Hilltoppers, we look forward to seeing you in the fall!

St. Edward's Fall 2021 semester return to campus will deliver the best educational and engagement experiences, campus life, and support to our students, faculty and staff that are aligned with the highest levels of health and safety. The thoughtful planning to create a healthy return to campus is designed for expanded in-person classes with the flexibility to safely and quickly adapt to the changing pandemic conditions.

“The dedication and resilience of our students, faculty and staff to make the health and safety of our community a top priority over the past year have been truly extraordinary, and we are excited to welcome everyone back to the hilltop!”

Dr. Andrew Prall, Provost
Dr. Lisa L. Kirkpatrick, Vice President for Student Affairs & Title IX Coordinator

 

We will maintain our community standards.

Keeping our Hilltoppers safe remains a primary focus throughout the pandemic. The health of our community also directly impacts the greater Austin community. With this in mind, we will continue to maintain and observe the university's current Covid-19 Community Standards and have provided updates to our Face Covering Policy to align with CDC and Austin Public Health guidance. Detailed information on these requirements and actions you need to take can be found on the Safety section of Healthy Hilltop.

We have vaccine requirements.

As we plan for in person classes and increased campus experiences this fall, high numbers of vaccinated community members will limit the impact of Covid-19 on the hilltop. As a reminder, the university's Covid-19 vaccination policy requires all students accessing in-person learning or on-campus resources must be fully vaccinated by Sept. 1. Visit the Healthy Hilltop Vaccination Policy section to find complete details on the steps you need to take. 

What will my classes be like?

A full slate of in-person and hybrid learning will be offered to bring an on-campus experience for our students that will include all course disciplines.

  • The Fall 2021 semester will proceed as normal with classes beginning on Aug. 23.
  • Majority of courses will be taught in-person.
  • A small percent of courses will be offered online or a hybrid (combining in-person and online instruction)
  • Fully online graduate programs are not impacted.
  • Classrooms and other spaces on-campus will follow the University Community Standards with guidance from local, state and federal public health authorities.
Students in classroom
Students Studying
Student Orientation
Students Meeting on Lawn

What will the on-campus experience be like?

As we prepare for the upcoming fall semester, we are making plans to provide a host of enrichment opportunities and support services so our students are welcomed back with a full on-campus experience.

  • All residential students will live in socially distanced housing that creates single occupancy and other university safety protocols.
  • A full schedule of in-person co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and events will be offered within safety guidelines.
  • Virtual services and resources will continue to ensure we reach as many students as possible.
  • New and continued student support and health and wellness services will be offered both in-person and virtually.
  • Opportunities for civic and social justice engagement
  • Full-service dining options will resume as permitted within safety guidance.

The university’s Covid-19 planning and response is led a team comprised of cross-campus leadership with guidance from a panel of local, regional and national medical advisors and organizations. 

Updated June 1, 2021