October 23, 2020

To the community:

Even as we are enjoying these beautiful fall days, many of us are beginning to look ahead to winter in the Upper Valley. The COVID-19 Task Force is well into its planning for the coming season and I have received many inquiries regarding the schedule for Dartmouth's winter term.

In order to provide adequate time for those who are returning to campus to travel, quarantine for two weeks upon arrival, and undergo testing, we are confirming that, as discussed in last week's Community Conversation, the start of winter term 2021 will be delayed by a few days. Undergraduate winter term classes will begin on Thursday, Jan. 7, and end on Wednesday, March 10. Student arrival dates will be staggered, as they were for fall term. As Dean of the College Kathryn Lively has noted, winter-term arrival and testing dates and schedules have not yet been finalized, so we ask that students not make travel plans until they have received further information on housing and arrival schedules, expected to be released next month.

Jan. 7, will also be the first day of the term for Thayer and Guarini students. Tuck and Geisel winter term programs will not be affected by these schedule changes and will begin on their scheduled dates.

As we know, there is currently a surge in COVID-19 transmission taking place across the country, and the number of cases in New Hampshire, while remaining low compared to much of the country, has also been rising. Thanks to your careful adherence to community guidelines and sound hygiene practices, the incidence of the virus has remained low in our community, enabling those on campus to enjoy many aspects of the fall term.

Together, we have demonstrated that Dartmouth students, faculty, and staff have what it takes to continue taking precautions against the virus, even in the face of "COVID fatigue." We are all longing for normalcy and concerned about the months ahead, but I have no doubt that we are committed enough and smart enough to maintain our momentum. Let's all continue to be there for one another. We will update you with more information about winter plans soon.

Sincerely,