March 18, 2020
A Message from Kathryn M. LaFontana, PhD, Vice President for Academic Affairs
I know that this is an extremely challenging and uncertain time, and you probably have many questions, like how long will these social distancing measures be in effect, and how will your progress toward graduation be affected. Some of you now have children home from school and other obligations that suddenly make your pursuit of a degree much more complicated. Others of you may be concerned about whether you can be successful with remote or online instructional delivery. Although this is a very uncertain time for all of us, I want to try to provide some practical advice and answers to some questions that many of you may have.
Q: If I need help because I’m not used to online classes, what should I do?
A: Some students are concerned that they may have trouble switching to remote learning, especially if they have never done it before, or that they do not have high speed internet and a state of the art computer at home. Please rest assured that under these extraordinary circumstances, we are doing everything we can to make sure all students can continue to learn. First, our learning management system, D2L, already has a site for each and every class running this semester. D2L, along with Ursuline email and access to important campus information, academic support services such as tutoring and advising, and information about your own transcript and schedule, is accessible on any computer, tablet, smartphone, or other mobile device with internet access. Even if you do not have ready access to high speed internet or a computer with a webcam and microphone, you can still participate in coursework. Your instructors will be reaching out to you to check in and make sure you are doing okay. Be sure to communicate with each of your instructors and let them know what your limitations are, and they will do everything they can to ensure that you can successfully achieve the learning outcomes for the course.
Q: What will happen with clinicals, internships, field work, and other experiential learning?
A: Each program is dealing with these situations a little bit differently, but here are some general principles. First and foremost, check with your instructor, because your instructor understands the requirements of any accreditors or licensing bodies and knows what needs to happen for you to receive credit for this learning. Your instructor is working closely with the Dean of your school and the department chair or program director. The Deans and directors, in turn, are in close contact with accrediting and licensing organizations to understand what is and is not acceptable. Generally speaking, the more required hours you have already completed, the more likely you will be able to get full credit for the experience by participating in some additional work, such as a simulation exercise or other assignment. However, professional accrediting bodies differ widely in what they require as a minimum for that discipline, so be sure you understand the rules for your program.
Q: Will I be able to graduate on time?
A: Your academic advisor is the best person to speak with regarding your eligibility for graduation. We are doing everything in our power to make sure that students make adequate progress toward completing their degrees, and as long as you keep in close communication with your instructors and advisor, you should experience as little disruption as possible. Always ask if you have any questions, and we will attempt to provide the latest, most accurate information.
Q: What if I have any questions?
A: Contact through myUrsuline (or D2L or email) is the best way to contact instructors and advisors. You can also check the phone directory: https://www.ursuline.edu/directory. In addition to your instructors and advisor, the Office of Advising and the Office of Student Success as well as the Deans’ offices are available to answer your questions. There is a form on the Library website: https://www.ursuline.edu/library/need-help for you to request assistance, including tutoring assistance, or if you have general questions about how to get in touch with someone.
Remember that we are all in this together and that the faculty and staff at Ursuline are fiercely committed to your success. We know you can do this!
