Q&A Series: Four Options Available for Academic Courses

James Snyder, interim dean of the School of Communication and the Arts and interim dean of Academic Engagement, and Dr. Thomas S. Wermuth, vice president for Academic Affairs, hosted a 45-minute WebEx event on Thursday with a breakdown of academic learning plans for the upcoming fall semester. 

This event included a Q&A session where students and parents could ask a variety of questions regarding safety in classrooms. Additional points were made from Alicia Slater, dean of the School of Science, Kevin Gaugler, associate professor of Spanish, and Michelle Stokes, director of the Weiss Language Center.

Wermuth highlighted the safety precautions put in place in the classroom to try to eliminate risk of catching COVID-19. 

“All the academic buildings are set up for safe social distancing, at least 6 feet apart ... all the classroom will be disinfected before and after each class,” Wermuth said.
Classrooms are also being outfitted with microphones and cameras to allow students who are participating virtually to have a classroom experience. In every academic building, face coverings are required and there are now clear directions throughout the halls for one-way traffic to avoid crowds. 

Another change to the fall semester is the implementation of Saturday classes. There will be twelve Saturday classes from August 29 through November 14. No night classes will be offered on Saturdays.

Hosts also discussed the four types of course options for students. The first option is entirely in person, which will require smaller class sizes. 

Then there are entirely online classes, which students would have knowingly registered for. Faculty is avoiding placing freshman students in online courses, stated Wermuth. 

The third option is in person hybrid courses, and 85% of courses in the fall will follow this format. The class will still meet twice a week, but with half of the class physically in the classroom and the other half tuning in virtually. The groups will switch for the second day of class. 

The fourth option would be fully remote courses. These are courses offered using WebEx or Zoom at a specific class time. These are classes that students take entirely in their dorms, the library, or any space they find convenient. They will have the full experience of being in class without actually being there.  Students will be alerted if they are in a remote course.

Any further questions regarding the fall semester reopening can be sent to fallreopening@marist.edu. 

Source: Sydney Kysar