VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS
At the beginning of last month, I was preparing to take a trip to Washington D.C. for a conference. As I read the CDC advisory recommending that we return our students studying abroad in Italy to their homes, I made the immediate decision to stay home and have been working on COVID-19, like so many of you. Health, safety, and academic continuity have been at the forefront of my mind and principle for decision-making since the start of this pandemic and global health crisis. As you know, information, like the ability to select credit or no credit rather than grading for our undergraduate students, is constantly updated and available at coronavirus.miami.edu.
These past four weeks have been the most challenging of my career. Rather than relying on my strong crisis response base, thinking creatively and strategically were the most critical tools I had at my disposal. These same tools are also necessary for you as we support our students. Many students may be completely comfortable with this transition, even if it is not their preference for connection. But, for many, like myself, switching from human interaction to only technology is uncomfortable and requires some adjustment.
Opportunities for connection and engagement in student organizations, celebrations, and leadership experiences are still happening virtually. To support health, the Counseling Center and Student Health Service are operating virtually to support students throughout this incredible time and the Herbert Wellness Center is providing virtual group exercise classes for students to participate in from home.
It has been a critical part of my mission to ensure that academic continuity means that our students not only continue in their academic achievements for the semester but also continue to make strides in the areas where they have passion outside of our now virtual classrooms. It may take more encouragement for our students to reach out to their faculty and participate in virtual office hours or fully engage in a student organization virtual meeting, but that will connect them. We are all in this together. I hope you and your family are doing okay during this time. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at vpsa@miami.edu yourself or encourage your student to.
Dr. Patricia A. Whitely has been the Vice President for Student Affairs since 1997 and is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education and Human Development. Dr. Whitely is responsible for oversight of residential life, leadership development, diversity and inclusion initiatives, service learning, orientation, student organizations, student activities, student facilities, student counseling and student health centers, Greek life, and the Dean of Students Office.
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While classes have moved to online instruction through the end of the Spring 2020 semester, the Division of Student Affairs and other campus partners continue to provide a range of virtual programs and services to help students stay connected to campus and to fellow 'Canes.
In addition to campus offices maintaining regular operations remotely, we have collected these virtual offerings all in one place at miami.edu/stayconnected.
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ACADEMIC SUPPORT
As each of us navigate through this transition to online courses, our academic continuity and support has continued to remain at the forefront. In support of these efforts, the Camner Center for Academic Resources at the University of Miami continues to offer a multitude of resources for everyone connected to the university.
- Learning Support Programs: The Learning Specialists (LS) are here to support any students who are having challenges navigating an online environment or students who want support with time management or effective study strategies. Any student needing additional support can request a virtual LS appointment. If you have specific questions, you can reach our office at iliprogram@miami.edu.
- Tutoring Program: Camner Center tutoring appointments will be transitioning online in a limited capacity. Students will be able to book virtual group tutoring sessions through our normal booking website, miami.edu/navigate. If you have specific questions, you can reach our office at tutoring.arc@miami.edu.
- Office of Disability Services: ODS staff are prepared to assist faculty with the coordination of accommodations such as extended time for online exams. ODS will not be proctoring any exams in-person for the remainder of the spring term. Extended time is easily managed in the Blackboard settings under Test Option/Test Availability Exceptions. If you have specific questions, you can reach our office at disabilityservices@miami.edu
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In a letter to undergraduate students on March 26 from Provost Duerk and Dr. Whitely, they shared the work of the deans and Faculty Senate leadership as it relates to Credit/No Credit Course Information.
For the Spring 2020 semester only, undergraduate schools and colleges will allow students to opt-in to taking some or all of their courses for Credit/No Credit or they can continue with letter grades. Credit/No-credit is the University of Miami’s version of Pass/Fail; a grade of C or better is required to receive credit. For any course in which a student wants to retain their letter grades, no action is necessary.
The details of this Credit/No Credit option are available here. Scroll down to the update titledProvost Jeffrey Duerk and Vice President for Student Affairs Pat Whitely: Important updates for all undergraduate students (March 26, 2020)
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Beginning April 13, continuing students can begin registering for Summer and Fall 2020 courses. Each school and college has specific procedures for advising processes and registration appointments.
Be sure your student meets with their academic advisor to ensure they are selecting courses that meet their degree requirements and fulfill their cognates. All academic advising is being transitioned to a phone/Zoom/Skype environment. Please have your student watch for communications from their academic advisors on how to sign up for meetings and complete their course registration appointment on CaneLink.
School and College Academic Advising Units
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HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
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In accordance with public health guidance to reduce density on campus, housing is now partially closed. By working together—and supporting one another—we can remain resilient during this unprecedented and challenging time. Currently, resident students who are off-campus are not able to retrieve their belongings until Housing and Residential Life (HRL) receives notice from University officials that we are able to re-open. At that time, which may be several weeks away, HRL will communicate with residents regarding procedures. Information for residents both remaining on campus, as well as those currently residing off campus, is available at miami.edu/housing.
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We are happy to announce our new ’Canes Central team who are available to assist with questions about registration and records, billing and payments, and financial aid. To better serve our students and families, you can access our online system at canescentral.miami.edu to submit your question. A ’Canes Central associate will follow up with you directly, within one business day, to address your question or concern.
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PUBLIC HEALTH
The University of Miami is proactively responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Find the latest information here.
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PUBLIC HEALTH
John Rotruck, the lead medical officer aboard the USNS Mercy, credits the education he received at Miami as pivotal to his preparedness to oversee medical support the hospital ship will provide during the pandemic.
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PUBLIC HEALTH
The new test is being developed by Miller School of Medicine researchers in collaboration with Heat Biologics.
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PUBLIC HEALTH
University of Miami President Julio Frenk has experienced several pandemics throughout his public health career, including as minister of health for Mexico.
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RICHTER LIBRARY
How do you move an entire semester’s worth of classes online in a week? Meet the University of Miami Libraries team that is providing seamless access to library resources and services.
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TOPPEL CAREER CENTER
The Toppel Career Center is accepting applications from University of Miami undergraduate students who could be eligible to receive monetary aid as they pursue summer internships.
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