Monday, April 27, 2020 | 4:45 p.m.
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| Dear Red Wolves Students:
This is the last full week of classes for the Spring 2020 semester, which seemed especially long this year – perhaps because we had that extra Leap Year day in February. 😉
All joking aside, this was definitely a semester like no other at Arkansas State, and I know that we are all looking forward to it ending next week. I wanted to remind you of some of the important COVID-19-related changes that are happening to keep you in the loop.
Final Exams
With finals beginning next week, the Provost has asked our instructors to keep your test times at the same time as scheduled as much as possible. That said, he has authorized instructors to give students a 24-hour window to complete the work on the day of the exam if they prefer - we know that it is not always easy for you to be on the computer at a given time. We are sticking with the original final exam schedule by day to avoid scheduling conflicts. We don’t want to have you taking all of your final exams on the same day. I also recommend that you check in with your instructors this week to see if they are using any special browsers or methods for final exams.
Summer Semester
We have already announced that Maymester, Summer I and full Summer Semester will be all-online. I am announcing today that most classes will also be online in Summer II. We were going to wait until May to determine Summer II, but I believe that the earlier that we announce, the better. Students have housing needs to worry about and our instructors need time to prepare for online teaching as well. Based on what we are hearing from local health officials, we believe that the COVID-19 peak for our region may happen in early summer, but no one is sure when exactly that will be. I have authorized colleges to offer some face-to-face labs and clinicals in Summer II, providing they can ensure that we are following physical distancing and other protective COVID-19 protocols.
Fall 2020
Sometime this week, I hope to formally announce our Fall 2020 plans. My personal goal is to start the Fall semester with face-to-face classes, but as we learned this Spring, we always have to be prepared to teach our courses online. While we will certainly rely on campus leadership and advice from our local health authorities, our decision ultimately depends on what the Governor decides to open up. He will be announcing this week what will be allowed to open up as part of Phase One (tentatively scheduled for May 4). If he allows state universities and colleges to open up in Phase Two, we will institute a number of physical distancing and hygiene policies that will maximize everyone’s safety. We are currently working with our academic affairs leadership (Provost, Deans, Chairs, and Faculty Senate) to determine the best possible protocols to follow.
Dean B. Ellis Library
I want to take a moment to salute our Dean B. Ellis Library staff members, who have kept the library’s computer lab and resources open and available to our remaining students living on campus. They have done great work to allow our students to have access to study space and computers during this difficult time. Following their tradition, the operating hours of the library will be extended to assist students studying for final exams.
Because of the City of Jonesboro’s curfew, they will not allow entrance to the library after 10 p.m. The Mayor has authorized students and employees to travel home after curfew. Their extended hours will begin this Wednesday, April 29, and continue until finals conclude on Tuesday, May 12. Check the library's website, Daily Digest, and our “Campus Office Hours” page on the coronavirus FAQ.
Online Learning Support
Learning Support Services and the other A-State tutoring centers continue to offer online tutoring for many of our classes. Students can watch this video to learn how to schedule an appointment with a tutor and view the full tutoring schedule online. Students who need assistance with Blackboard can reach the ITS help desk by email, or by phone at 870 972-3933 for other technology-related concerns. Remember that Pack Support is always available to answer students’ questions or concerns.
Drop/Withdraw Dates
The last day to drop a class or formally withdraw from the university has been extended to Tuesday, May 5. Students can drop a class through Self-Service, found in their my.AState portal. Students wishing to withdraw from the Spring term must complete the Withdrawal Form. Before making a decision to drop or withdraw, students should consider that a grade of “F” can be converted to No Credit (NC). As always, it is wise to discuss your plans with your adviser.
Credit/No Credit Grade Option
As a reminder, students will have the option to change letter grades to Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) following the grading period for Spring 2020. More information, along with the form, can be found at this website page. Students are strongly encouraged to review the FAQ found on this site as well as visit with their academic adviser before making this decision. The form will not be live until the completion of the Spring 2020 grading period to encourage thoughtful consideration. Returning students will have until the end of the summer to choose NCR/CR. Graduating seniors will have until May 28 to make their decision.
Reasonable Accommodations
I encourage students who have special accommodations arranged with the Office of Access and Accommodation Services (formerly known as Disability Services) to check in with their instructors to discuss arrangements for final exams if necessary.
Deadline Extension for Graduate Students
We are granting graduate students deadline extensions for completing their thesis or dissertation. All ProQuest format requirements must be approved and the student’s committee form with all required signatures must be submitted to the Registrar by Friday, May 15, at 5:00 p.m. All approved ProQuest submissions and signed committee forms received by this date and time will be processed for the Spring 2020 commencement. Contact Rhonda Curbo for more information about the format approval process.
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| I know these next couple of weeks will be more stressful than the average final exams period. Please remember, you are not alone, and that your academic advisers, your instructors, and Pack Support are here to lend a hand. Reach out – we are all here to help.
We're always there for you,
Kelly
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