Thiel College Plans In-Person Classes this Fall
GREENVILLE, Pa. — Thiel College plans to resume in-person campus instruction this fall.
Following the guidelines and recommendations of the Pennsylvania departments of Health and Education, the governor’s office, and federal agencies, the college is implementing a new schedule for the fall semester, enhancing its technological capacity, and establishing new health and safety protocols.
President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. has sent communications to alumni, students and families with its plans.
“The plan for the coming academic year has, at its core, the well-being of our students, faculty and staff in mind. We are in close communication with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the health systems in our region and national higher education organizations as we adopt guidelines for operating a residential learning environment in the current circumstances,” Traverso said.
“New campus health and safety protocols will be put into place this summer, with additional requirements established in advance of students’ return. Physical distancing and other public health measures will be vital as we live and learn together as a community.”
Highlights of the plan include:
- A 14-week fall semester calendar, beginning a week early on Aug. 17 and concluding Tuesday, Nov. 24, in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
- The adjusted calendar will provide for the possibility of a December term that would give students the option to complete an additional academic course at no additional tuition charge. Non-credit career development seminars, interview workshops, and skill development classes may also be offered during the December term to provide additional support to students.
- Thiel’s faculty are working collaboratively this summer to enhance the instructional design of the curriculum. Assignments and other activities will be designed to provide maximum flexibility across a full range of delivery methods, including in-person, online, and hybrid teaching. Over the summer, the college will also be upgrading its learning platform and other teaching tools to ensure student success whether in the classroom or remotely, if necessary.
“We are tracking the public health situation closely, incorporating new developments in our planning daily. We may need to adjust our plans in response to unfolding circumstances and governmental requirements,” Traverso said, “but Thiel is committed to putting plans into place to resume on-campus instruction and residential life.”
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
