On November 5, 2020, Salem Academy and College Interim President Dr. Susan Henking announced that leadership decided, after careful consideration when reflecting on the circumstances that came as part of the global pandemic—along with analyzing specific local, regional, and national circumstances—that Salem College students will continue remote learning for the spring.

The current rise and projected upward trend of the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming months is the backdrop against which the decision was made. The focus on the health of students, staff, and faculty prevented against the opening of any residence halls of the College or the Academy. The safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff is always of utmost importance in the decision-making process, and it was decided that the majority of our students should not return to campus at this time.

With the decision from Dr. Henking and the board members, Salem College Athletic Director Patricia Hughes announced that the Department of Athletics will not compete in any of its seven sports (basketball, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis and volleyball) during the Spring 2021 semester.

"Our decision to continue remote learning was a very difficult one on the part of Salem's administration," said Hughes. "As a result of this decision we made the tough decision to cancel all winter and spring sports and USA South participation.

"As the Director of Athletics I know how hard our student-athletes work to prepare for practice and competition and we understand the sadness and disappointment they feel," Hughes stated. "I am fully committed to working with my staff to create robust virtual activities to support our student-athletes with a focus on their mental health and wellness. We look forward to a time when we can all be reunited safely together."