Resilient Colleges, Resilient People: Creating a Future Worth Fighting for in the Age of Coronavirus

TL;DR

College presidents discuss their initial actions and plans for the fall semester in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for flexibility and support for disadvantaged students.

Transcript

[Applause] [Applause] hello welcome to this panel discussion uh of with three great presidents about uh the conditions that they are operating under and how they're trying to deliver services to students i want to start by just acknowledging covet 19 it is a terrible thing we if it creates health crisis for many people it creates huge demands that ... Read More

Key Insights

• ✋ Higher education institutions have demonstrated their ability to quickly adapt to the challenges posed by COVID-19, implementing modified modes of instruction and ongoing changes based on regional guidelines and conditions.
• 🧑‍🎓 Communication and involvement of faculty and staff in decision-making processes have been crucial for effective planning and meeting the needs of students.
• 🧑‍🎓 Disadvantaged students require additional support and resources, including laptops, internet access, counseling services, and integrated coaching, to ensure their success during remote learning.
• 🤗 The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted existing racial inequities, prompting colleges to prioritize racial justice, diversity, and inclusion through open dialogue, student-led initiatives, and curriculum adjustments.
• ☠️ College enrollment for the fall semester remains uncertain, with economic challenges potentially affecting re-enrollment rates and a need for institutions to diversify enrollment by offering shorter-term credentials.

Questions & Answers

Q: How are college presidents planning to serve their students in the fall amidst the COVID-19 pandemic?

College presidents discuss modified modes of instruction, with remote learning for the majority of students and on-campus support for programs that require hands-on interaction.

Q: How are colleges addressing faculty concerns about teaching on campus during the pandemic?

College presidents stress the importance of faculty comfort and flexibility, allowing those who are uncomfortable teaching on campus to go remote and offering a mix of online and on-site courses.

Q: How are colleges supporting disadvantaged students who may have to take classes remotely without proper access?

Institutions are providing resources such as laptops, Wi-Fi boosters, and access to counseling services to ensure disadvantaged students have the necessary support for successful education.

Q: How are colleges addressing issues of race and equity during this time?

College presidents emphasize the need for open dialogue, student leadership, and faculty engagement in addressing racial inequities, diversifying academic programs, and creating a sense of well-being and belonging for all students.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• College presidents discuss modified modes of instruction for the fall semester, with a focus on remote learning for the majority of students and on-campus support for programs that require hands-on interaction.

• COVID-19 cases and guidelines in different regions have led to ongoing adaptations and changes in plans, with a focus on essential programs and a mix of on-site, hybrid, and online classes.

• Institutions prioritize student support and engagement, providing resources such as laptops, internet access, counseling services, and integrated coaching to disadvantaged students.