COVID-19 Update: Planning for Fall 2021, 3/25/21

Dear members of the Drew community,

I am pleased to share with you that Drew plans to have a fully in-person fall 2021 semester. Although the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still with us and will linger into the future, we are hopeful and actively planning for a return this fall to a more traditional on-campus experience, complete with robust, in-person academic, research, living, and learning opportunities.

This spring, we welcomed students back to campus for a modified semester, with firm health and safety protocols and testing procedures in place. The commitment and participation of our entire community of students, faculty, and staff during this time have paved the way for our optimistic view of the fall.

Additionally, we are encouraged by the continued rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines—and strongly urge members of the Drew community to get their vaccine as soon as they are eligible. Having as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible is our best defense against the virus and gives us the greatest chance for a normal fall semester.

As has been the case since the pandemic began, our first priority is the health and safety of the Drew community. Therefore, the shape of the fall 2021 semester will ultimately depend upon local, state, and CDC health and safety guidelines, which the University will follow closely in both our planning and execution. As always, we must remain flexible and ready to adjust our plans, should circumstances change.

Students, please note this important information:

• Registration: Fall registration for continuing students will begin on Monday, April 12, and the course schedule will go live on Monday, March 29. The vast majority of courses in the College of Liberal Arts will be taught as fully in-person courses, while a selection of online courses will be available to students who are not able to join us on campus next fall. In the graduate schools, as was true even before the pandemic, a mix of in-person, flexible, and online courses will be available. More information about course registration will be forthcoming from your respective Dean’s offices.
• Housing: All students who wish to live in on-campus housing for next academic year are required to complete a housing application. Full instructions for applying for 2021–2022 academic year housing were shared via email with all current undergraduate students on March 15. As noted in that email message, on April 1, all students who have submitted a housing application will be sent a housing priority number. Room selection begins on Thursday, April 22, 2021. You must be enrolled in at least 12 credits for the fall 2021 semester to participate in the housing selection process. Contact reslife@drew.edu for more information.

As we head towards a more normal future, please stay vigilant: Continue wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, adhering to on-campus protocols, and abiding by the local and state guidelines, wherever you are spending this semester. Additional fall 2021 semester details will be shared over the coming months.

Sincerely,
Thomas J. Schwarz