ALISA OPPENHEIMER
Staff Writer
On April 13, an email from Provost Kearns was sent to all Fredonia students about the impacts of the current pandemic on summer sessions this year.
The email said, “As noted in President Hefner’s distance education memo on April 6, the decision has been made to hold all classes for the first session of summer school exclusively in a distance education format. A decision about classes for the second summer school session will be made at a later date.”
The email detailed information regarding May Term, Summer I and Summer Extended courses.
Courses already offered as online will continue as planned, while courses that were scheduled as “face-to-face” will be changed to “remote.”
The email explains, “[this] will allow students to do much of the work asynchronously but may also require them to meet virtually each week.”
Similar to how many classes are being handled for this semester, it states,“students will be expected to participate in course activities including discussion boards, quizzes, paper submission, and other types of activities.”
In regard to internships, independent studies and practicums, it states they “will occur as scheduled, where possible.”
As for studying abroad, SUNY made the decision in March to cancel study abroad for all campuses.
Considering the current state of the pandemic, the number of students enrolling in summer courses is questionable.
Associate Provost Dr. Judith Horowitz said, “A sense of normalcy is important right now, and I think many students are focused on working toward finishing their degree. Summer is the perfect time to catch up on coursework or to get a jump on the next semester.”
According to Horowitz, there are more Fredonia Foundation courses offered than there ever have been in previous years.
“We’re seeing many students taking advantage of that,” she said.
Some students who have taken Fredonia summer courses in the past are still committing to taking classes again this summer, despite the pandemic.
“I always try to take courses over the summer, and I’m definitely planning on taking them this summer,” said junior education major, Emma Isaac. “I’ve already been doing this whole semester through distance learning, and when I’ve taken summer classes in the past they’ve been online. So there’s no reason for me to not enroll in summer courses this year.”
Meanwhile, others feel the opposite.
“I usually take at least one class over the summer, but I’m not sure I want to after having to take classes online this entire semester,” said Megan Maull, a junior music industry major.
If interested in enrolling for summer courses, or if they have any questions or concerns, students simply need to visit Your Connection and sign up for their summer choices, just as they would for fall and spring.
“Signing up for summer courses is easy,” said Dr. Horowitz. “Although web registration for May Term, Summer Extended and Summer I ends on April 30, students may still sign up through Extended Learning or the Registrar’s Office after that date.”
Considering everything that’s happening, Dr. Horowitz encourages students to take advantage of the extra time on their hands this summer.
She wants students to know that there are many resources provided to students during this unusual time.
“Students may not be at Fredonia, but Fredonia is still operating to serve them,” said Horowitz. “Fredonia has set up a fund, the Student Emergency Relief Fund, for students who need assistance, including assistance with technology needs.”
“Our core mission of teaching and learning has not changed, and everyone at Fredonia is committed to working with students to ensure that they get the courses that they need and can continue on their academic pathway.”
“Faculty have been working very hard to make sure that there is continuity of classroom instruction, and that will not change for the summer courses,” said Horowitz.