02/04/2021
Dear students,
Thank you for your flexibility and patience this week as the winter storm buried the campus. I am grateful for your efforts and continued willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.
Since many classes will remain online this semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to remind you to treat online coursework as if you were sitting in the classroom. The pandemic has made many of us more comfortable using tools such as Webex, Zoom and Microsoft Teams, but I know online learning also can bring new challenges.
I want to share some important reminders about your responsibilities as a student working online:
- Stay engaged: In addition to logging in to Blackboard frequently, attending all classes and turning in assignments on time, you should strive to be an active participant in your education. During live class sessions, keep your camera on and distractions out of sight. Ask questions and contribute to the conversation.
- Communicate: Whether you are sending an email to your professor or asking a question during class, be clear and professional. Make sure you have read the syllabi for your courses. This video includes many excellent tips about communicating with your professors.
- Ask for help: Remember that faculty and staff members want to help you. Try to ask questions early on, well in advance of exams or assignment deadlines. Consult your professors as well as offices on campus such as The Learning Center, The Writing Center and The Help Center.
You have proven your resilience through many times over the past year and I know you have what it takes to be successful in your classes this semester.
Thank you once again for your efforts this week. Please continue to wear face coverings, remain physically distant and practice other behaviors necessary to be safe.
All the best,
Erik J. Bitterbaum
President