Pilots Prevent
January 19, 2021
Spring term comes with a renewed sense of hope as University of Portland welcomes students back onto campus and into classrooms. “We’re excited to have some in-person classes again, even if it’s a limited number, and to see students back on campus,” says Elise Moentmann, Associate Provost. Staff and faculty have worked hard leading up to Spring term to make sure the student experience for both virtual and in-person classes is the best it can be in difficult and evolving circumstances.
After a first week of returning students quarantining in their dorm rooms, some classes will be resuming in-person on campus. Most of these will be courses in the core curriculum. There will also be some specialized courses for upper-division chemistry labs, junior and senior nursing practica, and ROTC courses. Most of the classes will be in Swindells, Dundon-Berchtold, and Shiley Halls, and the Buckley Center.
The core curriculum classes will be limited to 20-student capacities, and no classroom will be filled more than 50% capacity. Rooms have been configured to accommodate physical distancing protocols. “We’ve been able to make sure that for the vast majority of classes, there is one classroom, per class, per day, so the classes are generally not being used more than once per day,” says Moentmann. “And they’ll be cleaned every day by physical plant employees.” Of course, masks will be required for both faculty and students and there will be plenty of signage to promote distancing and flow foot traffic through designated entries and exits.
Remote classes will also resume. Students will need a tablet or laptop, headphones, a working microphone, and internet access. Resource are available for students who need assistance. “The library has laptops that students can check out for use,” says Moentmann. “If they need assistance in purchasing anything for attending class, they can contact Financial Aid.” The Help Desk is also available for students who have any technology issues or questions.
Moentmann also offered advice for anyone experiencing the common phenomenon of “Zoom burnout,” or the fatigue that many of us are now familiar with after spending the majority of our time in front of a screen. “Limiting screen time outside of classes if at all possible, and getting up and walking around, taking a physical break from sitting at the computer,” says Moentmann, “those are the main things I do.”
The Shepard Academic Resource Center also has resources to help students adjust to and make the most out of online learning.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
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