Writing SNHU’s Story
VOLUME XXVII
ISSUE 2
OCTOBER 9, 2020
PENMENPRESS.COM
SNHU adapts to Covid-19 and plans for the future
Joshua DiNapoli Staff Writer
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to reshape the world, colleges are scrambling to deliver effective solutions to their communities that adapt to the health crisis. While SNHU has had to accommodate like the rest, its existing online environment has undoubtedly made the transition smoother. Last spring, when SNHU decided to move to a completely online environment, it was already ahead of the curve. Thanks to online tools like Brightspace, professors already had virtual access to all of their required coursework. The scalability of Brightspace also made it perfect for the massive influx of users. To help with this transition, professors had to go through a four-week boot camp before classes started to understand the online tools they had access to. Lynn-Murray Chandler, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, helped lead a team that trained up to 188 faculty members. She worked in collaboration with staff that included Aaron Flint, IT Director of Instructional Support,
Katie Rector, an Instructional Support Consultant, Michael Evans, Vice-President of Academic Affairs, and many more. Because the plan to move online was announced in advance, the team had plenty of time to plan for the fall semester and beyond. Chandler spoke positively about the general reception towards the training, as many faculty members were already well-acquainted with online tools such as Brightspace. Adjunct Professor and Academic Advisor Devin Chaloux, who has had experience teaching in the College of Online and Continuing Education (COCE) as well as on-campus classes made the adjustment to online teaching quickly. "One huge benefit is that the online classes are far more structured than classes on campus...it is much easier to clarify assignments and deadlines in a centralized online space," Chaloux stated when asked the most positive aspect of the online classes. Chaloux believes that the online environment has increased student engagement, saying, "In traditional classes, you would have a high percentage of
people who would not talk. Now, with online discussions, the quality of discussions has improved dramatically." Chaloux attributes this growth in engagement to the online environment, in which students get to thoroughly process their thoughts before posting. Despite all
of the apparent benefits, Chaloux sees the lack of face-to-face interaction as a downside to exclusively remote learning. "In-person, it was easier to detect what students may have been struggling with classwork. It was also easier to immediately reach out to help students. Without
that in-person interaction, it requires an extra level of engagement to contact them." For the future of SNHU, the development team has already worked with teachers to outline each program's curriculum. Recently, the team submitted their plans to President
LeBlanc and are currently waiting on his approval. When students return to campus, their feedback to the new programs will shape its future. The general goal is to increase project-based learning and incorporate more industry knowledge into courses.
litical unrest nationwide. The plan includes a $5 million Social Justice Fund, which was added by the Board of Trustees to help aid community members in need, as well as to make lasting positive changes regarding equity in the SNHU
community. Jeda Hebra, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer as of 2016, further elaborated on the fund’s plans for the $5 million dollars. Different “workstreams” have been discussed for how to set
up the oversight board, examine and improve student experiences, examine social mobility, as well as the eligibility for who should have access to the funding and how that access should be determined. These “workstreams”
have been ordered into five pilot programs for the fund to be allocated to. The first is an oversight board to quickly deliver funding where it’s needed. This is expected to launch within the next few weeks. Another one is a
digital bundle including a free laptop, internet and eBooks. This pilot aims to see if by providing these resources students will have fewer barriers to block their learning. On-campus . . . . . . . . . . . Continue to page 2
Shapiro Library. (image credit: SNHU External Affairs)
SNHU Social Justice Fund Aims to Assist Students in Need
Christopher Kelly Staff Writer
SNHU President Paul LeBlanc and the Board of Trustees have announced a plan to focus on empowerment and equality at SNHU following months of po-