CLASSES MODIFIED THROUGH
VIKING FLEX PLAN | BY GRETA STEWART & JILL WILSON
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arlier this summer, Augustana University announced its Viking Flex Plan for Fall Semester 2020, and classes started on campus in late August. The university plans to continue with a hybrid/flexible approach, which includes both face-to-face and virtual components to most courses, and reflects a commitment to in-person curricular and co-curricular experiences for the university’s students. The Viking Flex Plan was developed by an 18-member Scenario Planning Task Force, which was charged with evaluating various scenarios for operating in the fall amid ongoing uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The task force has prioritized the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff while applying careful consideration to how the physical spaces and interactive culture of the campus community can be modified to accommodate the current situation and fulfill the university’s mission of providing an education of enduring worth. Augustana University President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin said, “In preparing to serve students on campus in the fall, we are focused on how to responsibly adapt learning and living environments and modify operations in ways that clearly adhere to broadly accepted public health guidelines while also creatively nurturing community and affording safe opportunities for face-to-face interactions among faculty and students.” As part of the Viking Flex Plan, Augustana is holding in-person classes now through Friday, November 20. The university started classes a week early and eliminated a fall break in order to allow students to return home by Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving, the university will transition to a brief period of online instruction that will allow for innovative course engagement, creative projects, as well as a safe and successful finish for course instruction on Friday, December 4. “Each course offering was carefully evaluated for student needs as well as room availability,” said Joni Krueger, the university’s registrar and associate dean of interdisciplinary programs, who also serves as co-chair of the academics working group. “All classrooms were outfitted with technology to allow students to participate virtually if necessary. The committee worked diligently to provide the resources faculty needed to prepare for the fall semester and continues to plan for
various scenarios. We are so thankful for the dedication of our faculty to make this the best experience possible.” Scenario Planning Task Force Chair and Director of International Programs & Enrollment Ben Iverson said, “The plan allows us to retain what is best about an Augustana education, while being prepared to make any adjustments as needed. I’m humbled by the amount of time and effort that really smart people are putting into this plan. The taskforce evaluated nearly 20 scenarios; the Viking Flex Plan is the best path forward for our students and campus community.” The Viking Flex Plan emphasizes in-person learning while following recommended physical distancing and other guidelines. Augustana has also asked its students to take responsibility for the health and well-being of the campus community as they live, learn and study on campus, which includes signing a health and safety pledge. The university also is requiring that masks be worn in all indoor public spaces on campus, including classrooms, study spaces and hallways. Buildings on campus indicate that masks should be worn inside, have had plexiglass installed where appropriate and stickers added to the floors to remind people to distance themselves from others. Scenario planning is in place should health and safety concerns require a quick pivot, the university said in a statement. Augustana’s success with this plan depends on the cooperation of its entire community. Therefore, the university will implement an enhanced educational program for everyone on campus that promotes health and safety guidelines for managing COVID-19. The Scenario Planning Task Force worked throughout the summer, assisted by our community partner Sanford Health, and as the university also continues to monitor and integrate public health recommendations from the South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Augustana’s Risk Assessment Team also continues to meet daily to discuss, identify and implement precautionary measures so as to prevent the spread of illness and respond effectively to changing local conditions. For more detailed information and updates related to the Viking Flex Plan, please visit augie.edu/vikingflex. n
THE AUGUSTANA | FALL 2020
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