FB Pixel Skip to Main Content

Western Releases Fall 2020 Academic Calendar Updates

Western Campus

Western prepares for reopening this fall

Western is preparing for the reopening of its campus and return of its students this fall. This week, the Western community was notified of several key changes to the academic calendar for the upcoming fall semester. The new fall semester schedule is as follows:

  • The Fall 2020 semester will start Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, one week early
  • On-campus courses will end Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, before Thanksgiving Break
  • Final Exams will be online from Dec. 1-4, 2020, two weeks early, so that students need not return to campus between Thanksgiving and Winter Break (they may stay in campus housing if necessary)
  • Mid-Fall Break (previously, Oct. 16, 2020) will be eliminated.

Though these changes may have unexpected impacts, they have been made in alignment with many peer higher education institutions, and with public health advisement to reduce risk of COVID-19 while still meeting accreditation requirements for class time.

The semester changes have also necessitated these adjustments to pre-semester activities:

  • Campus move-in has been moved up to Aug. 12 (new students), Aug. 14 (transfers), and Aug. 15-16 (returning students)
  • New Student Orientation will now occur Aug. 12-16 (Aug. 14 for transfer students)
  • Wilderness Based Orientation will occur Aug. 7-11, with WBO move-in Aug. 6

Check Western’s COVID-19 Your Questions—Answered webpage, or send an email to covid19@western.edu, for more detail and updates on changes related to COVID-19 circumstances

Take the Next Step

Apply to
Western
Students pose for a photo on top of Mount Crested Butte in the summer

Apply to
Western

We understand that applying to a university can be daunting, which is why we make our admission process as simple and straightforward as possible. Learn more about applying to your program of choice at Western.

Visit
Western
Colorado Hall with the Palisades in the background on a bluebird day.

Visit
Western

The best way to find out what makes Western such a special place is to experience it for yourself. Our student-led tours give you an insider’s perspective on everything from academics to student life.

Alumni
Community
A group of four alumni look at a display of old photos on a table.

Alumni
Community

We keep the Mountaineer spirit going strong within our alumni community. Whether getting together with friends at an annual event, making a donation or mentoring a student, graduates continue to play an important role in the Western community.

Request
Information
A few students pose for a photo behind a table.

Request
Information

Want to discover more about Western? Request information today to get in touch with the admissions team.