Fall 2020 Information & Updates

All courses will provide options for students who are unable to come to campus due to illness or other temporary circumstances, as well as for graduate students who may need to remain remote for the duration of the semester. Undergraduate students planning to learn remotely online should enroll in Live Online or iCourses but can request a special exemption if needed for degree progress or completion. Exceptions are not guaranteed and may not be possible for some courses.  Students should connect with their academic advisor and review the information below on how to adjust their schedule.

A variety of course formats will be offered for the spring 2021 term.  Students will be able to create a schedule that meets their individual needs. 

You can adjust your selected classes through UAccess Student Center to meet your individual needs.  Please connect with your academic advisor to determine what options will help you continue on your path to graduation.

A few tutorials that could be helpful:

• Class Formats Video Tutorial
• Searching for Classes Video Tutorial
• Add and Enroll in Classes Video Tutorial
• Drop, Swap and Edit Classes Video Tutorial
• More How-To’s available here

The only options for fully remote or online are Live Online or iCourse formats.  An increasing number of courses are offering a variety of course formats leaving the choice to the student as to which format best meets their needs.

Generally no, a web cam turned on during class is not a requirement. That said, consider simple etiquette practices in the digital learning environment such as muting the microphone when not speaking, evaluate your background and try to find a blank space to sit in front of as opposed to lying on a bed, for example.  If the course is Live Online (synchronous) and you live in a different time zone, you may want to contact the instructor to let them know you are in a different one, especially if the difference in time will be significantly different than when the course is offered.

Some examinations may require the use of a webcam.

Most classes will start in a Live Online modality – please review the class details to see which on-ramp your class is assigned.  Flex In Person courses normally require some level of on-campus engagement.  The level of In-person meetings will vary by course as well as environmental factors. Students should check the D2L course site for guidance from the instructor prior to attending the class in-person.

Classes that will start in-person instruction as part of the first on-ramp have been updated in UAccess as of 8/3/2020.  Click here for an overview on how to view the class details.  Classes that will start Live Online and then transition to in-person or flex-in-person coursework have been updated as of 8/10/2020.

International Students should consult with the International Student Services Office.

Consult with the schedule of classes to determine if the course is available In Person or Flex In Person.

• Whenever possible and feasible (taking national standards and certifications into consideration) labs are available in the online course formats.  For some labs it is not always possible to maintain standards in the online format or fully meet learning objectives. 
• Students should work with their advisors to develop alternative scheduling plans if they need to be remote for the entire term.

The Live Online format is a fully online course that is offered in a synchronous format.  In other words, the instructor and students meet at a regularly scheduled time/day using a virtual platform  Flex In-Person, on the other hand, is a hybrid model that involves some in-person (on campus) meetings as well as utilizing virtual platforms and D2L . These are two distinct course formats. A significant number of courses offer both formats leaving the choice to the student as to which format best meets their needs.

Review the course formats overview

The Bursar’s website has a frequently updated FAQ section.

View information on equipment checkout, computer labs, software and WIFI hotspots.

• In-Person and Flex In-Person classes will finish the in-person meetings by Thanksgiving, with the remainder of the class being held in the Live Online format.
• The added meeting pattern is for any physical class meetings and is shown in the Meeting Information area of the Class Details on your schedule
• Independent Study, Practicum, Dissertation, Directed Research, and similar classes do not have a physical location will not have the extra meeting line for Live Online.

Due to the evolving nature of situation, some classes may still have updates prior to the beginning of the semester. Students are encouraged to check their schedule and connect with your advisor again as the start of term draws closer to make sure your schedule continues to align with your needs and preferences.

The  ‘W’ Grade Unit Maximum (18 units) policy has been suspended for the 2020-2021 Academic Year for Undergraduate students.

All other policy adjustments during the Spring 2020 semester were a one-time exception.

• There will be designated quiet spaces in the libraries. More information is found here.  There will also be tents and other outdoor spaces available for students between classes.
• Starting October 1st three classrooms will be available from 8am - 5pm Monday through Friday for students to study or take Live Online classes. More information is found here.