BOULDER, Colo. — University of Colorado Boulder officials are planning a mix of in-person learning and remote classes for the spring semester, with separate "wellness days" replacing spring break to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
"We know we can't deliver the full traditional college experience, but we've worked to make it engaging, safe, valuable and fun as possible," Chancellor Philip DiStefano said in a Thursday news conference.
CU Boulder plans to begin the spring semester on Jan. 14, three days later than originally scheduled. Instead of a spring break, CU will offer wellness days on Feb. 17 and March 25 to give students time off and prevent travel-related transmission of COVID-19.
CU Boulder's COVID-19 infection rates have dropped drastically over the last month, as officials both with the university and in Boulder County issued strict orders to prevent the rapidly-spreading virus.
CU transitioned to fully-remote classes before bringing some in-person classes back. University Provost Russell Moore on Thursday said about 25% of CU Boulder classes are fully in-person, 25% are a hybrid format and 50% remain fully remote.
CU Boulder on Thursday also announced $1.8 million in funding that will go toward 13 1/2 counseling and psychological positions over the next four years, in an effort to support student mental health wellness.