The University at Albany's spring semester will start later than expected due to the spread of COVID-19's omicron variant.

UAlbany made the announcement Tuesday that the semester, originally scheduled to start Wednesday, Jan. 19, will instead start Monday, Jan. 24.

"Postponing the start of the spring semester will afford our students more time to secure a negative COVID-19 test as well as receive their booster, when eligible," a statement read.

UAlbany residence halls will reopen at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 21.

Spring break won't be affected, the school said, nor will commencement exercises. Students must provide proof of a negative COVID test before going back to campus.