The Daily Bulletin Archive

I want to remind faculty, staff, and students of the following important pieces of information related to the academic calendar, academic policy, and modes of instruction for fall 2020, J-Term 2021, spring 2021, and summer 2021. This information has been shared previously in various spaces and is critical to advisement, instruction, student support, and other campus planning.

• In fall 2020, the college returned to its standard undergraduate pass/fail policy and all-college registration deadlines for the semester. Should students need an exception to college policy, please advise them that the online academic appeal petition process is available to those who have strong evidence to warrant a modification of college policy. Mandatory advisement PINs for J-Term and spring 2021 registration were placed on the accounts of first-year, undeclared, and probationary students. Please be aware that the college’s standard academic standing policies and procedures, including academic dismissal, will be followed this semester, and notifications will be sent in late December.
  • Fall 2020 deadlines:
    • October 30, 2020 - Midterm grades close at 9:00 p.m.
    • November 4, 2020 – Registration begins for J-Term and spring 2021
    • November 6, 2020 – Course Withdrawal, Pass/Fail Application, and Removal of Incomplete Deadline
    • November 25–28, 2020 – Thanksgiving Recess (no classes)
    • November 30, 2020 – Remote Instruction Begins for All Courses for Remainder of Fall 2020
    • December 11, 2020 – Final Day of Regular Instruction (remote)
    • December 11, 2020 – Withdrawal from College Deadline
    • December 14–17, 2020 – Critique and Evaluation Period
    • December 17, 2020 – Final Day of Fall Semester
    • December 14–23, 2020 - Final Grading Window (closes at 9:00 p.m.)
• All J-Term 2021 instruction will be offered remotely. Standard college policies and academic calendar will apply. Please remember, effective fall 2020, the Leave of Absence (LOA) policy was revised. The LOA deadline is now the last day of drop/add, and retroactive LOA academic appeal petitions will not be approved.
• As noted in my September 18, 2020, communication to the campus, the spring 2021 academic calendar has been adjusted to a later start on February 1, Spring Break has been canceled, and the semester will end on May 13 as previously planned. Standard college policies will be in effect, and pass/fail and course withdrawal deadlines will also remain as previously planned for spring 2021. Most spring 2021 courses will once again be offered in the remote mode through consultation with department chairs and associate deans to identify appropriate modality.
• All summer 2021 instruction will be offered remotely. Standard college policies and academic calendar will apply.

Faculty members and advisers are encouraged to share this information with their students to assist them in making decisions that support their continued academic success at Buffalo State College. Please consider using multiple methods—such as syllabi statements with links to the academic calendar, appointments that discuss this information, and e-mails that link to college policy and important dates—to help ensure that students receive this information.

Thank you, once again, for your resilience during these challenging times and dedication to our students in support of our college’s mission.