Message to Students, July 29, 2020
To Our Student Community:
I understand that some of you have questions about how your classes will be delivered when the Fall semester starts on Aug. 24. Right now, we are planning to offer classes in four formats: In-Person, Hybrid, Online Only and FlexSync, our newest instructional model. You will hear more from your professors about the specific classes you are enrolled in this fall, but here’s a brief description of the four formats we’re using:
In-Person classes will have required face-to-face interaction in a classroom, lab or field experience. Some course components may be delivered in alternative formats, but the majority of the course is delivered in-person in a space that has been prepared to accommodate students and faculty safely.
Hybrid courses will largely be delivered online, but they may include some required face-to-face interaction as well. For example, one week the class may meet in-person; the next week, it may have online-only activities.
Online Only classes will be offered online, with no in-person interaction. Some online classes are asynchronous, which means that there are no required video conference meetings; others are synchronous, which means that you must engage with the instructor at a scheduled time. Online courses have additional fees associated to them, although those fees do not apply to classes that have moved online as a result of the pandemic. The removal of online course fees for classes that moved to online as a result of the pandemic are currently being processed; reductions will be reflected on your student tuition bill next week.
FlexSync is a synchronous HyFlex learning experience designed specifically with the pandemic and smaller room capacities in mind. This allows us to be nimble while maintaining face-to-face instruction. In a FlexSync course you can engage with instructors either in the classroom or via Zoom. In-person attendance may be adjusted or offered on a rotating basis to meet evolving health and safety guidelines for distancing. There are no additional fees for FlexSync classes.
- Note: You may see the term HyFlex on your course schedule; the Minnesota State system uses HyFlex to describe flexible classes in general—but FlexSync is Minnesota State Mankato’s more comprehensive learning solution designed to support you.
A quick reminder: Face coverings are now required on campus. If you are working in a campus building this summer, remember to bring a mask with you. If you have questions, refer to the information here.
Please keep submitting your questions here. We will get back to you with answers as soon as possible. In the meantime, I will continue to send you email updates every week. You can also find more information by visiting www.mnsu.edu/returntolearn.
I look forward to seeing you again in August!
Sincerely,
Richard Davenport,
President
