UGA cancels 2021 spring break, citing COVID risks

University of Georgia students won’t get a spring break next year, the university announced Thursday.

Instead, UGA is building three “instructional breaks” during its 2021spring semester — on Feb. 17, March 12 and April 8. Spring break had originally been penciled in for March 8-12.

The university will also delay the opening of spring semester by two days. UGA students will begin classes Wednesday, Jan. 13 instead of Monday, Jan. 11.

The changes will not affect the university’s spring final exam schedule, nor its planned graduation date of May 14. How graduation is conducted is yet to be determined and “will follow guidance from public health officials,” according to the university’s announcement.

The reason for the change is to “promote the health and safety of the University of Georgia and local communities” in the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this year, numerous outbreaks occurred around the country when students dispersed for spring break destinations, then returned to their colleges.

UGA students were on spring break when the University System of Georgia moved in March to suspend in-person classes for two weeks, and then to end in-person classes and convert to distance learning.

UGA earlier this year also changed its fall semester schedule to lessen the chances of COVID spread. After Thanksgiving break this year, in-person classes will end and remaining coursework will be through distance learning.

UGA classes end Dec. 9 this year. Fall graduation ceremonies are scheduled for Dec. 18. Fall graduation is customarily in the university’s Stegeman Coliseum, but this year it will be virtual, the university announced last week.

Many other universities have already announced the cancellation of spring break, including Georgia Tech as well as the University of South Carolina, the University of Florida and other Southeastern Conference schools.

The university previously announced that rules related to COVID-19 such as mandatory mask wearing and social distancing will remain in place in spring semester.

The revised spring break calendar is at the website reg.uga.edu/general-information/calendars/academic-calendars.