Update from State of the

Organization

This Thursday, Dr. Cureton shared important campus and financial updates with the community. A clear theme is that we have many reasons to thank God for his provision as we have responded to the challenges that COVID-19 has presented. If you were not able to watch the State of the Organization address on Thursday, you can watch a recording of his address here. As Dr. Cureton mentioned, we are celebrating historic retention levels this spring while also anticipating future potential enrollment and revenue challenges. Each member of Senior Leadership Team will be working within their area on ideas and opportunities to address these challenges. Please join me in praying for wisdom as we move through the process of finalizing the budget for next fiscal year.

Promoting Active Learning

As we continue to engage students in multiple ways this spring it is important that we leverage principles of active learning. eCampus News recently posted an article entitled, "What makes students more likely to return to school in spring 2021?" with findings from a fall 2020 survey that showed the impact that you as faculty have. It was clear that "instructors who promote active learning help drive student retention."

The following are some highlights from the article with options for incorporating active learning into your courses, that are applicable to all modailites:

1. Equip students to stay in touch with you. Provide opportunities for your students to connect with you beyond email.
2. Get to know your students. Ask students what their academic goals are. Create a sense of community in your course.
3. Promote discussion and collaboration.
4. Consolidate the number of tools used for your class to reduce tech problems.
5. If you are teaching virtually, make live video a part of your course.

COVID Protocol Reminders

1. Any student approved for virtual instruction this spring will appear on your Accommodations Dashboard accessible on the Faculty & Advisor tab on theROCK. As a reminder, you must be logged on to a computer on the campus network or VPN to access this dashboard.
2. Now that Facilities has set classroom furniture to 6 feet distancing it will be important that they remain configured that way. To help with this, photos have been taken and placed in all classrooms that show the correct layout. If you happen to change the arrangement please ensure it is reset before your class ends.

Feedback about return to campus

If you have any feedback that you'd like to share about the return to campus this spring you are invited to share that through this anonymous form. Feedback will go directly to Dr. Sommers.