Academic Information and Resources

  • We want you to be academically successful, whether you're learning on campus or at home. Knowing important dates and deadlines, where to find tutoring and other support, and how to access technology resources will be key to your success.

    Fall 2020 Academic Calendar

    Classes for the fall semester will start as originally scheduled on August 24 and end on December 7, with final exams scheduled for December 8-11. No classes will be held on Labor Day (September 7). The Thanksgiving recess remains planned for November 23-27, with classes resuming on November 30.

    Many students will take classes remotely during the fall semester. For students taking face-to-face classes, your professors may conduct the first three days of class, August 24-26, online to arrange hybrid class sections. That time would also give you the opportunity to adapt to your preferred hybrid schedule.

    Your faculty members might offer you the opportunity to complete classwork scheduled after the Thanksgiving recess—and your final exams—via distance learning. These decisions will be made by your instructor depending on course content.

    You can expect to hear from your instructor about the format of your classes the week before the beginning of the fall semester through both email and your course's D2L pages.

  • Class Delivery

    Information about which students will have face-to-face classes this fall is detailed on the Returning to Campus page. See the Classroom Safety for Fall section for specifics on class delivery and safety precautions. Specific guidance is also available for students with health concerns.

    Textbooks

    The IUP Co-op Store will provide textbooks through counter service only for the fall semester. You can place your orders on the store’s website and stop in for pickup or have the orders shipped. Those are the only options. The store cannot allow walk-in textbook purchases, because it cannot accommodate social distancing in that area. This change should make checkout lines more manageable for the rest of the store and allow customers to stay at safe distances from one another.

    Those who rented course textbooks from the Co-op Store for spring 2020 should have returned them already. A packing slip is available for download.

    Study Abroad

    Following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Department of State, as well as best practices in the field of international education, IUP has decided to suspend all Education Abroad experiences, both credit and noncredit, for students this fall. Summer experiences were suspended as well.

    Fall experiences being suspended include faculty-led programs, those offered by institutional partners and study abroad providers and affiliates, experiential placements (internships, field schools, and clinicals), and those that were independently arranged.

    The Office of International Education will continue to support international students at IUP and will continue to offer programming to the community to build awareness about other cultures and the study abroad experience. Education Abroad personnel will be available to returning and new students to discuss future experiences. Staff members are continuing to participate as panelists for Destination IUP virtual experiences and in training for Student Success leaders.

    The Office of International Education is planning to host its annual International Education Week, October 12–16..

    International Students

    A number of international students who are in the United States will be on campus for face-to-face classes.

    New international students who will be on campus should plan to arrive for New International Student Orientation the week of August 17, 2020.

    Continuing international students who will be on campus should plan to return before the first week of classes and enroll in a full course of study with as many on-campus classes as possible. Self-quarantining is recommended for those returning from abroad. Students who will remain in their home countries for fall 2020 should email intl-education@iup.edu with their plans, and we will advise you about your immigration for returning in spring 2021.

    Clock-Hour Programs (Culinary, Police Academy, EMT, and Paramedic Training)

    Some clock-hour programs, such as those offered by the Academy of Culinary Arts and the Criminal Justice Training Center, require face-to-face learning. Students in clock-hour programs will receive specific instructions from their program directors.

    Criminal Justice Training Center (Police Academy)

    If you have any questions, contact program coordinator Marcia Cole at 724-357-3987 or director Dennis Marsili at 724-357-3988. 

    Online Learning and Technology Resources

    Find information about the Summer Academy for faculty and staff members, virtual technology support, help with online instruction, computer and internet access on campus, and Zoom technology, including meeting and classroom etiquette, security, and more.

    Academic and Other Help

    Advising Adjustments

    Department offices should limit in-person contact outside the classroom. Advising and office hours will take place virtually during the fall 2020 semester.

    Hawks Q&A Center

    This one-stop resource center for students offers both live responses and the opportunity to submit questions via email, with responses coming within 24 hours. The center will be ready starting August 15.

    IUP Guides for First-Year Students

    Adjusting to university life is challenging, even in the best of circumstances. To help first-year students, we will match you with a specially trained IUP employee to serve as a guide for your time at IUP. Our Student Support and Engagement Team in the Student Affairs Division developed this new program to make sure you don’t get lost in your new environment. You will connect with your guide during Welcome Week in August.

    Tutoring

    This fall, tutoring and other assistance will be offered remotely to the fullest extent possible.

    IUP Libraries

    The IUP Libraries, which will be set up to promote social distancing, will open for general use with the start of the fall semester on August 24.

    Computer Labs

    Computer labs will be set up to maintain social distancing and will be open for students this fall.

    International Students: Virtual SkillZone

    SkillZone continues to offer academic and social support for international students and scholars through Zoom tutoring. You can learn more and make an appointment to work with a tutor on the SkillZone website.

    Tips and Resources for Online Learning

    The Academic Success Center has compiled information for students, including tips on online instruction and note-taking, overcoming procrastination, and the importance of self-care stress management.

    Writing Center

    Online tutoring through the Kathleen Jones White Writing Center is available this summer. Appointments take place in 45-minute sessions. You can choose from using an audio/video session, or, if your internet access is limited, you can upload your paper and receive feedback from a tutor. Schedule a tutorial session online or visit the Jones White Writing Center site to find contact information.

    Students with Disabilities

    Instructors will receive a list of students who need accommodations for their classes from the Department for Disability Access and Advising. On the department's website, you can find information on the following topics:

    • Accessibility and accommodations during the coronavirus pandemic
    • Tips for managing at-home and remote learning


  • Marketing and Communications Division
  • Sutton Hall, Room 334
    1011 South Drive
    Indiana, PA 15705
  • Phone: 724-357-3062
  • Fax: 724-357-7993
  • Office Hours
  • Monday through Friday
  • 9:00 a.m.–Noon
  • 1:00–4:30 p.m.