POSTED MARCH 18, 2020 - INFORMATION MAY HAVE CHANGED.
From the Office of the Provost
Faculty colleagues,
As we move to an online mode of instruction for at least two weeks starting March 23, I want to touch base on a few issues. First, thank you everyone for your hard work in preparing for this shift in instruction. It is a lot of work. Second, thank you for fielding questions that are already coming in from students and doing your best to provide answers at a time when there is some uncertainty. This is a time when we need to do all we can to help students stay calm and focused on doing their best in the transition to online. We are the role models. As the British say, “Keep Calm and Carry On.” I want you to know that Technology Services has already provided a link with tips for students to adapt to learning in an online environment, a student guide for online learning, a special email address for students if they need help with internet connectivity, access@northern.edu, and is preparing an email for students to go out soon that will summarize resources to help them succeed in this current situation, including information on special opportunities for obtaining internet access. Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction have gone online and Counseling Services for students are available in-person or via phone. We will also begin to offer HIPAA-compliant Zoom counseling sessions soon. Library Services are also available online/remotely. I hope you will avail yourself of the instructional design training sessions being provided for faculty if that would be helpful (see Monday’s email “Teach from Home”).
As we look to next week’s transition to online instruction, faculty can work from their offices or remotely, whichever works best for you. As you consider whether to deliver online content synchronously or asynchronously, please keep in mind that if you are using a synchronous approach, that you must align the timing with your normal class period. Otherwise, we could have students being asked to participate in multiple online sessions at the same time. If you are having difficulty matching your course to an online format, please contact your department chair and dean. The department chair, dean, and provost will work with you to explore creative solutions. I encourage you to reach out to your disciplinary colleagues and discussion groups to see how they are adjusting to the online transition.
I have tried to find some resources that may be helpful to you as you transition to online instruction:
https://www.chronicle.com/article/How-to-Quickly-and-Safely/248261?cid=cp275
https://www.chronicle.com/article/How-to-Make-Your-Online-Pivot/248239?cid=cp275
https://answers.syr.edu/display/AC/Rapid+Online+Course+Development+Guide
https://community.pepperdine.edu/seaver/center-teaching-excellence/keep-on-teaching/
https://commons.udel.edu/continuity/
National Science Foundation Science Zone
Chronicle of Higher Education’s coronavirus Facebook group.
Thank you for your patience and perseverance during this unprecedented challenge. Northern is known for its excellent academics and high level of support for students. This new situation will not change that reality.
P.S. If you encounter anyone who thinks that they might have COVID-19, they should not go to a clinic. They should stay in place and call their healthcare provider or the Avera COVID-19 hotline at 877-282-8372 for direction.