Spring semester Reading Days to provide needed breaks
December 10, 2020
This message was sent to students, faculty and staff at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Dear Wolf Pack Family,
Our students, faculty and staff have demonstrated patience, perseverance and a keen focus on achievement as we’ve faced the challenges associated with COVID-19. These efforts are sincerely valued. Given the times in which we are living, they serve as a reminder of why we’ve become strengthened as a cohesive and caring community. With the decision that our spring 2021 semester will begin one week later on Jan. 25, 2021, and will run continuously without a spring break observance, we recognize that this adjustment to our academic calendar for COVID-19 precautions nevertheless does not make it any easier for our students, faculty and staff to navigate another challenging semester.
This is why the University will be implementing four “Reading Days” and an additional “no instruction” day during the spring 2021 semester. These five days will replace spring break. Classes will not be in session on these days, although depending on certain course goals, some laboratory and studio classes will still be scheduled. Students should check their course syllabus for information regarding their instructor’s use of “Reading Days.” Faculty are encouraged to use their “Reading Days” time to prepare for instruction or pursue professional advancement while students are encouraged to use the time to reinforce their knowledge of course material or pursue special projects related to their program of study. In making this decision, the University joins several institutions of higher education that are not observing spring break due to COVID-19 concerns while still providing needed breaks.
The University has designated the following days as “Reading Days” during the spring 2021 semester:
- Thursday, February 25, 2021
- Tuesday, March 9, 2021
- Wednesday, March 10, 2021
- Wednesday, April 21, 2021
An additional “no-instruction” day, where classes will not be in session, will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. The “no-instruction” day is intended to approximately coincide with Washoe County School District’s spring break. Human Resources is currently planning employee development and training activities which will be applicable to all employees to coincide with some of the four “Reading Days.” A “meeting-free” day is being planned as well. The details of these events will be made available soon.
Our “Reading Days,” although they do not constitute a complete spring break, will nonetheless provide the people of our campus community with five needed days of mental and physical respite as we face the continuing challenges of COVID-19. Thank you for caring about one another, and for putting forth on a daily basis your best effort in furthering our institutional mission. You have all done so much over this past semester to reaffirm the values that bind us as a community. Please continue to look out for one another and to seek help if you feel help is needed. We are all in this together.
Sincere regards,
Brian Sandoval
President