All A&S Students Fall 2020 FAQ

In response to COVID-19 and its impacts to CU Boulder, the campus has prepared a Roadmap to Fall 2020 that addresses concerns of both undergraduate students and graduate students. We have compiled answers to frequently asked questions specific to the needs of both first-year and all undergraduates in the college.

Most accurate information updated as of July 27, 2020

Academic Questions

What does the fall 2020 academic calendar look like?

Classes will begin on Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, and continue through Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020. Fall break will be shortened (Thursday, Nov. 26-Sunday, Nov. 29), and then all in-person teaching will shift to remote after fall break. The last day of classes is Monday, Dec. 7, followed by reading day on Dec. 8, and then final exams will take place between Dec. 9-13.

Why the change in academic calendar to shorten fall break and go remote after Thanksgiving?

To reduce post-travel mixing between people after fall break, while still maximizing time for in-person teaching.

When will fall 2020 schedules be finalized, and how will I know if my course schedule changes?

Curricular adjustments should be in place by mid to late July, and the Registrar’s Office will be notifying students once schedules are set.

Is the passing period between classes being modified?

Yes. The passing period between classes will be increased to 20 minutes. The Registrar’s Office is updating start/end times of currently scheduled classes to accommodate this extended passing period. The Registrar’s Office notify students once schedules are set.

When will I be able to adjust my fall course schedule?

Continuing students will be able to make fall schedule adjustments starting on Aug. 3 (enrollment periods display in Buff Portal Advising). See the enrollment timeline for all students.

I need certain courses in order to make progress in my major toward a degree; will those courses be offered this academic year?

Departments and programs are prioritizing courses needed for major, minor, certificate requirements, and the courses in most demand.

What does academic support look like?

Resources for your academic success will continue to be available! Tutoring, office hours and help rooms will all be available through a mix of in-person, remote and/or online modes.

How will I access my academic advisor or academic coach during the fall semester?

Virtually, as was done for most of the spring 2020 semester, typically through Zoom (video chat or telephone). Make an appointment with your academic advisor via Buff Portal Advising.

I’m a new first-year student this summer term. When will I be able to enroll in fall classes?

You’ll be pre-registered in some courses and then will have an assigned two-day enrollment appointment during the July 20th-31st enrollment window to complete your schedule and make any necessary scheduling adjustments as appropriate (enrollment periods are displayed in Buff Portal). Please review our First-Year FAQs for more information.

I’m a new transfer student for summer or fall. When will I be able to enroll in fall classes?

Starting on July 16 (enrollment periods are displayed in Buff Portal Advising).

I’m not a first-year student. Will I be pre-registered in courses?

No.

Will CU Boulder consider extending the spring 2020 Pass/Fail policy to fall 2020?

No, the lifted Pass/Fail policy restrictions were for the spring 2020 semester only. However, moving forward, the timeline for students to choose the Pass/Fail grading basis has been extended from the 3rd week to the 10th week of each semester. The deadline to make this change via Buff Portal Advising for the fall 2020 semester is Friday, Oct. 30th. 

Per the university catalog, please note the following: Students in the College of Arts and Sciences can count a maximum of 6 credit hours of Pass/Fail coursework toward the 120 credit hours required for graduation. Courses offered on a mandatory pass/fail basis are excluded from the maximum allowed. The pass/fail option may be used only in classes taken as free electives.

Courses taken pass/fail during the spring 2020 semester are not counted toward the 6 credit hour maximum.

Will there be seats in first-year-level classes for continuing students who need to take them, or will all the seats be taken by the first-year cohorts?

During your registration window you will be able to see what classes have available seats.

Campus Questions

What will fall 2020 classes look like?

Courses will be offered in a mix of five different modes: in-person; remote (synchronous); online (asynchronous); hybrid in-person/online and/or remote; and hybrid remote/online.

How will in-person classes be structured?

Faculty are revising course syllabi to share this (and other) information. All in-person learning must be calibrated so that classrooms meet physical-distancing requirements. Classes of more than 50 students will not be able to meet in person if all students are present in the classroom on the same day/time.

Will all classes have a remote option? Will I still be able to take classes if I can’t be physically on-campus?

Departments and programs must offer enough remote and/or fully online options to enable students who are unable to participate in-person to make progress toward their degrees.

Will there be an in-person graduation ceremony for fall 2020?

Because the campus will transition to a remote/online teaching mode after Thanksgiving, an in-person graduation ceremony in December is unlikely. We are working on virtual recognition of our December 2020 graduates.