In follow up to Chancellor Norris’ message yesterday, I want to share some information about what the return to classes on Oct. 16 will look like.
We decided to re-open on October 16 because we are confident the university is prepared to reopen. This decision was made in concert with officials representing the Town of Boone and Watauga County.
We will be returning to our academic semester using, in most cases, the modalities that were in place before Hurricane Helene. Those who were teaching and learning in face-to-face classes in Boone or Hickory should continue to do so. Those who were teaching and learning through App State Online or in a course already set up to be online or hybrid should continue to do so. Those who are facing hardship because of their personal circumstances should, per our process, reach out to their faculty or department chairs to request adjustments or advice.
Chancellor Norris shared that Academic Affairs is prepared to work with each and every student to ensure they are able to be successful, especially those on track to graduate in December. We recognize there have been life-changing situations caused by Hurricane Helene. Our return to teaching and learning is not discounting those serious circumstances, or that some of you reading this message will be managing challenges that extend well beyond the classroom. In addition to reopening the university, our ongoing efforts to support those who have been affected, will continue.
This means we will take to heart several important lessons from our experience teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic;
- For those who had to make the abrupt switch to take or teach courses that were not intentionally set up to be taught remotely, you recognize that many of those courses could have been better. Many faculty and students struggled to be engaged, and we learned that, if not planned intentionally, online and hybrid teaching can be less than ideal.
- Our experience with COVID has taught us the importance of community support in maintaining overall mental and physical health. Our best learning comes when we can interact with our peers, our colleagues and our instructors, supported by systems that are put in place and supported by staff.
- Unlike during COVID, we see improvements around us each day. Lights are coming on, communications are improving, roads are being re-built, and these are noticeable, measurable improvements, supporting our ultimate goal to ensure our students graduate successfully.
If you need support, please use the resources available to you:
- The disaster relief resource hub is open now, and it is actively supporting students, faculty and staff in person and with virtual options.
- Faculty, Chairs, and Deans will work with students who may have circumstances requiring additional discussions about their academic progress this semester.
- We encourage all students to work with their academic advisors, Student Success team, and your faculty to ensure you are able to continue this semester.
We recognize that we will learn more about what the needs are as we re-open. Please continue to monitor your email for additional messages and important information about more resources that will become available to support your academic success.
Later this week, Vice Provost Ginn will be in touch with additional logistical information regarding any classroom relocations, as well as a decision on adjusting the drop/add date.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs leadership, thank you to everyone who remains committed to ensuring the success of our students. The dedication of our staff colleagues, who worked tirelessly to prepare the campus for reopening, is truly commendable. Many faculty, students, and staff have also shown remarkable resilience, volunteering to help others in need, even when unsure about their own homes and apartments. I also want to express our gratitude to the Town, County, and Chamber of Commerce for their support, which has been instrumental in our efforts to continue the fall semester and keep students moving forward towards timely graduation.