Area Colleges/Universities Consider Alternate Fall Start Dates

Heads up lake area college students.

A number of colleges and universities across the state are looking at changing the start dates of the upcoming fall semester.

Officials with Columbia College say in-person classes will start on August 31^st and end at the Thanksgiving break, with the remainder of the semester being held online.

The University of Missouri is also considering a similar option with start dates on August 12^th or on Labor Day September 7^th, with in-person classes ending on November 20^th. The board is expected to vote on which option they’ll choose this week.

The decisions come as all Missouri universities face budget shortfalls as the state continues to withhold funds in order to cover COVID 19 related expenses.