Amid the uncertainties of education in the wake of COVID-19, St. Norbert College is offering a “ninth semester free” promise for current or new students enrolled in the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters.

It announced the initiative on its website and is completely covering the full value for students who need to enroll in a ninth semester. Students are still required to sign up for at least 12 credit hours for the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, and fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

“We want to make sure that all our students, over the course of their time at SNC, can attain the complete and fully rounded experience of college life in community that we have always been so proud to offer," a release issued on the school website said. "It’s an experience that we hope will include not only a rich experience of academic instruction but also a full co-curricular life, along with high-impact, highly enriching and highly enjoyable opportunities like study abroad and athletics competition.” 

To prepare for the ninth semester, students will be required to talk to their academic advisor about the proper courses to take, as well as what would be available. They will also need to collaborate with the registrar’s office to complete a waiver that would forfeit the four-year graduation guarantee. The deadline for waiver completion is Oct. 1.

To take advantage of the vow, students must maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average and cannot fail or withdraw from any of their classes. In the ninth semester, they are required to take only classes that are needed to complete their undergraduate degree. The ninth semester must be completed on campus but can be done in the fall, spring or summer semesters. On-campus housing is available but not required.