Campus News

The start of the semester is only a month away!  Faculty have spent the last month looking closely at their fall course offerings and deciding how best to deliver their curriculum safely and effectively. 

Over the next week, instructors will be reaching out to students over email with information regarding the planned mode of delivery for courses and some guidance as what to expect for the upcoming semester.  There are three main categories of instruction this fall: mixed/hybrid, face-to-face, and online.

1.  Mixed/Hybrid:  The majority of our offerings this fall will include a mixed/hybrid offering.  The details of this type, of course, will vary and will include a mix of face-to-face instruction with some online class delivery. 
2. Face-to-Face Model: for those courses that will meet primarily face-to-face, classroom space will allow for social distancing.  No classes will exceed the maximum occupancy under social-distancing guidelines, and all students and faculty will wear masks during class.
3. Online: This class may include a mix of synchronous (where students and faculty meet in real-time during scheduled class time via Zoom or some other software) and asynchronous (where work is done at different times and coordinated via Canvas) instruction.  Students will not meet in person in these sections.

Each of these decisions has been made with student learning and safety at the forefront.  Moreover, the mix of these offerings will allow us to utilize our learning spaces safely and effectively. 

Over the next month, we will continue to solidify the fall schedule as we assign classrooms, prepare learning spaces, and continue to communicate with our campus community.  As you all know, education across the board is faced with a monumental task this upcoming year.  Indeed, we recognize the enormity of the task before us and are committed to working together to offer the best educational experience possible throughout the 2020-2021 academic year.

Students, if you have questions about your academic schedule upon receiving this additional information, please reach out to your academic advisor (If you do not know who your advisor is, please contact Toni Rowe in Academic Affairs: arowe@rockford.edu).  In addition, if you have concerns regarding access to Internet or appropriate learning devices (computers, laptops, tablets), please reach out to Toni Rowe in Academic Affairs: arowe@rockford.edu.  Please note, computers will be accessible on campus in labs and the library.  And Internet is available across campus. 

Finally, here are some assurances regarding the classroom experience:  students and faculty will be required to observe six-foot social distancing as well as wear masks while in class.  In addition, while all learning spaces will be sanitized on a daily basis, out of an abundance of caution, each classroom will be provided with spray bottles and wipes.  Faculty will provide guidance as to how best to utilize these materials and keep the learning spaces clean.

Sincerely,

Dr. Perry
Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Rockford University