QU Set to Wrap Up Fall Semester
Quincy University students are completing their final examinations as a successful first semester wraps up before Thanksgiving.
In August, QU students were welcomed back to campus for face-to-face instruction after months of planning for operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the pandemic, Quincy University always intended to complete courses and final exams before the Thanksgiving holiday.
“We are proud of our students, faculty and staff for their outstanding work this year,” said Brian McGee, Ph.D., QU president. “By following our rigorous COVID-19 guidelines, students were able to attend face-to-face classes for the entire fall semester. Their successes were possible because of the extraordinary efforts of our talented faculty and staff.”
In early November, the university provided students with instructions on planning for a safe departure from campus at the end of the semester.
“We have asked students to self-quarantine for ten or more days before departing the campus, or to self-quarantine upon arrival home,” said Christine Tracy, Ed.D., vice president of student development. “We are urging students to travel with great caution and to carefully consider actions taken with regard to the typical holiday gatherings.”
In addition to the university’s regular surveillance testing for COVID-19, students, faculty and staff were offered free COVID-19 tests on Monday, November 16. Members of the QU community also have been encouraged to take advantage of the free, rapid COVID-19 testing now being provided by the Adams County Health Department.
QU has already started planning for the spring semester, with a return to face-to-face instruction at the end of January. QU has also instituted a new January term or “J-term” session that will be exclusively online for three weeks during early and mid-January. The new J-term will offer continuing undergraduate students a chance to take a course at no additional charge and to get ahead or stay on track for graduation.
Over the next several weeks, QU will be evaluating multiple COVID-19 testing solutions for the spring semester to continue to make the campus as safe as possible. All students will be subject to required entry testing before or immediately after returning to QU in January. More announcements will be made in December about future COVID-19 testing at QU.
Masks and physical distancing will be required at all times on campus during Spring 2021. In addition, spring break and the President’s Day holiday have been removed from QU’s academic calendar for the spring semester.
“Quincy University’s successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic during Fall 2020 would not have been possible without the support of the entire Quincy community,” said McGee. “The Adams County Health Department, elected leaders, and public health and medical professionals all provided critical advice and resources, with many volunteers coming to campus to assist with regular COVID-19 testing. We are so grateful to be part of the caring and kind community here in the tri-states.
“Despite the many challenges posed by the continuing pandemic, we look forward to a rewarding new year at Quincy University and the return of students for the spring semester.”
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is celebrating 160 years as a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.