Vanderbilt University announced on Thursday that the beginning of the semester will be delayed, due to the rise in positive coronavirus cases.
According to a statement from the university, the new timeline directs students to begin class on January 18. Originally, the semester’s classes began on January 10.
Furthermore, in order to counteract the delayed start, the end of the semester will be extended a week, with final exams occurring from May 2 to May 9.
Vanderbilt officials also encouraged all students to receive the coronavirus vaccine booster. If students do not provide proof of the extra vaccination, they will be subject to more frequent COVID-19 testing.
“Full vaccination plus the booster is the best protection against COVID-19, and the reported information significantly informs our plans. Those who register their boosters will be exempt from quarantine in accordance with new CDC guidelines and subject to fewer testing requirements,” the statement read.
While the booster shot is not yet required, the university mandated the first round of the coronavirus vaccine earlier this year.
Some colleges and universities have moved to remote learning for the beginning of the semester.
Despite the delayed start, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver and Vice Chancellor for Administration Eric Kopstain reiterated their commitment to in-person learning
“In the face of this latest challenge, we are committed to continuing in-person learning. We are confident that if we work together to make health and safety a priority, as we have successfully done since the start of this pandemic, we can accomplish this goal. We will carefully monitor the data and will work closely with our team of health experts to guide plans for the spring semester and will share updates regularly,” the statement continued.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Vanderbilt University Students” by the University of Vanderbilt.Â
Vanderbilt the leader in overpriced diplomas and undeveloped common sense.
How come they never do that for STD’s on campus?