The state's campaign to vaccinate the large majority of Massachusetts residents by early summer has Framingham State University planning for a fall opening that will look much more like a traditional academic semester.

The University is aiming for most courses to be held in-person and for residence halls to be filled close to capacity for Fall 2021. The University is also planning for a return to in-person events, activities and campus life, while maintaining safety standards that have allowed FSU to keep its positive COVID-19 test rate far below 1% even during the height of the pandemic.

"It won't quite be a full return to normal at FSU, but we are calling this our 'new normal,'" says Framingham State President F. Javier Cevallos. "We are going to be maintaining our strong safety standards during the upcoming year, but vaccinations offer us an opportunity to get back to the in-person events and activities that our students need and deserve."

This includes an anticipated full athletic schedule, in-person arts and humanities performances, student clubs, and much more.

While most courses will be face-to-face, there will also be plenty offered remotely. This will enable the University to provide increased flexibility to students who, due to individual circumstances, may not be able to return to campus or who are balancing work with their academic schedule. 

The University does reserve the right to alter its plans over the course of the summer if for some reason conditions in Massachusetts do not improve to the degree that is widely expected.

"I think the entire community is excited to get back on campus and immerse themselves in the full college experience once again," says President Cevallos. "We believe we are going to be able to provide that opportunity in a very safe and responsible environment."

The University's Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure (PBTL) programs will continue to be offered in an online/remote format for the fall semester, except for a limited number of professional programs that will be offered in a face to face or hybrid format.