The faculty is excited to welcome you back to campus this fall! Your learning involves so much more than just the mechanics of taking classes and Concordia University remains committed to supplying you with an uncommon education. As we prepare for the next academic year, faculty are already at work developing and updating their courses. As always, our faculty apply sound educational practice and use evidence-based teaching methods so that you receive a creative, rigorous, dynamic Christian higher education, no matter the delivery modality.
In the 2020-2021 academic year, all undergraduate and graduate on-campus and center classes, labs, and studios will take place in-person whenever possible, supported by Blackboard and videoconference technology. Some courses will continue to meet face-to-face in a regular classroom setting. Other classes will blend in-person instruction with the professor with carefully-structured videoconference sessions. (Many of you have said you enjoyed the chance to interact with professors virtually, without the need to drive to campus.) And some courses will “flip,” with the professor delivering some material in a classroom and some material (e.g. a lecture or writing assignment) on Blackboard, using in-class time for more in-depth application of course material. Science and healthcare laboratories will likely need some modifications in order to maintain the health of both students and faculty members. Our faculty are already planning new and creative ways to deliver high-quality laboratory learning experiences for our students. We will communicate with you frequently and clearly so that you understand the style of course you are electing to take. Your success is our first priority.
Students who are scheduled for off-campus, experiential learning (e.g. clinicals, practicums, student teaching, internships, etc.) should contact their program directors for more specific information about plans for these learning experiences. Our external partners (hospitals, clinics, K12 schools, etc.) are developing their own plans and policies. These partners control when and how clinical placements will be reintroduced, so students will need to be flexible regarding their clinical placements. Concordia’s faculty are working with those off-campus sites to determine the best ways for students to return to these settings whenever possible. Some clinical learning experiences will be moved onto campus, wherever that is possible.
University leadership and the faculty continue to study academic practices that will ensure consistency with all federal and state medical and health guidance and accreditation standards, while ensuring you receive an enriching and rewarding, distinctively Concordia learning experience in each and every class. As we make new decisions, we will update this plan and communicate with you.