Academics

Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., made the difficult but necessary decision to continue the suspension of in-person classes through the end of the semester, to be replaced with virtual instruction and other alternative options. Fr. Jenkins had previously suspended all University-sponsored study abroad programs.

Though no classes were conducted the week after spring break, the built-in flexibility of the academic calendar will allow for the completion of the semester’s class work on schedule on May 8. The University will hold an online degree conferral ceremony May 17, and an on-campus celebration for the class of 2020 is being planned for the spring of 2021.

For the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester, any undergraduate student who withdraws from classes due to a specific COVID-19-related concern will be granted a leave of absence and be allowed to automatically re-enroll in the fall. The leave is subject to the approval of the dean of the student’s primary degree-seeking college or school, or the dean’s designee.

Undergraduate students will have the opportunity to view their final course grades at the end of the semester, and then choose whether to accept their letter grades or elect a pass/no credit option. Those receiving a letter grade of A through D can choose to receive a pass (P); those receiving an F grade can choose to receive a no credit (NC). Pass and no-credit grades will have no effect on a student’s grade point average. Undergraduates may make this choice for any or all of their courses. This grading option does not apply to courses completed prior to spring break.

More guidance on changes to academic policies can be found in Provost Burish's letter to students.

Graduate Students

Graduate students, after viewing their final grades, can choose to accept their letter grades or choose a pass/no credit option. Those receiving a letter grade of A through C can choose to receive a pass (P); those receiving a letter grade C- through F can choose to receive a no credit (NC). Pass and no-credit grades will have no effect on a student’s grade point average.  Graduate students may make this choice for any or all of their courses.

Defenses of dissertations will be accommodated in small group settings or using online technologies. Graduate students with questions should speak with their faculty advisors.

All students who have eligibility deadlines in May (e.g., 8th year and 8th semester deadlines) will automatically be extended through August without the need to submit an eligibility extension form to the Graduate School. This will delay any probationary actions until fall 2020 semester. 

If a student has successfully completed all the degree requirements but misses the May or August graduation deadlines, the Graduate School can issue the student a letter certifying degree completion for any employers requiring the degree to begin employment.

Due to the escalation of COVID-19 globally, all university-reimbursed international travel is prohibited for students, faculty, and staff for summer 2020 and until further notice. In addition, we are unable to provide Professional Development Awards for university-reimbursed domestic travel until further notice.

More guidance on policies pertaining to graduate students can be found in Dean Carlson's letter. 

Summer Programming

At a minimum, the first half of the summer session will be offered via remote instruction. Faculty planning to teach courses over the summer should be prepared to offer remote instruction for the entirety of their courses. Many students rely on these courses to fulfill academic requirements. The deans of the various colleges and schools have been asked to work with faculty to identify those courses that are the highest priority for our students.

In-person class meetings and research for enrolled or matriculating students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels may be a possibility for select programs in the second half of the summer, beginning on July 6. This would include some of the courses and programs that will begin the summer online. A decision regarding the second half of the summer will be made by May 15.  

Additionally, the University will not be able to offer housing to participants in summer conferences or programs (including non-credit courses) involving non-Notre Dame students or other adults over the summer, nor will the campus dining halls be available to provide meals for these programs.  

Academic Services

Notre Dame and the Office of Information Technologies (OIT) have long provided services that enable Notre Dame students, faculty, and employees to learn, teach, and work anywhere in the world. There are many technology options that can facilitate conducting a class and/or University business. Please review the following articles: Teaching, Learning, and Working While Away From Campus and How to Keep Teaching Online with Zoom.

In-person access to all Hesburgh Libraries locations is suspended. However, the Hesburgh Libraries will continue to provide service continuity via virtual access to expertise, online/digital resources, and remote services in support of teaching and learning. During this time, their expertise and services are just a phone call, email, or Zoom consultation away. More information can be found at https://library.nd.edu/covid-19-response.

If you are a student returning home but you do not have a laptop to participate in online classes, please contact the Office of Student Enrichment at 574-631-8162 or enrich@nd.edu.

Notre Dame has suspended laboratory research operations across campus. The labs have been placed in a "hibernation" state, during which time only a small number of formally approved essential personnel will be provided access to maintain equipment and specimens. For additional questions, please contact research@nd.edu.  

Faculty members and others involved with instructional activities are encouraged to teach classes from home if they are able to do so. Faculty members, graduate students, teaching assistants, and others providing instructional support who plan to use campus facilities for teaching will be classified as essential on-campus personnel and provided authorization for local travel. No one should feel any pressure to come to campus if doing so poses a health or safety risk or if they can teach just as effectively from home. If your teaching responsibilities do require you to come to campus, but you are uncomfortable or feel unsafe or your personal circumstances prevent you from doing so, please inform your instructor so that they can make alternative arrangements.