RETURN TO CAMPUS
Classes, studios and labs
Fall semester schedule
Updated July 10, 2020
As we prepare for the upcoming academic year, the challenges and uncertainty for delivering course content remain in this COVID-19 environment.
When the fall semester begins Aug. 24, the University intends to provide academic courses through a variety of formats, including in-person, online and in hybrid form. (See course delivery lower on this page for definitions.) Since unanticipated circumstances at any time could affect the ability to deliver course content in a particular manner, the University reserves the right to modify the delivery method for course content.
Tuition and fees
Irrespective of the delivery format, tuition and fees shall remain the same for academic courses, consistent with published University tuition and fee schedules. There will be no refund or reduction on tuition or fees, since the University will be providing a full semester of instruction and awarding full academic credit to those who satisfactorily fulfill course requirements.
Final two weeks will be online
Classes and exams will move online for the last two weeks of the fall semester. Face-to-face instruction will end for the semester at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and the final week of instruction and the exam week will be conducted remotely.
The campus, including student housing, will remain open. Because campus will remain open (including residence halls and dining facilities) through the end of the semester, no refunds will be issued. The move online will reduce travel to and from campus after Thanksgiving break, further lowering the risk of COVID-19 infection.
Spring semester
Our intent is to continue offering a mix of in-person, hybrid and online classes for the spring semester. We will monitor the status of the pandemic and recommendations of public health officials and make decisions based on the health and safety of our University community.
Reading your schedule in My Akron
When will my schedule be final?
Please be patient with us.
Unlike in a typical semester, COVID-19 continues to provide a variety of layers to course preparation. The significant task of physically rearranging classroom space to follow recommendations and guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state of Ohio has resulted in a delay in finalizing course schedules. As classrooms are readied, staff are reworking the assignment system in order to individually place courses into appropriately sized classrooms, in addition to manually adjusting course delivery method.
The majority of changes will be complete by July 10, although there will be additional adjustments afterward subject to room capacity, instructor availability and COVID-19 conditions.
In addition to the physical space and system changes needed for the fall semester, our faculty and staff are hard at work preparing for the semester. Additional workshops, trainings and conversations are regularly taking place to help us provide you with an engaging educational experience and ongoing support throughout the semester.
If you wish to revise to your schedule, we strongly recommend that you consult with your advisor before facilitating any changes, as not all options may be available for all classes. Changes to your schedule may result in billing changes. Please check My Akron for any updates.
Defining the types of classes: hybrid, online, etc.
When you log into My Akron to view your schedule, you should look for two pieces of information: WHEN and WHERE. These are listed for each class in the Schedule column.
Online (asynchronous)
When: You’ll see no days or times. This means your course doesn’t require real-time meetings. You can watch lectures and complete assignments at your own pace, as long as you keep up with due dates and deadlines.
Where: You’ll see “www site,” which means the location of your class is online. You will be able to access the class in Brightspace at the start of the semester.
Online live (synchronous)
When: You’ll see the days and times your class meets.
Where: You’ll see “www site,” which means the location of your class is online. You will find out how to log into your virtual class meeting by checking your course in Brightspace at the start of the semester.
In person
When: You’ll see days and times
Where: You’ll see the building abbreviation and room number. You can find the full name of buildings and their locations here. [create link]
Hybrid: part in-person and part online
For hybrid courses, you’ll see two sets of information in the schedule column.
In-person part of class
When: You’ll see days and times
Where: You’ll see building abbreviation and room number.
Online part of class
When: You’ll see days and times, which means you’ll attend virtual class meetings
OR you’ll see no days or times, which means you’ll do asynchronous work online.
Where: You’ll see “www site.”
Hybrid testing
This type of course requires you to come to campus to take tests and exams, but the instruction is either online or online live. Like other hybrid courses, you’ll see two sets of information:
Instruction
When: You’ll see days and times, which means you’ll attend virtual class meetings
OR you’ll see no days or times, which means you’ll do asynchronous work online.
Where: You’ll see “www site.”
Testing
When: Your instructor will tell you when your tests and exams are.
Where: You’ll see “on campus testing.” Your instructor will tell you the building and room.
For faculty
See more details about these modes of delivery, answers to your questions and learn about testing options.
Laboratories and studios
Students can expect to attend skill-based labs/studios and other classes that require at least some face-to-face instruction in order to meet learning objectives.
These labs/studios and classes are being reconfigured to ensure students can work in small groups and maintain a safe separation distance.
Students may need to engage in some learning activities that require brief interactions inside the social distancing perimeter, in which case adequate safety precautions will be followed by students/instructors.
All labs, studios and other classes that require face to face instruction will be supplied with disinfecting supplies that students, staff and faculty will use to clean the areas before and after each session.