Felician University now has President’s Hour- a newly created online experience to keep the University Community connected and informed in advance of the 2020-2021 academic year set to begin August 26th. Each school participates in a virtual President’s Hour, an ongoing series in a Zoom format where questions are asked, and important information is shared among students, faculty, and administrators. Felician University moved quickly and seamlessly to online learning in late March, and continues its online connection to its community through the virtual President’s Hour sessions.

The Schools of Education, Business, and Arts & Sciences were included in the first two virtual Presidents Hours on June 17 & 18. Felician’s Acting President Dr. Sylvia McGeary leads each President’s Hour along with faculty members, deans, and administrators who answer students’ questions. Safety Protocol was a big theme of the online President’s Hour in the age of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Felician’s Acting President Sylvia McGeary reminded everyone that Solidarity is one of Felician University’s core values, and “one of the clearest ways to demonstrate solidarity with one another is by taking care of one another.’’

V.P. of Administration Francine Andrea told participants that Felician University’s small size is a big advantage when it comes to social distancing which remains the new normal in the wake of the pandemic. “We have space in the classrooms, and we’re moving our furniture around to accommodate the need to social distance. If we had to add a section, we added a section, we’re doing everything we can so that there’s comfort for everybody in the room.” The Vice President went on to explain that University policy will require everyone to wear a mask or face covering in the classroom, common areas, and when walking across campus adding, “We will be doing temperature screenings on campus, athletics will have requirements that are specified by the NCAA, and we are ensuring that our safety and security team is well versed and trained in how to recognize and assist anyone who may have any form of symptoms.”

In addressing questions about how learning might look in the fall, President McGeary said the University is working to equip all classrooms with the technology that will enable synchronous learning with the start of the fall semester adding, “We’ll be able to have some students sitting in the classroom on either campus, and other students would be able to be in that class at the same time via zoom, so that everybody experiences the same classroom instruction at the same time.” The president stressed that Felician stands ready to resume classes either on ground or virtually so classes can continue unimpeded should a crisis arise as it did in March with the pandemic. The Acting President added that Felician’s courses are being planned in the hyflex hybrid mode, meaning courses can be held either on ground or virtually, so classes can continue uninterrupted should another crisis arrive. The Acting President also said the faculty of Felician University “continues to build excellence in education and co-curricular activities and will continue to do so throughout the summer and into the fall.”

Dr. Richard Reyes, Associate Dean for Social and Behavioral Sciences said social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation adding, “The Arts & Science Faculty is thinking about everyone’s mental health and is working to keep Felician University an environment that is both safe and fun.”

Dr. Ronald Gray, V.P. of Student Affairs and Dean of Students says improved comfort will also be evident in spruced up residence halls which have been repainted and have some new mattresses. The physical space isn’t the only thing being updated because more virtual opportunities, activities, and events are being added should Felician have to return to online learning. In addition, Dr. Gray said all services that are normally offered face to face including the Counseling Center and the Career Development Center can be offered virtually if necessary, “so students will have the opportunity to engage with our staff whether face to face or virtually.” Dr. Gray reassured everyone, “We are really working very hard to make sure that you are returned to campus, and we’re just looking forward to a wonderful school year.”

Dr. Dolores Henchy, Acting Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences said all academic support services will be in place both on ground and online including tutoring and academic success coaching for those who might still be trying to decide their major, as well as a new discovery program. Biology Professor Dr. Patrick Weir said science students can expect some courses to have virtual labs mixed in with class labs, something that was already in place before COVID-19.

The Rutherford Campus will look different to many students as well because work has begun on the Wellness and Recreation Center, and the Parking Lot on Montross Ave is being renovated. Signs will be posted to mark entrances and exits so that, as you come onto campus and into the buildings you will do so in a very safe and manageable way.

Acting Dean of the School of Business and Information Sciences Dr. David Turi said faculty will be working over the summer to create, “Not only a face to face environment for the fall, but also a virtual environment of active learning through developing their courses in Bright Space.”

Priscilla Klymenko, Vice President of Enrollment Management & Marketing reminded students to register for classes if they have yet to do so. School of Education instructor Annette Rycharski suggested Education and Business students check their emails frequently throughout the summer to check for updates to field information and field placements.

Felician faculty is working hard to prepare for the new academic year by engaging in meetings, workshops, and webinars. Dr. Mara Zukowski, Associate Dean for Humanities said, “Part of this is our desire to make our teaching as effective as possible whatever circumstance should arise, and we will be as innovative and creative as possible given the possible limitations to our face to face encounters.

Some things at Felician might look different come fall, but Stephanie McGowan, Dean of the School of Education said there are things at Felician that will never change. “The goodwill, the care, the love, the concern, and our commitment to compassion and changing the world is still the same.”

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About Felician University

Felician University engages over 2,300 undergraduate, graduate, and adult students through programs in Arts & Sciences, Business, Nursing, and Education. Universal Franciscan values of social justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity serve as an inclusive foundation for transforming the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University’s education is ranked 3rd best return on investment for private colleges in New Jersey 2018 by the PayScale.com College ROI Report and is ranked #1 safest college campus in the state by niche.com.