Fall Academics in a New World

Anita Thomas, PhD Executive Vice President and Provost

Fall semester is an exciting time on a university campus. New students arrive energized in anticipation for officially starting their college careers. Returning students look forward to reconnecting with friends, faculty, and staff in a place they have come to love as a second home. And faculty and staff look forward to the energy and life that happens when our community comes together to learn.

While this fall will be different in terms of how our community comes together, we will still partake in this shared experience. Health and safety are our top priority; continuing to foster a strong and vibrant community that supports academic excellence is a close second. The strength and commitment of those at St. Kate’s is felt by anyone who steps onto campus or interacts with members of our community. The Katie community is strong, resilient, and ready to take on the world.

So what will fall classes look like? Our students will engage in three formats: face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Face-to-face classes have been prioritized based on the need to have access to specialized equipment and/or lab spaces in order for students to meet learning outcomes. Hybrid classes will meet both online and with some face-to-face interactions. The remainder of courses will be taught fully online.

In all three formats, our dedicated faculty have worked diligently to maximize learning and ensure our students receive the rigor and quality education for which St. Kate’s is known. St. Catherine faculty are high-caliber professionals in their fields who have spent years becoming subject matter experts. We are inspired by their passion and commitment to delivering a quality education during this unprecedented time, allowing students to continue to pursue their education.

As we prepare for the fall semester, I am confident in the amazing work that will continue to educate women to lead and influence — be it in a physical or virtual classroom. Our students are being prepared for a world that works in diverse ways, and these experiences will strengthen both their academic and career skills. It is a challenging time, but an exciting time. And I know the result will be incredible Katies who transform the world.

Anita Thomas, PhD Executive Vice President and Provost

Anita Thomas, PhD Executive Vice President and Provost