Spring 2021 classes
Spring 2021 classes will start virtually
VCU has been hard at work making adjustments to the spring 2021 academic calendar and schedule of classes to ensure another successful semester of teaching and learning. All classes will begin virtually, except in instances where a student is involved in clinical and field placements, practica, co-ops, internships and other work-related experiential learning activities. The semester start dates remain unchanged and can be found on the academic calendar. You can find updated information regarding your courses at the VCU Schedule of Classes website.
As pandemic conditions improve, we have every intention to resume in-person instruction as originally planned. We will evaluate the feasibility of moving forward with previously scheduled modalities by mid-February with the hope to resume previously scheduled in-person classes on or before March 8.
Some currently scheduled in-person classes may switch to an online or hybrid modality for the full semester. Departments are evaluating their course schedules now to determine what changes may be necessary. The revised and official Spring 2021 Schedule of Classes will be viewable in eServices on January 22.
Limited campus building availability
- Select residence halls will be open for those students who have a housing contract. Students who wish to cancel their housing contracts because of the change in teaching modality must do so by January 21 at noon. See VCU Housing’s Closing and Returning Information page for detailed information.
- Select dining facilities will be open.
- Libraries will be open.
- Entry Pass will be required for entry to several facilities, including the University Student Commons, VCU Libraries, Shafer Court Dining Center and All Recreation Sports facilities.
- Studios and laboratories will be open, however reduced occupancy will be observed. Please continue to check your VCU email for updates.
MCV campus students will also need to check their VCU emails for updates from their department and deans for information on schedules not captured in eServices, like clinic activities.
Four quick steps to get ready for spring
Review the changes to the academic calendar
- First day of classes is now Monday, Jan. 25 instead of Tuesday, Jan. 19.
- You can ADD courses to your schedule up until midnight on Feb. 1.
- You can DROP a course from your schedule up until midnight on Feb. 8.
- You may elect to take a course pass/fail up until the last day to withdraw.
- The last day to withdraw will be the last day of the semester (May 5 for the Monroe Park Campus, May 7 for the MCV Campus).
- Due to public health concerns related to traveling, there will be no spring break.
- February 23 and March 24 will be reading days.
Familiarize yourself with the new mini-terms available for spring
- In order to provide students with a variety of course formats and modalities, VCU has introduced three additional mini-terms in addition to the regular 16-week spring semester.
- February Term: 5-week term (February 15 - March 19)
- Spring Minimester: 8-week term (March 8 - May 5)
- March Term: 5-week (March 29 - May 4)
- Departments are evaluating their course offerings now to determine what courses may be added to the mini-terms. These courses will be added to eServices up until February 19 for courses starting on or after March 8th.
- Students may find mini-term courses in eServices by completing an Advanced Search for the following attributes: February-Term, March-Term, Spring Minimester. The video below will show you how to search for courses in eServices.
- Students can add or drop these short format classes in eServices up until the add/drop deadlines posted to the academic calendar.
Review your spring 2021 schedule
- You should review your spring 2021 class schedule in eServices after January 22 to see if any of your in-person classes have converted to a different teaching modality.
- After logging into eServices, click on Student, Registration, Registration, Registration for Classes, Select the Spring 2021 semester, and then click on each Course Title you are registered for to see that course's information.
- Please be aware that changes to the schedule may continue to be made after that date, so you will want to double check your courses again through add/drop. Check your VCU email frequently for any email notifications.
- Make sure that you understand how your course will be taught by reviewing the course modality definitions on the Records and Registration website.
- Many courses may only be taught in online formats. If you are new to online instruction, check out our Tips For Success When Learning Online webpage or, even better, consider making an appointment with an Academic Coach now to develop strategies to be successful in your online classes.
Make adjustments to your spring schedule and plan for the future
- You can make adjustments to your spring schedule in eServices, including the new mini-terms, according to the deadlines published in the Academic Calendar.
- Use DegreeWorks and the Student Educational Planner to plan out your next few semesters' worth of classes. Summer courses will be viewable in eServices on February 11.
- Consult your Major Map or meet with a Career Advisor to identify co-curricular opportunities you should take advantage of to be successful in your field.
- Questions??? Make an academic advising appointment in Navigate.