By Timothy Fanning
The Office of Academic Affairs announced today that it will not extend the Fall 2017 academic calendar.
“Given what students, faculty and staff have experienced across the state of Florida and the southeastern United States,” the statement said. “We will encourage all instructors to remain sensitive to the physical and emotional trauma that has impacted and may yet impact the academic performance of some students.”
Deadlines for submission of mid-terms grades are to remain in place, and the submission date for those grades are between Oct. 9 through Oct. 24.
University System leadership sought guidance from the Department of Education as well as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. They ultimately decided against extending the academic year. Representatives from faculty and student groups were also consulted.
“By identifying students struggling to earn a passing grade, the university can provide timely assistance and promote student success. Therefore, we expect all instructors to keep this deadline in place and comply with university policy,” the statement said. “We believe that the length of this submission window is sufficient for all instructors to administer and grade any planned midterm examinations or other major assessments.
By maintaining the academic calendar, the university hopes to restore a “sense of normalcy” to the entire USF System as soon as possible.
