Office of the Chancellor

Purdue Fort Wayne Anticipates Normal Operations for Fall 2021

February 17, 2021

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As Purdue Fort Wayne continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most frequent questions we get asked is, What are the university’s plans for the fall semester? Our current and prospective students, in particular, are anxious to know our plans so they can plan accordingly.

I’m pleased to announce that, in consultation with senior administrators, faculty leaders, and students, we are in the planning stages to resume normal operations and instructional modalities beginning in fall 2021.

Our goal in returning to normal operations for fall is to help our students achieve more control and certainty in their academic and career planning. We also have an obligation to create an environment and support system for new students joining us this fall so they can find the traditional college experience they are seeking. We want all of our students to have full access to a high-quality education in a campus environment that ensures the health, safety, and well-being of our entire university community. This will always be our top priority.

We know from our experiences during the past year that we must be flexible and ready to adjust our plans based on a variety of factors, both external and internal. For instance, a significant factor during the months ahead will be the availability and deployment of vaccines. We are in the process of creating a simple, confidential mechanism for students, faculty, and staff to self-report their vaccination status.

We are confident in the approach we are taking. Our campus community has risen admirably to the many challenges presented by the pandemic the past year. We will continue to follow best practices and recommended protocols from the CDC, Indiana State Department of Health, and other public health officials. We will also continue to rely on the guidance and expertise of our senior leaders and colleagues, the PFW Prepared Committee, and the Purdue University system.

As a reminder, we will continue to observe our normal academic calendar for the remainder of the spring 2021 semester as follows:

• March 8–14: Spring Break
• Week of May 3: Final Exams

Additionally, we will be offering a full slate of in-person, online, and hybrid instruction for both of the upcoming summer sessions. This is an excellent opportunity for students to get some requirements out of the way or to pick up additional electives to help move closer to completing their degree. Registration for the first summer session begins March 15 at goPFW.

Clear and consistent communication has been central to our success throughout this pandemic. Our PFW Preparedwebsite is updated regularly and has complete details regarding all aspects of the university’s operations and protocols. We also distribute breaking news and information through the university’s internal newsletters—Inside PFW and Don Life—as well as through social media channels and campus messages.

I want to extend my thanks to all of you who continue to work so hard to keep our university functioning so efficiently and so safely, despite the challenges. Let’s continue to maintain our focus and diligence as we approach spring break and head toward the end of the semester.

Sincerely,

Ron Elsenbaumer
Chancellor