All-Modes Ready Learning

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Arcadia University developed an All-Modes Ready plan to continue providing quality academic and social experiences for students. Arcadia is offering undergraduate and graduate supplemental programming opportunities in spring 2021 that connect with some of our courses and academic programs.

The All-Modes Ready approach enabled Arcadia to seamlessly shift to online learning, and will allow us to adapt depending on the circumstances and the preferences of students and faculty. Our instructional and student engagement efforts will continue to rest on four connected probabilities, illuminated by our COVID-19 scenario planning process:

• It is unlikely that a reliable/timely testing and contact tracing system will be in place in time for the fall semester (and might never be).
• It is unlikely that a vaccine will be developed, tested, and deployed in time for the fall semester (and probably won’t be for spring, either).
• The region and the country will probably experience periods of surge and decline that will result in various efforts to limit movement and convenings.
• Perhaps most important of all, it will likely take a significant amount of time for the majority of the population to feel comfortable resuming normal activities.
   

More information on these options, which include access to campus equipment and resources, art and design studios, and exploration of scientific concepts in laboratories, can be found on our Courses and Supplemental Programming Opportunities page. 

More information on these options, which include access to campus equipment and resources, art and design studios, and exploration of scientific concepts in laboratories, can be found on our Courses and Supplemental Programming Opportunities page. 

Try to keep to your set schedule. If you usually wake up at 9 a.m. every day, continue to do so. Do your classwork at the time you normally would, or the time you would normally have that class. This makes it feel like you are still following a normal routine!” 

— Haley Bibey ’21, Biology (Pre-Medicine) major, Spanish minor

When learning online, creating a routine or structure for yourself will help you stay grounded, connect to your course experiences, and succeed. This includes scheduling your days, adopting studying and test-taking strategies, learning how to best work in groups, staying engaged and motivated, and practicing self care.

Find a classmate to study with! I have utilized Zoom meetings with peers from my class so we can work through homework together, and we are there for each other if anyone has a question.”

— Amanda Zane ’20, Chemistry (3+2 Pre-Engineering) major

This semester, students will need a device (laptop or tablet) with a camera and microphone that can run applications such as Zoom and platforms such as Canvas. Students will also need regular access to a high-speed internet connection. If you don’t have the required technology or internet access, students can contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@arcadia.edu to discuss options.

Arcadia is committed to providing revised technology expectations for student computers (new and returning) and augmented technology training and support for faculty. Learn more about our Student Technology Resources and Technology Checklist. 

Note on exams in Canvas: You may need to prepare for some aspects of online exams differently than you do for exams in the classroom. If exams or quizzes are being conducted via Canvas and you are allocated extra time as an accommodation, your professors will know how to extend the time of the exam. You can check in with them in advance to set this up.

This semester, creating a happy, productive academic workspace—and knowing how to get help when you need it—will be key. How you set up your workspace where you are living can have a significant impact on your success, motivation, and enjoyment of your coursework. Read more about tips for creating a successful workspace.

Don't forget to get outside for some fresh air and exercise. Even if it’s a short one, going for a walk between classes or on a break from schoolwork is a great way to clear your head and stay healthy. Our bodies are used to walking around campus every day!”

— Paige Lawton ’20, Healthcare Administration (Pre-Physical Therapy) graduate

To succeed in online learning, you may need the same or different accommodations than you do in a standard classroom. See the sidebar on this page for office and resource contact information.

Remember that it's okay to ask for help! The LRN is there to support you, but so are your professors, advisers, classmates, and friends. Don't be afraid to reach out.”

— Carlie Banchi ’20, Actuarial Science and Honors Program graduate

Center for Teaching, Learning, and Mentoring (CTLM)

The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Mentoring (CTLM) supports Arcadia’s innovative pedagogies and adaptive strategies, working with all groups on campus to support transformative learning experiences. Join our Canvas Collaborative Community, an online space where all students, staff, and faculty at Arcadia can share resources, discuss best practices, and liaise across departments. Read more about our department in our CTLM Newsletter. Questions? Contact ctlm@arcadia.edu.

The Office of Study Away is ready to assist you in exploring the world and planning your next adventure. Study away advisers are available to meet with you virtually about your goals.

Plans are underway for students who were deferred from Spring 2020 Preview. Arcadia is also working on decisions for Preview, Global Field Study (GFS) courses, and study abroad opportunities for this academic year. Students interested in Preview or GFS courses should contact oip@arcadia.edu.

Using platforms such as Canvas and Zoom, students and faculty can engage both synchronously (in real-time) and asynchronously (regardless of location or time of day). The overarching principles of online learning at Arcadia University—which may be used in conjunction with best practices of specific disciplines—include:

• Affirming accessibility for all students.
• Establishing student-centered, proactive course strategies.
• Creating predictable course patterns and structure.
• Planning for the unplanned.
• Establishing and maintaining regular contact.
• Thinking before writing.
• Maintaining forward progress.
• Creating high-quality course content and structure.
• Building course content for all learning styles.
• Creating real-world connections.

Tuition and fees will be the same and will not be refunded regardless of the learning environment during 2020-21, as academic credit, learning, and certain non-academic services will be provided, though in different ways, whether on campus, in a hybrid environment, or entirely remotely. Although things may be different during the upcoming year due to necessary health and safety protocols, Arcadia’s mission remains the same and we will deliver a high-quality and meaningful, though not identical, experience.