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Flexibility has been key during the last two semesters at IUP, and that will continue into the spring. A number of programs and events are planned, but in the midst of a pandemic, how participants experience those events may be subject to change.

Here's what's planned for spring 2021.

Academics

As announced earlier this month, spring classes will start via remote instruction on Tuesday, January 19, with a few exceptions. Classes previously scheduled for in-person delivery will begin in that format on Monday, February 8.

Rather than a weeklong spring break, the semester will have short breaks in the form of seven non-class days, as follows:

  • Thursday, February 25
  • Friday, February 26
  • Saturday, March 13
  • Sunday, March 14
  • Monday, April 5
  • Tuesday, April 6
  • Wednesday, April 21

Spring classes will end May 3, and final exams will take place May 4–7.

Commencement

Ceremonies will be Friday, May 7, for graduate students and Saturday, May 8, for undergraduates.

IUP's Office of Alumni and Friends plans to hold a celebration toast for new graduates around the ceremonies.

COVID Testing for Students

This spring, students are encouraged to get COVID-19 testing. For asymptomatic students, testing is at the Kovalchick Complex, and preregistration is required through Virus Geeks, the testing provider. Testing is available on these days and times:

  • Through January 15, 8:00 a.m. to noon
  • January 16 to February 7, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • After February 8, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Students who think they have COVID-19 symptoms should instead contact their health care provider or the IUP Health Service.

Student Life

While many spring events for students are tentatively scheduled, here are some you can expect:

  • During Winter Warm-Up, to be held online January 25–31, students can learn about different ways to get involved at IUP.

  • The Six O'Clock Series, held Monday evenings, will open February 8 with a program marking Black History Month. Other topics this semester include job interviews, race and bias, international education, financial literacy, and a poetry slam.

  • Leadership in a Multicultural Society, a series of Wednesday workshops, will cover diversity-related topics such as power and privilege, disability awareness, and systems of oppression. The series is offered by the Center for Multicultural Student Leadership and Engagement.

STATIC

Since the onset of the pandemic, IUP's Student Activity Committee, known as STATIC, has pivoted like no other. In the fall, STATIC kept students entertained with 40 online events. While the spring schedule is tentative, expect the return of some virtual favorites from last semester: IUP Spelling Bee, Trivia Nights, Netflix & Chill movie nights, IUP Masked Singer, game show takeoffs, spa tutorials, and more.

University Advancement

The Division of University Advancement has a number of events planned for spring. Here are some highlights:

  • “Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in a Professional Workplace,” an online panel discussion featuring IUP alumni who have been active in diversity initiatives, will take place Wednesday, March 17, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. More details are forthcoming.

  • IUP Night for Networking, an opportunity for IUP students and alumni to meet, will take place Wednesday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. The IUP Office of Alumni and Friends coordinates this event with Graduate Admissions and the Career and Professional Development Center.

  • The Office of Alumni and Friends and the CPDC are also collaborating on an online alumni panel, “Working and Managing Your Side Business,” on Wednesday, April 14, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. 

  • Day of Giving, a full day devoted to investing in IUP students, will take place Thursday, April 8. Watch for details on the Support IUP website.

Lively Arts

  • The University Museum will kick off the semester with Ned Wert: A Retrospective, an exhibit featuring paintings created by this IUP professor emeritus over a 60-year period. The exhibit will run January 26 through March 20.

  • April exhibits include From Our Walls to Your Home at the Artists Hand Gallery downtown and the Department of Art and Design Faculty Triennial at the museum.

  • Watch the Lively Arts calendar for concerts, Dance Theater productions, the play Perfect Arrangement, the musical Ordinary Days, and more this spring.

As plans for spring 2021 are still in the making, check the Central Calendar for more and updated events throughout the semester.