This year’s pandemic has upended plans for nearly everyone, including many students who are interested in starting this spring, rather than the usual fall semester.​

Bellarmine has seen such an increase in spring admissions, the university is planning special initiatives to welcome students next semester, including a tailored orientation. On Mon., Jan. 4, students will get one-stop access to all the offices on campus and a thorough introduction to campus programs, services and technology. 

Students starting this January will also receive a dedicated academic advisor to ensure they settle into their new studies as seamlessly as possible.    

“We’re making it clear that starting next semester is a great option,” said Shelby Sullivan, senior undergraduate admissions officer. “Students will get an abundance of support. We’ll make sure they receive all the preparation they need, academically and socially, to get connected and hit the ground running.”   

Students are choosing a spring start for a number of reasons, Sullivan said.

Some deferred admission from the fall because of the pandemic or they needed a little time to put their finances in order. There are also some students who are graduating early from high school and want to get a jump start on college. Others are members of the military who couldn’t start until now. 

“Whatever their reasons, we’re saying, don’t hesitate, there are so many great reasons to get going on your college career,” Sullivan said. 

For students who deferred admission from the fall, their original scholarship offer still stands.

 Bellarmine has also developed a mix of classes that allows for optimal learning in a safe environment during the pandemic.  In-person classes are possible when the scheduled classroom can accommodate the physical-distancing policies required by COVID-19. Online classes are taught completely online, but each includes synchronous, or “live” elements. HyFlex (for “high flexibility”) classes blend in-person and online experiences. For example, half of the students might attend in person on Tuesdays, with the other half online, and the two groups then switch on Thursdays. Students may also opt to take everything online.  This fall, of the 1,070 courses offered this semester, 36 percent are HyFlex, 33 percent are online and 17 percent are completely in person. (The remaining 14 percent are more individualized offerings, such as clinicals.)  The class offerings have been popular with current students, with approval ratings averaging 75 percent or higher.   “I love my HyFlex classes,” said Trey Grevious, a senior majoring in communications. Three of his five courses are being taught in the hybrid format, with each student meeting once per week in person and once online. His other two classes are taught completely online.   The HyFlex approach allows proper physical distancing but “still allows me to interact in person with my classmates,” Trey said, “and I appreciate that so much.” 

If interested in starting this spring, check out one of the upcoming virtual information sessions or connect with one of our admissions counselors here.