Simon Elfrink
Contributing Writer
The University released the Murray State Racer Restart Initiative for students, staff and faculty with questions regarding the fall 2020 semester.
The academic affairs overview section of the Racer Restart Initiative opens a window into what campus life will be like in the fall.
The academic calendar has become subject to some changes since the installation of the Racer Restart program after meetings conducted by the Office of Provost, Deans Council, Academic Restart Committee, Chairs Council and Faculty Senate leadership. The goal of these modifications is to condense the fall 2020 semester in order to prevent the contraction and spread of COVID-19 from traveling students.
The semester will begin on Aug. 17 instead of Aug.18 and will continue until Nov. 20, when in-person instruction officially ends. However, students involved in internships, clinicals and other experience-based education might see an extension of the fall semester stretching to Dec. 11.
When classes start, the University’s main goal is to maintain safety on campus. All students and faculty will be strongly encouraged, if not required, to wear cloth masks in the classroom unless exempted with documentation by a medical professional. Professors and instructors will be asked to develop a course delivery compatible with another hiatus similar to what the country experienced in the spring 2020 semester.
Classrooms and laboratory spaces will continue to be examined in order to proceed in compliance with social distancing guidelines. Students will be allowed to spend time in non-classroom spaces as long as they are separated by the minimum six-foot guidelines. Personal protective equipment is expected to be implemented in these situations.
Click here to view the full Racer Restart Initiative.
