Good afternoon,
A month ago none of us could have anticipated the type of challenges that we are facing and overcoming today. Every day, we better understand what we have to do and we determine what we think is the best way to move forward. Two strategies that I use to navigate these challenges are to (1) acknowledge that we are all doing the best that we can, and (2) stay focused on our articulated goals - flexibility, student learning/student success, and completion. Still, as a university we have to abide by our accreditation standards and associated policies.
Shifting to web instruction is not considered a
substantive change
according to SACSCOC. However, certain course types don’t easily lend themselves to online teaching methods. Clinical experiences, teacher education, performing arts, laboratory courses, and research projects may have particular challenges. We are conferring with accrediting agencies to chart a path forward to meet required standards in these areas. For all of our courses we need to be flexible, but it is vital that we follow required standards in order to award course credit and ultimately degrees.
We will communicate to deans and department heads about these issues in the future, but for now there are a number of practical matters for which we have at least partial answers:
Technology Access:
As you know, some students do not have broadband or laptop access. I appreciate the accommodations you are making to help such students. Please v
isit this CITL page for support
. Also, make students aware that some internet companies in our region are offering
free broadband access to students during the pandemic
. Students who need laptops should contact TopperTech via
this request
so that they can provide information about our no-cost laptop checkout program.
Proctoring:
Many students are rightly concerned about visiting testing centers to take proctored exams. For the duration of the semester, there will be no live proctored testing at testing centers.
This includes courses that are term-based online, on-demand, hybrid, or newly transitioned from face-to-face delivery. We are strongly encouraging faculty to develop alternative assignments that do not require face-to-face proctoring, but we are exploring online proctoring options and will provide additional guidance to faculty and students soon.
Virtual laboratory instruction:
We have purchased
Labster
, a software package that can be interfaced to Blackboard, to offer laboratory instruction for lower level laboratory courses in a virtual format. This will allow our students to complete their courses and earn course credit. If interested, please reach out to Dean Greg Arbuckle (
greg.arbuckle@wku.edu
).
Semester Grades:
We are consulting with our various accrediting agencies and the federal government to get maximum flexibility on course completion for students. We will have a policy about grades and course completion soon.
Searches:
We realize that despite the pandemic many of you are in the midst of searches important to the future of your programs and the university. For departments/offices that wish to continue their searches, you may do so as long as you complete the search virtually. For the time being, you may not bring candidates to campus for interview activities. Please continue to follow the standard search processes but adapt them for virtual interactions. If you believe it is more appropriate to pause your search until the summer/fall, please let your dean know.
|
|
Campus community:
Susan I. Howarth, Executive Vice President Strategy, Operations and Finance, and Mike Loftis, Staff Senate Chair, provided an
update to faculty and staff
that included a summary of the status of the operational areas within the Division of Strategy, Operations & Finance, and Staff Senate -- including Business Services, Facilities, Finance and Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Supply Chain Management issues and University-Funded Travel.
Learn More
Students:
Brian W. Kuster, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Experience, and Will Harris, SGA President, provided an
update to students
about residence halls closing (noon Sunday), move-out schedule (March 23-31), prorated housing/dining refunds and counseling center operations.
Learn More
Parking & Transit:
Intersession parking regulations remain in effect with faculty/staff lots, disability spaces, meters and safety violations enforced as usual. Alumni Square Garage, Parking Structure 2, and student lots are free and open to the public. Wednesday and Saturday Green Line shuttle service will remain in operation while on-campus demand for the service is present. Campus Van Service will end at close of business Friday.
Learn More
|
In response to the closure of the residence halls,
Parking and Transportation
is working to facilitate the move-out process. The following lots will be designated “Loading Zones” March 23-27: McCormack Lot, College Heights Boulevard Lot, Kentucky Building front drive and rear lot, Pioneer Service Drive, McLean Service Drive, Minton Lot/Minton Circle, PFT Loop and Normal Street meters. Questions? Contact PTS, (270) 745-2361 or
transportation@wku.edu
|
|
