Return to Learn Update, June 3, 2020
We are looking forward to welcoming students back in the fall for a mixture of face-to-face and online instruction, as well as a new model of course delivery that we are calling FlexSync. FlexSync course delivery allows students to attend the same class either in-person or remotely via Zoom. Since we likely cannot host full classrooms due to social distancing requirements, FlexSync provides the flexibility to meet student and faculty needs and preferences as well as to adjust to evolving distancing guidelines related to the current health crisis.
We invite faculty to learn more about how FlexSync will work at www.mnsu.edu/flexsync. That site will be updated with additional updates and professional development information in coming weeks. In addition, IT Solutions has produced a video that visually describes how FlexSync would work in a class. You can view that on the Return to Learn Web site at www.mnsu.edu/returntolearn.
To deliver these FlexSync classes, we will need to add new health and safety protocols around social distancing, facility cleaning and personal protection. We are in the process of building a flexible plan that will allow the University to address additional issues as they arise.
Some key points of the plan to be aware of now:
- Under the direction of the Minnesota State Chancellor’s Office, we’re using a multi-phase planning timeline to address both immediate and long-range needs.
Phase 1 Short-term (May-August 2020)
Phase 2 Mid-term (August-December 2020)
Phase 3 Long-term (January, 2021-)
- Also under the direction of the Minnesota State Chancellor’s Office, we are looking at a planning scenario framework that allows us to shift as conditions change. We are currently operating as if Scenario B will be in place.
Scenario A No restrictions on movement or size of gatherings
Scenario B Restrictions on movement and size of gatherings, but no stay at home order in place
Scenario C Significant restrictions on movement and gatherings, with stay at home order in place for part or all of the semester
- The University has established the following Return to Learn Values to guide decisions made as we prepare for fall:
Keep our students, faculty, and staff healthy and safe
Assure that students can maintain progress toward their educational goals
Maintain the financial sustainability of the university
Pursue the strategic directions and priorities of the university
Advance toward achieving Equity 2030 goals
- We are in the midst of implementing the FlexSync hybrid learning model, which will allow us to be prepared for both face-to-face and online/remote learning in approximately 100 classrooms on campus.
