QU Announces Changes to Spring Semester Academic Calendar

Quincy University has announced several updates to the 2021 Spring Semester Academic Calendar as part of its ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The university is eliminating Spring Break week and classes will now be in session on President’s Day in February.  These changes will help to reduce student travel and will result in the school year ending one week earlier than was planned. 

As was the case during the fall semester, the university anticipates the majority of courses will be offered in a face-to-face format.

Changes in the spring schedule also allow for the addition of a January term, or J-term. The university added the four-week-long J-term as a way for students to take a course that didn’t fit into their schedule or to get ahead or stay on track for graduation. For 2021, J-term courses will only be available online.

The J-term will become a permanent addition to the QU academic calendar, with J-term courses available without any additional tuition charge for full-time students.  Over four years, the J-term provides the equivalent of a full academic semester at no additional tuition expense for undergraduate students. 

“Our commitment to Success by Design at Quincy University is to create the best possible learning experience while strongly emphasizing student health and safety,” said Brian McGee, Ph.D., university president. “Like many other universities, we are modifying our academic calendar for this year in response to the pandemic.  At the same time, we are making permanent changes to the Quincy University academic calendar to make higher education more affordable and to encourage on-time graduation for our students.”

Health and safety protocols and procedures are expected to remain in place at Quincy University for the spring semester, including social gathering restrictions, mandatory face coverings on campus, physical distancing, and enhanced cleaning.  QU is in regular contact with the Adams County Health Department and continues to comply with all public health directives of the State of Illinois and the Adams County Health Department.  

An updated version of the academic calendar is available on the university portal and website.

Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University (www.quincy.edu) is celebrating 160 years as a Catholic, co-educational, liberal arts, residential university. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate, and adult education programs that integrate liberal arts, active learning, practical experience, and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with each student to design a customized success plan to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. Quincy University’s intercollegiate sports are members of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference for men and women. For more information, please contact the Quincy University Office of Community Relations by calling (217) 228-5275. Quincy University. Success by Design.