Ithaca College will delay the start of its fall semester, resuming in-person classes October 5, according to an announcement from college President Shirley Collado.
"In coming to the decision to open the fall semester on October 5, the senior leadership team and I listened to and collaborated with a variety of stakeholders and leaders, on campus and off. We’ve also clearly heard the voices of our students and their families," Collado said.
College officials have been holding reopening meetings with officials from Tompkins County and health officials. Collado said the college has formed a Return to Campus Task Force to ensure health and safety guidelines are incorporated into any reopening plans.
Despite the delayed start to the semester, Collado said they will hold a full academic year. Officials are still planning out the academic calendar.
While other colleges and universities may open sooner, Collado said October 5 allows enough time to plan and prepare.
"An October opening gives our returning and new students the space they need to get ready for the upcoming year, to engage in a creative slate of undergraduate summer session classes and experiences and remain engaged with IC to make sure no one misses a beat in their learning," she said. "This carefully thought-out timeframe provides our faculty with the opportunity to fully prepare to deliver the strongest educational experience, and for our staff to fully map out their work and put solid, responsive plans in place around our emergency health and safety management."
