American University administrators are encouraging faculty to hold remote classes on the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the university announced in an email to the AU community on Thursday.

Provost Peter Starr said online classes will give students more time to get home while ensuring classes can continue to meet.

“Each year, questions arise as to how best to ensure that our courses stay on track while simultaneously meeting the needs of students during Thanksgiving week, including meeting family commitments, having a change to recharge before the end of the semester and benefiting from reduced travel expenses. “, said Starr.

Starr said that while the administration understands that some classes such as art classes and science labs cannot be delivered via virtual instruction, students can expect the majority of classes to take place. on line.

“Our experience with online education during the pandemic points to a solution to this challenge, for this academic year and for years to come,” he said.

The recommendation is for undergraduate and graduate students, but excludes Washington College of Law courses and programs with specific timelines.

Starr encouraged professors to notify students of the Monday, November 21 and Tuesday, November 22 class plan as soon as possible.

While Monday classes are scheduled to meet during normal hours, classes that normally meet on Fridays will meet on November 22, in accordance with the academic calendar.

As the University has grappled in years past with how to balance the Thanksgiving holiday with student needs, online courses may provide a solution for “years and years to come.”

“This change will allow us to meet our critical learning outcomes while providing our students and families with greater flexibility,” Starr said.

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