Just about all university students have gotten a taste of virtual learning since the COVID-19 pandemic began. At Capital, students finished up Spring 2020 and began the Fall 2020 semester completely online. Although Capital University has already begun a transition back to on-campus learning, the health and safety of everyone in the campus community remains a priority.
This fall semester, Capital is offering three styles of class delivery: in-person, hybrid, and remote. Chances are, since a week has passed since the return to on-campus learning, you’ve already figured out which of these three categories the classes on your schedule fit into. Still, it is important to remember that if things are not working out the way you had hoped, it isn’t too late to consider making a change.
An email sent out in late July by Associate Provost Dr. Terry Lahm offered students the opportunity to fill out the Course Delivery Modification Form. The original form was due on August 14, and it allowed students to request a fully remote semester. The original email stated that all possible accommodations would be made, and that students would be able to communicate with the Advising Team to discuss the potential for students to take a fully remote semester while still maintaining on-track to meet graduation requirements. This is, of course, easier to fit into certain majors.
Based on the results of an Instagram poll conducted through The Chimes’s account, almost a quarter (24%) of respondents had chosen to take a fully-online semester. However, 38% of poll participants felt that Capital had not offered enough virtual-learning options to completely protect student health, showing that available options were not quite diverse enough to completely satisfy Capital’s student body.
Another question revealed that, again, only 38% of participants “liked” the experience of completely remote classes for the first four weeks of the semester, and responses were mixed when respondents were asked their feelings about returning to in-person classes. There were a few responses of “excited” and “nervous,” as well as a “demoralized” and “more focused.” The most critical and detailed response came in the form of, “It makes me feel as though this university does not value my life over their finances,” proving that the perspectives of Capital students in this area differ greatly.
Still, even though clear dissatisfaction exists among students and the initial intent form was due over a month ago, it is not too late for students to change their mind about taking remote classes.
Several of the hybrid courses on campus are designed to allow for students to participate remotely, whether that would be through recorded class sessions, simultaneous Zoom sessions, or attendance graded through iLearn. If the return to on-campus learning this week has been a bit too much for you, make sure to reach out to your professors to see if anything can be done.
Also, the Master Advising team (advising@capital.edu) and the Student Success office (success@capital.edu) are fantastic resources for students considering a switch to completely virtual classes.
This semester, although academics are important, it’s completely okay for Capital students to prioritize their health and comfort level. Whatever class offering best fits your needs, rest assured that the Capital community will work with you to reach it.
