BYU will cancel classes for four days during the second week of the Winter Olympics. The university is adjusting winter semester 2002 to make up the cancelled days, which are from Feb. 19 to 22.
President Merrill J. Bateman asked faculty to allow student volunteers to make up any classes they may miss during the first week of the Olympic games.
The university came to this decision after discussing volunteer opportunities with the faculty and students, who were concerned that BYU‘s previous plan would hinder their participation in the Olympics. “In hearing their concerns and in keeping with President Gordon B. Hinckley’s conviction that the Winter Games provide a great opportunity to serve, we believe that members of the BYU community have much to contribute to this effort,” said Bateman.
“It is a unique opportunity, and we wish to make it as easy as possible for BYU students, faculty, and staff to participate as volunteers, whether with the Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or here on campus,” he added.
In a letter sent to all faculty and staff, Bateman acknowledged that this adjustment creates challenges and additional work. However, he said, many faculty members have already expressed their support for the adjusted schedule. Bateman also sent an e-mail message to all students informing them of BYU‘s decision.
Based on this announcement, BYU will open winter semester 2002 on Thursday, Jan. 3, instead of Jan. 7. To make up the remaining two days, BYU will cancel two reading days–Wednesday, April 17, and Thursday, April 18. Friday, April 19, will become a reading day, with finals beginning Saturday, April 20.
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