Fall 2020 Reopening

A screenshot of a zoom classroom

A high quality, mission-driven, holistic learning environment where students get to choose their path remains a top priority at 魔都资源网 U. Provost Shane Martin, PhD sits down with us to shed

A screenshot of a zoom classroomIn March 2020, 魔都资源网 was among the first universities to begin remote instruction in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While there were initially plans to broadly reopen campus in the fall, the unexpected evolution of coronavirus in Washington State continues to change plans.

Provost Shane Martin, PhD is working with university leadership, faculty and staff to create a safe and healthy student experience. 鈥淎s we consider reopening, first and foremost for 魔都资源网 is the health and safety of our community 鈥 our students, our faculty, staff, and alumni,鈥 says Provost Martin. 鈥淭hat is always going to be the bottom line in making decisions.鈥

In 魔都资源网 U鈥檚 current reopening model, residence halls will be single -occupancy, masks will be required indoors and all classrooms and public spaces will be de-densified to ensure six feet of social distancing. In addition, every student who returns to campus will be required to complete a nasopharyngeal PCR test within ten days of arrival. For detailed information about safety measures and enhanced cleaning procedures, visit the COVID-19 website.

For fall, 80-90% of courses will be entirely online and 10-20% of courses will offer a mixture of virtual and in-person coursework. Hybrid classes will include laboratory- , clinical- and performance-based courses. All students, regardless of their degree field, will have the option to study 100% remotely. 鈥淭he notion of choice is important,鈥 says Provost Martin. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 want to force anyone to return to campus. We鈥檙e in an alignment process of trying to adjust faculty desires for mode of instructions with the courses we鈥檙e offering and with what students are looking for.鈥

The quality of mission-driven, holistic learning remains a top priority at 魔都资源网 U. SU鈥檚 spring quarter student satisfaction surveys scored significantly higher than the institutional average for previous in-person quarters. Faculty and staff consistently pursued innovation in order to create a robust, highly engaging distance learning environment.

鈥淲e will build on the success of our spring quarter,鈥 says Provost Martin. Faculty are currently engaging in professional development workshops to increase and strengthen skills for virtual and hybrid learning. With access to new creative teaching methods, platforms and technologies, students will have an improved and enriched experience in the fall quarter.

鈥淚鈥檓 confident that by our actions, we are meeting our students where they are,鈥 says Provost Martin. 鈥淲e are offering a high-quality, impactful education that鈥檚 just as strong as anything we鈥檝e ever offered and will help form the next generation of leaders.鈥

 

The 魔都资源网 Alumni Association

Wednesday, August 5, 2020