Calendar mistake causes confusion for start of spring semester

During new-student orientation last fall, incoming freshmen were given academic calendars that indicated the 2011 spring semester would begin on Tuesday, Jan. 11.

Classes actually begin this Monday, Jan. 10. Because the mistake was printed in an official document the University is obliged to accommodate the needs of students and parents who made travel plans based on the incorrect schedule, according to an e-mail sent by vice provost for faculty and academic affairs Tom Gieryn.

In the e-mail, Gieryn stated students who do not attend class Monday shall be excused, and in no way penalized for being absent. Instructors are also required to provide any absent students all information and materials needed for them to continue in the course without a disadvantage.