Remote Learning Information for Spring 2021

As you plan for Spring Semester 2021, full-semester remote learning opportunities are available as follows: 

• Undergraduate main campus students: Limited fully-remote learning opportunities will be available. Please note that remote learning is not available for non-COVID related reasons and cannot be selected for just one class. Classes that require face-to-face (F2F) participation, such as clinicals or labs, cannot be taken remotely.
• Graduate students: Consult with your advisor to discuss remote learning opportunities.

 All students should consult with your academic advisor to discuss whether your spring course schedule will be appropriate for full-semester remote learning. Highlights of the spring semester plans from Provost Arthur can be found here.

Students who plan to study remotely for Spring 2021 should complete the Remote Learning Request Form before 12:00 pm EST on Friday, December 18, 2020. Once you have submitted the form, you may choose to adjust the modality through 12:00 pm EST on Friday, January 15, 2021.  

Complete the Remote Learning Request Form

Remote learning means that you will not be physically present for in-person class sessions, but you will be fully engaged with class content and learning activities through technology. Please note that professors will define whether your participation and completion of the course will be one of the following: 

• Synchronous: Occurs in real time with the class with required class attendance during the assigned time period.
• Asynchronous: Prepared material that can be engaged at different times as determined by the instructor and within the planned semester.

Both methods will require regular engagement with the instructor, students and course materials. Please note that remote learning is not appropriate for some courses and may require a change in registration. Undergraduate students may refer to the online course schedule and use the “remote-friendly” filter to view remote learning options in consultation with your academic advisor.

Steps to Take Before Requesting Remote Learning

Before completing the Remote Learning Request Form, please do the following:

1. Consider your family, your health, personal well-being, self-motivation, and academic goals.
2. Talk with your advisor about your academic needs, considering your learning style, the type of courses in your schedule, access to textbooks from your location, and potential impact on your plan of study.
3. Change courses with advisor’s approval to courses that are designated as online or remote. 
4. Verify that you have access to reliable high-speed internet and a working electronic device (desktop computer with webcam, laptop, or tablet) to complete your coursework. 

Process for Fully-Remote Learning Requests

1. Meet with your academic advisor to ensure that remote study is appropriate and that the classes you have registered for are available remotely.
2. Complete the Remote Learning Request Form.
   • After you submit a request, your advisor will receive an email notification.
   • Your advisor (undergraduate or graduate) or dean (graduate only) will review your request.
   • Upon approval, your “Remote Accommodation” status will display in iVue.
3. Undergraduate students under the age of 22 must complete the Community Residential Application (Off-Campus Housing Form) which will require approval from the Director of Residence Life.
4. For international students, it is advisable for you to consult with the Office of International Student Services (iss@andrews.edu). Please keep in mind the following information regarding spring classes shared by Christian Stuart, Executive Director for the Center for On-Campus International Student Services (refer to the complete letter here).
   • “Current U.S. government regulations state that if you have an F-1 visa and you received your I-20 before March 2020, you can take as many online/remote classes as you need to in spring 2021 from anywhere in the world. Whether or not you take any classes remotely, you will still be required to take a full load of classes during spring semester to keep your I-20 active and in good status.”
   • “If you received your I-20 after March 2020, you will need to take at least one in-person class on the Berrien Springs campus in spring 2021 to keep your I-20 active as part of a required full load.” If you received an I-20 after March 2020, but you intend to study remotely in spring 2021, please work with the International Student Services office to temporarily end your I-20 or, in some cases, postpone it. You can then still study remotely in spring 2021.
   • If you do not have an I-20 at this time, you are free to study remotely from outside of the U.S.

Note:

• Being approved for full-semester remote learning is a separate process from temporary remote learning arrangements made when students are in quarantine or isolation. Temporary remote learning is processed through the contact tracing system.
• Individual professors cannot grant permission for remote learning. You must be approved for remote learning from the following:
  • your advisor for undergraduate students 
  • your academic dean for graduate students
• Resources for students studying remotely can be found here.