Update on Spring 2021 Academic Plans
A message from Stephanie Browner, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs
As we look forward to the spring 2021 semester, our biggest priority continues to be the health and safety of our community. I write today with some important updates about our plans.
Nearly all classes will continue to be taught online this spring. We believe that online learning is consistent with the high priority we place on the health and safety of the entire New School community and preventing the spread of the virus. Similar to the fall semester, the spring remote learning experience will offer courses that meet each student’s needs and curricular requirements. In addition to our regular spring courses which begin on January 19, we are also offering an exciting range of short-courses during our January 2 – 17, 2021 Winter Intensive. As a reminder, spring 2021 course registration for current students opens on November 30 and registration for new students opens on December 7.
We will deliver very limited in-person curricular offerings on our campus in New York City. Priority access to these few courses will be given to international students with an initial I-20, for whom participation in a hybrid course is a requirement. If you are not among those students for whom a hybrid course is required, it will not be expected that you register for such a course. More information about this handful of courses will be available in early December.
We will continue to take gradual, measured steps to expand access to select portions of The New School campus for in-person learning, creative making, research, independent study, and artistic studies. This includes access to study and rehearsal spaces, specialized equipment, workshops, instruments, tools, and materials. Because of stringent social distancing guidelines, access will be limited, but our goal is to open additional spaces for students in all stages of their academic careers.
Residence halls will continue to be available. After opening our residence halls on a very limited basis during the fall semester, we have expanded access and capacity for the spring, while still taking all necessary steps to meet required social distancing guidelines. Please visit the University Housing page for more information.
Finally, for those of you who do plan to be on campus during the spring, we are in the process of updating our health and safety protocols in accordance with New York State and CDC guidelines. Please check this website in early December for more information.
Our entire faculty and staff are here to support the educational experience and ultimate success of every student at The New School. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and commitment to joining us in this critical effort to make the spring 2021 term safe and successful for everyone.