Albright College Announces Post-Pandemic Transition Plan
Reading, PA (05/03/2021) — Albright College will return to its fully-residential 15-week semester model in fall 2021, with the first day of classes to be held on Monday, August 16. In addition to holding significantly more in-person and hybrid model classes, the college will expand student activities, athletics and dining service options.
Although vaccination will not be mandated, the college strongly recommends vaccination for all faculty, staff and students. Returning unvaccinated campus community members will be tested for COVID-19.
"One of the many things that we have learned is that our traditional students want to be on campus," said Albright President, Jacquelyn S. Fetrow, Ph.D., '82, in a letter to the campus community, noting that fewer than 8% of Albright students chose to remain at home during the pandemic. "Albright's goal is to continue our focus on a cross-disciplinary, personalized education in a close-knit community. For our traditional students, this means an on-campus, residential environment. For our post-traditional students, we also focus on the close-knit and personalized education, using technology to meet your scheduling and life needs. It is important to incorporate the best of what we learned from the global pandemic in meeting our shared goals."
Recognizing that the nature of the pandemic means that plans could change, Albright is carefully expanding in-person offerings while following recommendations by both the CDC and the PA Dept. of Health. Visitors have returned to outdoor athletic stands as recently as last week.
Renovation of Jake's Place, already underway, will offer expanded food-court-style choices and additional and more comfortable seating, student work spaces, and pool tables. All of Albright's dining locations will be fully operational offering an array of menu items from smoothies at Peg's Cafe to theme meals in the Dining Hall.
Founded in 1856, Albright College is a diverse community of learners cultivating integrity, curiosity, connection and resilience. The college's flexible curriculum encourages students to combine and cross majors to create individualized academic programs. Close faculty mentorship and numerous experiential learning options create opportunities for Albright graduates to exceed their own expectations. Located in Reading, Pa., Albright enrolls more than 1,800 full-time undergraduates and 700 adult learners and graduate students.