ASU cancels spring break, modifies schedule amid coronavirus concerns
Dec 17, 2020, 3:53 PM | Updated: 8:57 pm

(Arizona State University Photo)
(Arizona State University Photo)
PHOENIX – Arizona State University on Thursday modified its academic calendar for the upcoming semester and canceled spring break citing coronavirus concerns.
University Provost Mark Searle announced the updates to the ASU community, noting there were anticipated public health concerns for the decision.
The university shortened the academic calendar and the semester will now end on May 1. The last day for classes will be April 23.
The university was originally scheduled to have spring break the week of March 7.
ASU students will return to campus and are scheduled to start the spring semester on Jan. 11.
As of now, the university plans to continue to operate in a hybrid fashion where students have the option to attend class in person or online via ASU Sync.
The University of Arizona announced in October it would modify its spring schedule and cancel spring break in an effort to reduce travel that could spread the coronavirus.
Coronavirus cases have continued to surge in Arizona in recent weeks. On Thursday, state health officials reported 5,817 new coronavirus cases and 147 additional deaths, bringing the documented totals to 435,036 COVID-19 infections and 7,677 fatalities.