As students near the halfway mark of the semester, the college announced that most classes will be fully remote for the last three weeks of the fall semester.

In a Tuesday, Oct. 20 collegewide email, Senior Vice President and Provost Marcella David announced in-person instruction will move online after Thanksgiving break—Nov. 25-29—with the exception of a few classes.

“As the City of Chicago continues to adapt to increased cases and positivity rates, and as our number of cases on campus remains low, we are optimistic that, if we remain vigilant and adhere to our safety protocols, we will continue to be able to offer on-campus instruction for some number of the remaining weeks of the semester,” David said. “At the same time, the national conditions and the City’s Emergency Travel Order create challenges related to the Thanksgiving holiday, which will bring people together in groups and may involve travel.”

All residence halls will remain open during the entire period, but residents traveling to a state listed on the travel order for the break cannot quarantine afterward in their residence hall. They must quarantine at home or elsewhere in Chicago.

Residents should expect more information during the upcoming week, according to the email.

Academic facilities will also remain open with the current safety protocols throughout the end of the semester and into the new year, while facility hours in weeks 13-15 will be announced at a later date.

Only 21 courses in the Cinema and Television Arts, Dance, Photography and Theatre Departments will remain in-person during weeks 13-15, with all students expected to participate unless they have an accommodation on file, according to David’s email.

“Students who are registered for courses requiring in-person activities in weeks 13-15 are strongly encouraged to make plans for Thanksgiving that will make an interruption to studies less likely: avoid travel, continue to practice social distancing, and avoid group celebrations,” David said.

Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications and External Relations Lambrini Lukidis was not immediately available for an interview for further information on how the 21 courses were chosen.

Students in those classes will receive information directly from their department and faculty about expectations for the remainder of the semester, according to the email.

Anyone traveling during Thanksgiving break is expected to follow the city’s quarantine rules and required to quarantine for 14-days before returning from a restricted state, similar to the beginning of the Fall semester.

As for Spring 2021 course registration, David said students will be receiving updated information in the next two weeks.

More information to come.