In follow up to Acting Provost Specht’s Oct. 9 message, please see below for logistical support and resources that will be available to you in time for the resumption of classes on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Please know that you have a lot of support available to you from the Academic Affairs division. Our top priority is to help you successfully navigate your college education, even as many of you are facing challenges and hardship.
Class Location and Modality
For the best academic success outcome, it’s important to return to your original community and classes in their original modalities as we continue the semester as soon as possible.
- With the exception of Rankin West, faculty and students will return to the same places and in the same format you were in before the university closed for Hurricane Helene.
- If you are facing challenges that you feel will prevent you from being able to attend classes the same way you did prior to the university closing for Hurricane Helene, please reach out to your faculty members or department chair to request assistance.
- Some faculty may be facing challenges that keep them from returning to classes. If this is the case, alternative arrangements have been made.
- If you have classes that are online temporarily and you need a place to attend, room 208 in Plemmons Student Union will be set up with tables and extra wifi for students to use for remote learning. On the Hickory campus, we will continue to offer the same wifi locations for students to use for classes. Stop by the help desk in either building if you need help finding these locations.
Course Drops and Withdrawals
Our goal is that Hurricane Helene does not derail your pursuit of a college education. Your faculty are adapting their courses for the remainder of the semester, while maintaining their academic standards.The best way to stay on track for timely graduation is to complete the courses you are currently taking. We have put some flexibility in place as you return to classwork:
- The date to drop a full semester course has been extended to Nov. 8, 2024. In the event that you get back into your classes and realize that you cannot handle the workload, you can drop a course through Nov. 8 and it will not count towards your limit of 4 career drops.
- Prior to dropping a course(s), you will need to meet with an academic advisor to discuss your situation and review your plan to finish your degree. Appointments may be needed so plan accordingly.
Other Important Information
- No academic work should be assigned to students ahead of the resumption of classes on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
- The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success (CETLSS) shared Resources for the Return Teaching and Learning with faculty earlier this week.
- If you are close to graduation or have other special situations, please look for additional messages from me regarding actions you may need to take.
Other Resources
- The Office of Student Success offers a number of helpful resources for students, including academic advising, academic support, college success and career readiness resources, the University Writing Center and Testing Services. If you have other academic needs, please complete and submit this form, and a member of the Student Success team will follow up with you.
- It is not uncommon to have emotional reactions days or weeks following a life-changing event. If you are struggling and need support, please use the resources provided by Counseling and Psychological Services, the Office of the Dean of Students and Wellness and Prevention.
As a longtime Mountaineer, I have learned that this community comes together during hard times. Please know we are committed to supporting your academic needs.
Thank you,
Mark Ginn
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education