing of Highlander Nation,” said GSC President Dr. Kirk Nooks. “In light of the current national, regional, and local public health situation, we remain committed to a spring semester that can start and end successfully.”

Another change -- the previously-scheduled spring break that was set for March 15-19 will no longer take place. The college is also adding a maximum of two asynchronous class meetings, depending on your class schedule.

“While I am excited to be back to campus, I want us to do our part to ensure a safe return to campus,” said Ruben Raymond, president of the GSC Student Government Association. “This delayed start will allow two additional weeks for students to stay home and prepare for the semester.”