The Spring 2021 semester will begin Feb. 17 and end May 19, with short, on-campus breaks in place of spring break and final exams taking place May 24-29.
Please note that Williams’ plans are continually evolving based on the most recent information available from our public health partners. If the situation worsens significantly at any point, the college may be required to shut down.
More detailed information can be found in specific guides for Students & Families, for On-Campus Students, and for Faculty & Staff. You can narrow your search using the search bar at the top of those three guides.
Faculty members have revamped their classes to maximize learning in the current environment. Students studying remotely have full access to our courses (though not necessarily all sections). Students who return to campus may be joining classes remotely in order to manage class sizes, ensure social distancing and meet the needs of faculty for whom it’s not safe to return.
Students had the choice of returning to campus, studying remotely or taking a leave or gap year. With limited exceptions, and unless they are informed otherwise directly by their managers, staff should continue with their current remote arrangements until further notice. Faculty have the option of teaching their courses remotely, in-person or in a hybrid mode. Anyone on campus is expected to follow campus public health measures.
- Everyone who works or lives on campus is required to wear a mask or face covering and to practice social distancing (at least six feet apart) in all public spaces. Masks are required in all shared spaces, including classrooms, dining halls and the library. The college has distributed three reusable face coverings to all students, faculty and staff working on campus. Disposable masks are available in high-traffic areas.
- Onsite Covid-19 testing is required for all students enrolled in-person twice per week. Weekly testing is required for faculty and staff in frequent and/or regular contact with other faculty, staff or students; those with occasional on-campus interactions are encouraged to get tested regularly. Faculty and staff working remotely are welcome to take part in weekly testing at the college. All testing is free.
- Aggregated testing results are available on the college’s Covid-19 dashboard.
- All faculty, staff and students have signed a commitment that affirms their understanding of procedures and policies, as well as their commitment to the Williams community. Copies have been sent to all faculty, staff and students. The college has undertaken an educational campaign to ensure expectations, and consequences for failure to meet those expectations, are clear and well-communicated.These measures incorporate safety protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We remain in close contact with these partners and our medical colleagues to evaluate conditions.
All Williams College buildings are closed to the public.
For the campus community, buildings are restricted to card access only. Buildings without card access have protocols in place that are clearly publicized at their locations and on their websites. Students have card access only to their individual residence halls.
In recognition of the extraordinary circumstances and of this academic year and the uncertainty we face in the year ahead, the total cost of attendance has been reduced by 15%. Tuition, room, and board for the 2020-2021 academic year is $63,200. Family contributions for students receiving financial aid has been reduced by 15%. The Student Activities Fee has been eliminated for all students. Students who study remotely do not pay room and board for the time they’re not on campus.
For students receiving financial aid, Williams has waived the work-study contribution for the entire 2020-2021 academic year. We already eliminated this year’s summer earnings contribution and committed to an additional free summer. Learn more about how Williams’ generous financial aid program is supporting students in these extraordinary times in the Students & Families FAQ.
Williams varsity sports teams are not traveling or competing during the fall or winter seasons.
Decisions about spring varsity sports have not yet been made. Coaches are working with athletes on approved training activities, including limited use of indoor spaces (e.g., pool, squash courts, basketball courts, etc.)
In an effort to prioritize people’s health and safety, the college has made the difficult decision to close the campus to all visitors. We look forward to welcoming you back in person when it’s safe to do so. In the meantime, please explore Williams virtually.
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