The spring 2021 semester has brought many challenges: from the pandemic and the major cybersecurity event on February 4 to the frigid weather conditions resulting in a week-long University closure. Although this week is expected to bring warmer weather, some of you, including your instructors, will have ongoing issues with power, internet access, and home or other repairs. Not everything will be back to normal this week.
To make up course content and contact time due to earlier network outages, the University is already forgoing spring break days and moving traditional midterm exams to Monday and Tuesday, March 22-23. Additional adjustments are now required due to the winter closure to meet course learning outcomes and objectives. Therefore, we will:
- Extend the 1st 8-week session from March 17 to March 23;
- Begin the 2nd 8-week session on March 24;
- Ensure that additional asynchronous eCourses content and course-level support are spread throughout the remainder of the semester as determined by your instructor;
- End classes for the 16-week session on Friday, May 7, rather than Wednesday, May 5;
- Administer all final exams and final projects virtually (online) between Monday, May 10, and Friday, May 14; and
- Make provisions for any student with more than three final exams scheduled on any one day during finals week.
Faculty will update and re-post syllabi in eCourses (Canvas) and on the HB2504 Course Listing page this week. I am also asking department heads and deans to assist faculty who are not yet fully proficient in eCourses. You can bring situations to their attention as needed. We will also continue with the P/NP option this semester.
Taking these measures, PVAMU will not have to extend the semester a week longer in May, and we can ensure Commencement remains as scheduled on May 15. I know that the past several weeks have been incredibly challenging for you. Keep your eye on your graduation and career goals, and stay the course. Prairie View has a well-deserved reputation for resilience and perseverance, and I am sure that by working together, we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to each other as we pursue excellence.
James M. Palmer
Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs