Spring 2021

Protecting the health of our community remains our top priority as we continue to monitor developments related to the pandemic. 

Here's what you need to know.

• Testing will be twice a week for students, with a new, self-administered, saliva PCR test by appointment in the testing pavilion on the Event Lawn. 
• Students will be in quarantine upon arrival for seven days and until they receive two negative test results.
• Masks are required indoors and out.
  

  Masks must be worn:
  Anywhere outside on campus, whether you are alone or with others
  Inside all campus building public spaces
  Inside all campus labs and classrooms—even for those teaching, learning or working behind a screen
  Inside all offices and work spaces that are currently or frequently occupied by more than one person
  By anyone learning, living or working on campus, including visitors

  Masks do not need to be worn:
  Inside your residential room with the door closed
  Inside a private office when you are alone with the door closed
  While eating or drinking

• Adjustments have been made to the academic calendar, including a modified spring break. The first week of classes will be held remotely (Jan. 19-22).
• We are working together to create a safe environment on campus and advise all students to limit travel off campus except for essential purposes, such as class projects, work assignments, or other critical needs. We strongly discourage all non-essential travel outside of Washington state, and students, faculty and staff members who do travel out of state may be subject to self-quarantine upon return as determined by Washington state’s requirements. 

Here's what you can continue to expect.

Click on each of the links below to jump to more information. 

• Academic flexibility, including classes that are in person, remote, or a combination of both.
• Increased safety measures, including enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, reduced/limited capacity in campus spaces, including campus residences
• Keeping tuition lower, at the same rate as last spring, with full merit awards and other tuition adjustments

Watch our town hall events and Q&As to learn more about spring 2021 operations (university credentials required).

Spring 2021 town halls

Increased Safety Measures

Campus Facilities
Facilities Services is taking a layered approach to campus safety and protection, employing physical distancing, mask requirements, and enhanced cleaning protocols, as well as physical barriers, fresh-air ventilation, and HVAC enhancements where applicable.

Facilities Cleaning and Support 

Classes/Classrooms
Any in-person classes for spring will abide by the university’s COVID-19 community health precautions. This means all students and faculty members must follow physical distancing mandates and wear face coverings during an entire class period. Also, classrooms will be sanitized between classes, and wipes will be available for faculty members and students in each classroom.

Dining
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department reviewed and endorsed our Dining and Conference Services safety procedures, which include eliminating self-serve food stations, providing hand sanitizer and contactless pay systems, physical distancing and barriers, gloves and masks worn by DCS staff members at all times, and more. 

• Order ahead from The Diner with the GET Mobile ordering app.
• Get real-time Diner occupancy numbers with our Diner Counter, and plan your Diner visit accordingly.

Dining Services Spring 2021 Updates

Residence Life
We have reduced residence capacity by approximately 50%. We anticipate having 900 students living on campus in the spring, and have reserved separate rooms for students who may require isolation at any point during the semester. Common spaces, rooms, and restrooms have been modified in alignment with best health practices, including use of dividers between sinks, assigned restrooms, enhanced cleaning procedures, limits on visitors, and more. Information about retrieving items from storage has been provided to students. Students returning to campus are encouraged to review the following. For questions, please contact reslife@pugetsound.edu.

• Office of Residence Experience COVID-19 Prevention Efforts
• Office of Residence Experience COVID-19 Requirements

Athletics. See our Return to Practice Plan and FAQs. Access to athletic facilities will be available to students, faculty, and staff members only, on a reservation basis, beginning Jan. 26: schedule and reservation information.

Testing Twice a Week

Student testing: Testing twice a week is mandatory for all students living both on and off campus in the Tacoma area. Faculty and staff members: Frequency of testing (once or twice a week) depends on the amount of time spent on campus and the nature of your work. Testing will be held five days a week in a testing pavilion located on the Event Lawn. The test will be a self-administered saliva PCR test, with results available within 24–48 hours.

Spring COVID-19 Testing Info

Academic Flexibility

Spring courses will be offered in online (remote), in-person, and hybrid modes. The course schedule for spring semester includes detailed information for each course on the mode of instruction, and students have received this information in advance of advising. 

Course Materials & Logger Store Info

Registration for spring 2021 courses is now complete. Contact your faculty advisor, the Office of Academic Advising, or the Office of the Registrar if you have questions about spring course registration.

Keeping Tuition Lower

Individual student financial details will come to families as part of the normal spring 2021 student billing process. For information on billing dates, payment deadlines, and FAQs, please visit the Spring Semester Billing Details page.

Tuition
Full-time spring 2021 undergraduate tuition will be reduced to the amount charged in spring 2020 (a reduction of $1,025) with a comparable percentage reduction for graduate students. (This is the same reduction offered in fall 2020.)

Merit Awards
The full value of merit awards will be distributed, despite the reduction in the cost of attendance.

Extra Credits
Students may take up to five (5.0) total academic or activity credits in spring 2021 without incurring a course overload charge.

Attend Part Time and Keep Your Financial Aid
Students enrolling in two (2.0) units will receive 50% of their merit awards and a portion of their need-based Puget Sound grants.

Work Study
Information about work study is forthcoming, along with other details related to the spring semester. 

Adjustments to the Academic Calendar

In order for students to arrive on campus, get tested, and quarantine while results are returned, all classes during the first week (Jan. 19–22) will be remote. In-person and hybrid teaching models will begin on Jan. 25. 
 
Jan. 15: New students move in to campus housing
Jan. 16–18: Returning students move in to campus housing  
Jan. 19: Classes begin
Feb. 18–19, Th/Fri (Week 5): No classes (spring break)
Mar. 29–30, M/T (Week 11): No classes (spring break)
Apr. 14, W (Week 13): No classes (spring break)
May 5: Classes end
May 6–7: Reading period
May 10–14: Exams