Return to Campus in Fall 2021

Dear Oglethorpe Community,
 
As we near the mid-semester mark, I continue to be inspired by the commitment and ingenuity of our community. I am writing to share updates about our institutional plans and preparations for the coming academic terms. As vaccinations continue to be dispersed and transmission rates slowly decline, we are planning for a full return to in-person academic instruction and residential life in Fall 2021.

Preparation for Fall 2021

We are preparing to return nearly all courses to in-person instruction in Fall 2021. In an effort to provide maximum flexibility, we will retain a small number of hybrid and remote courses. Registration for fall courses opens April 12, 2021. Updated academic calendars are posted on the HUB site.
 
We are also planning for a full return to residential life in the Fall semester. Students who have not yet completed their junior year will be expected to live in university housing (including Gables for eligible residents) unless they submit a housing exemption application and it is approved. The Fall 2021 housing and exemption applications will open on March 22; students will receive a message next week with complete details. Greek housing will also reopen in the fall semester.
 
Students living on campus will be expected to adhere to community health and safety guidelines, which will be assessed and communicated closer to the start of the semester.

Instruction formats in Summer 2021

Oglethorpe plans to offer a combination of in-person, hybrid, and remote courses in Summer 2021. As is the case this semester, both in-person and hybrid courses will have an on-campus component. Remote courses will continue to meet virtually. The modality of all courses will be indicated in OASIS. Registration for summer courses and for summer housing opens April 12, 2021.

Continued support & student success

As we return to campus, we will continue to support student success in the classroom and in our community. As such, I am pleased to announce that the overload fee will again be waived in Fall 2021, which means returning students who meet the overload requirements of our University bulletin will be allowed to enroll in up to 23 credit hours at no additional cost. As a reminder, if your financial situation has been negatively impacted by COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive Emergency Assistance Funding or additional financial aid. I encourage you to stay in communication with the Office of Financial Aid.
 
Frequently asked questions are available on our COVID-19 website and additional information on housing, registration, athletics, and commencement will be sent as soon as it is available.
 
I am so looking forward to our full return to campus and to seeing many of you (in-person) for the first time.  
 
Best,

Nick Ladany, Ph.D.
President
Oglethorpe University