Fall 2020 Reopening: Academics

Posted: July 28, 2020

Hi Trappers,

Just like you, we are working to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact your academic experience this fall. Though the details continue to evolve, we want to share with you what we know so far to help you make decisions about your learning experience for the upcoming fall semester. This email is the second in our informational series. So far, topics covered last week included residence life. Look for an email on dining later this week.

Today’s topic: Academics

We want you to feel safe in your learning environment, which is why you can either opt to a) learn face-to-face or online, on campus with health and safety protocols in place, or b) learn online, at home this semester. The information that follows includes course delivery options that may impact you and the resources to help you during the fall 2020 semester. Classes begin Wednesday, August 19. The last day to add full-term courses to your fall schedule is Wednesday, August 26. Visit the website to view all fall 2020 course offerings.

The Plan

This fall’s course delivery options give you three types of courses to choose from, based on balancing safety concerns and course subject/material requirements. Regardless of type, all courses and labs will convert to remote learning after Thanksgiving break to finish out the semester. This approach aims to be as disruption-resistant to learning as possible, and gives you the best chance of successfully completing the fall semester, while still taking into consideration your preferences for health and safety. Details are as follows:

• Face-to-face – this option will allow students to participate in face-to-face classes on campus and may also make use of one or more of the methods described below.
• Synchronous Distance Delivery – course components will be taught live during the times indicated on your schedule but will delivered via video conference instead of in person. These classes are marked “Zoom” on the fall course schedule. Live interaction allows students and staff to safely and actively engage in the learning process in a real-time environment. You can participate in these classes anywhere you have a computer and an internet connection (on campus or off). Most classes this semester will be delivered this way.
• Online Classes – course components will be delivered in a format that allows you to access your courses in a way that is flexible. Learning can take place at your own pace via access to a combination of recorded materials (including previously synchronously delivered lectures) and learning opportunities delivered online through Moodle.

What this means for you

While final details continue to be fine-tuned, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Courses that meet face-to-face will have additional health & safety restrictions. Expect mandatory social distancing practices and face covering requirements when you’re on campus. Courses with lab components will be face-to-face.
2. All courses will have some remote components, which may be synchronous distance delivery and/or online at your own pace. Please check with the instructors of your respective courses for specifics.
3. Since not all options will be available for all classes, be sure to check your schedule to be clear on which methods are being used for each of your classes. There is still time if you want to make adjustments to your schedule before classes begin.

We know that learning isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” experience, especially this semester. That’s why we want you to have flexible options to help you succeed, based on whether you’d prefer to learn on campus or at home this semester. This isn’t the fall semester any of us imagined a year ago, but we hope we have a plan that helps keep you on track and making progress toward your educational goals. Know that even though there may be bumps in the road, we’re here to support you all the way through to graduation – whatever it takes.

Helpful resources

• Advising: With this information in mind, if you’d like to make modifications to your course schedule, contact your academic advisor right away. If you’re unsure of who your advisor is, log into MyNWC and get that information under “Academic Profile” or contact the Academic & Career Advising Office for assistance.
• Student Success Center: Whether you have concerns about managing COVID-19-related stress, academics, wellness, or mental health, you can always reach out to the Student Success Center for assistance.
• Peer Tutoring: Don’t be afraid to ask for help with your classes once they get started! Learn more about Peer Tutoring at NWC.
• Computing Services: If you have technical concerns about accessing your classes, you can contact Computing Services at NWC for help.

Who to contact with questions:

Greg Thomas

Dean of Student Learning

Greg.Thomas@nwc.edu 

307-754-6024

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions. Have a safe and healthy rest of your summer, and stay tuned for more information that will arrive in your inboxes in the coming weeks!

Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.