Frequently Asked Question about Fall 2020
This list will be continually updated as we approach the start of the school year.
Academics
Q: When do Fall 2020 classes begin?
A: Monday, August 24, 2020
Q: Will classes meet on Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, and Veterans' Day of Fall 2020?
A: Yes. Classes will meet on September 7, October 12 and November 11
Q: When do Fall 2020 classes end?
A: Friday, November 20, 2020
Q: How will final exams for Fall 2020 be held?
A: Final exams will be conducted remotely.
Q: Will classes be remote for Fall 2020?
A: A majority of the fall 2020 curriculum will be fully remote, with essential courses offered in-person. Find your course in SPIRE for confirmation.
Q: If I have an in-person class, but I am unable to come back on campus, will there still be an online option?
A: Consider speaking with your academic advisor about rearranging your fall schedule. Although some adjustments can be made for students who cannot attend their face-to-face courses, the nature of the course work is specifically designed for in-person interaction.
Q: Will I be able to visit the Business Communication Center for help with my work?
A: Yes, you’ll be able to meet, virtually, with Business and Professional Communications faculty and/or peer tutors for consultation and coaching on assignments, job applications, slide decks, graduate school essays, and other writing and speaking deliverables.
Q: How can I set up an appointment to meet with a BCP faculty coach or a peer tutor?
A: Click the "Schedule an Appointment" link on the Business Communication Center's web page to see our available hours and schedule a virtual day/time to meet.
Advising & Career Services
Q: How can I meet with an academic advisor?
A: All academic advising will be performed remotely, either by phone or through the use of another platform such as Zoom, unless both the student and advisor agree to meet in a socially distanced way. Advisors will also provide guidance and processes via their college websites. Students can find their college academic advising contact listed in their SPIRE Student Center.
Q: Can I meet with a Chase Career Coach?
A: Yes, Chase is holding virtual sessions with coaches. Visit the Chase Career Center home page for more information.
Q: Will there be an Isenberg Career Day?
A: Yes, Fall 2020 Isenberg Career Day will be held virtually on September 30th. More information will be made available soon.
Student Life
Q: Will students still be able to have jobs on campus even if all their classes are remote?
A: At this time it is difficult to know how many student hourly jobs will be available. We will seek to provide as many employment opportunities as circumstances permit, but it is likely fewer jobs will be available than in recent years.
Q: Will the dining halls be open?
A: UMass Dining operations will be modified to meet new state requirements for cleaning, social distancing, customer limits, and modified indoor seating. More than 30 campus locations will be revamped. The plan includes new grab-and-go sites, outdoor dining tents, and mobile ordering at some retail locations. To protect public health, a buffet-style service will be prohibited.
Q: Will UMass allow RSO's to book inside spaces to hold meetings?
A: Small, in-person meetings and gatherings will be available but limited, with increased use of virtual platforms for events and meetings.
Q: Can I still try out for a club team/will Fall athletics still run?
A: UMass Athletics is working with the NCAA, conference offices, and Massachusetts officials to assess what intercollegiate athletic sports will be played and whether fans may attend games. Workouts and team activities that adhere to safety guidelines will be encouraged. It is unlikely given state regulations and social distancing guidelines that sports clubs will be traveling in the fall.
Q: Will the PVTA bus continue to run regularly?
A: Yes, bus routes will be in service. Currently, PVTA is running a modified schedule. Detailed plans for the fall are under development. Visit UMass Transit for details. All passengers must wear a face covering while onboard PVTA vehicles.
Q: Can I leave campus anytime before Thanksgiving, and then return?
A: Students are encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines and limit their travel to the local area. Students who travel outside of a certain mileage range will be required to report their travel and possibly quarantine upon return.
View the UMass Amherst reopening plan and FAQs for further information.
