As more and more Minnesotans receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Saint Paul College is looking forward to a potential return to normalcy this fall. For over 12 months, we have operated primarily online with some in-person learning. While that will remain the case for the remainder of the spring semester and summer semester, we are planning a fall semester that includes significantly more on-campus in-person learning.
This pandemic has challenged us all to think differently about how students learn. Technology is an important teaching tool, and we also know that many of our students learn best through personal interaction with their faculty and classmates and hands-on learning. We are committed to providing the best learning environment for all of our students in a way that keeps them safe.
-President Deidra Peaslee
What will a return to campus look like? Plans are still being created, and even then, our plans could need to change based on the number of cases within our community and guidance from public health officials. Still, face coverings will likely continue to be required, as will some level of social distancing. We'll continue to advocate for regular hand washing and encourage those who feel sick to stay home.
Will everything be back on campus? Before the pandemic, many of our courses were already taught online or in a hybrid format. Those courses will still be taught that way, and others that transitioned to that format could stay that way.
How do I know if the course is online or in-person? When you look at the course schedule, check the delivery method column. There are four different options you might find there:
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Completely Online - Asynchronous means that the class will be taught online, and there are no class meetings. Get your work done each week on your own time.
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Completely Online - Synchronous means the class is online, and you don't have to come to campus, but there are still class meetings you'll need to attend each week through Zoom.
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Blended/Hybrid means that class might have both in-person and online parts.
- If the delivery method is blank, that class will be taught on campus on the days and times listed.
What if I don't want to return to campus? We know that while the idea of coming back to campus is really exciting for many of our students, some may feel worried about what risks this could pose. You should know that we hear you, and we understand that worry. We will continue to monitor the trends and vaccination rates throughout the coming months. As Minnesota State Chancellor Devinder Malhotra recently said, "Our top priorities remain protecting the health and safety of our faculty, our staff, and our students, and enabling our students to continue their progress towards their educational goals."
I'm excited about the fall semester; what's next? Fall registration is already open, and some classes are filling quickly. Log into your eservices account and register for your classes. Instructions for registration can be found online, and our One Stop is ready to help you. If you're having trouble, reach out at 651.846.1555, or by email at
regisration@saintpaul.edu, or by filling out a Help Form.
We are excited about seeing our classrooms, hallways, labs, and shops buzzing with students again. We've missed you.
