School of Social Work FAQs for fall 2020 instruction
A resource compiled by VCU School of Social Work administrators, faculty and staff.
Preamble
We have heard concerns from some students about the decisions we have made to adapt our programs to the constraints of VCU’s return to campus plan. We want to communicate, first of all, that we recognize that the decision to limit in-person instruction is disappointing for some of you. What is becoming clearer by the day, as we watch the surging of COVID-19 in states that have reopened, is that there is no scenario in which fall instruction can proceed as usual. Decisions we made took into account information we have been given regarding classroom capacity, the need to protect those with health risks, and the possibility that COVID-19 infection could increase in our region as the fall semester nears. We realize that not all of you will be satisfied with those decisions, so we sought to communicate them to you with sufficient advance notice to enable you to make timely decisions about continuing with classes, field, and matters such as moving vs. remaining outside the Richmond area.
Our guiding priorities in planning for fall were to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and faculty and keeping all students on track for a timely graduation. We recognize that many of you have questions about why key decisions were made as they were, what they mean for you, and also about how the SSW will deliver the fall semester’s courses. This document addresses some of the questions that we have received regarding the plan for next semester and refers only to SLWK courses (SWKD for Ph.D. students).
Because of the fluid nature of VCU’s response to the ongoing pandemic, information included on this page is not static. Please check back frequently for ongoing updates.
For all students
What is the difference between online, remote, and hybrid course delivery models?
The M.S.W. online format of the curriculum is structured around asynchronous activities and has three synchronous meetings per course via Zoom over the duration of the semester. These courses are designated in the Banner schedule as “Online- NP and Online-asynchronous instruct and Off-Campus Billing Rate.”
The remote format of the on-campus M.S.W. program that we are implementing this fall will include asynchronous activities for students to complete and will have seven synchronous sessions (every other week) via Zoom during the regular class time. These courses are designated in the Banner schedule as “Online-asynchronous instruct and On-Campus Billing Rate.”
Hybrid models in the B.S.W. program will vary by instructor. Program leadership will work with instructors to ensure that instruction effectively balances in-person and remote learning in safe and equitable ways.
Why are B.S.W. courses being offered in a hybrid capacity while M.S.W. on-campus classes will be offered in a remote format?
Our considerations included data provided by VCU Climate Advisory surveys as well as factors related to program size and classroom space assignment across our programs. Our programs include fewer B.S.W. than M.S.W. students and, therefore, fewer classrooms are needed to accommodate them under the new University guidelines for social distancing. Another factor relates to feasibility of converting to remote instruction. The B.S.W. program does not yet have a fully online delivery format, but our School has nearly a decade of experience implementing fully online classes in the M.S.W. program. Using some of the materials we have created for the online program, we can more easily and effectively adapt the curriculum for our on-campus students. That said, the remote M.S.W. classes will not be identical to the online M.S.W. classes.
Why am I allowed to be in field placement physically, yet classes are remote or hybrid?
Completing field education is a necessary component of a professional social work degree, and we are placing priority on ensuring that students have agency-based experience in order to keep you on track for timely degree completion and licensure eligibility. It is difficult to replicate the rich learning experience of field education without some degree of agency involvement. Therefore, our Office of Field Education is working with the agencies that will host our students to determine safe learning opportunities that adhere to CDC guidelines, which in some cases may include remote tasks or meeting with clients remotely.
In contrast, it is difficult to minimize exposure risks in classroom-based learning, where only about ⅓ of a class can meet in a typical VCU classroom safely at one time. Our experience with providing online learning tells us that while some students may prefer in-person learning, it is possible to achieve your learning goals using a remote format.
What if I don’t have reliable technology to participate in remote instruction?
The University will have a limited number of laptops available for students to check out. Please email itsc@vcu.edu or call 804-828-2227 to request a loaner laptop. Tech for Troops also provides free laptops to veterans who are returning to school. If you need additional technology support, see VCU’s Keep on Learning website. Information on this website will continue to be updated as more options become available.
Additionally, the University will be offering computer access scholarships. For more information, see VCU’s Responsible Together page for students. Students can also apply for VCU Student Relief funds for money spent on replacing or purchasing a personal computer.
I’m an international student and have questions about student visas and accommodations. Who should I contact?
The Global Education Office has prepared a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers. Check back often between now and the time you return to campus.
For M.S.W. students
Whom can I contact if I have questions about the M.S.W. program?
Please direct all questions to mswprogram@vcu.edu
If I am an On Campus M.S.W. student, will my tuition change going to M.S.W. remote instruction?
Your tuition and fees will be no different. Students in the On Campus M.S.W. program are not switching to the Online M.S.W. program, even though for a time period their classes will be in remote format.
If my M.S.W. classes are remote, why do I need to pay fees for services offered on campus?
All campus services that are included as part of your fees remain available to you. For more information, see the site One VCU: Responsible Together for more detailed information.
Why is the M.S.W. program moving to remote instruction for the on-campus program?
To ensure the safety and accessibility of our curriculum by all of our students, we decided that remote delivery was the best option for our program. Due to social distancing requirements outlined by the university, we could not safely or effectively accommodate all courses in our M.S.W. program for in-person or hybrid instruction.
Why is the B.S.W. program able to meet in hybrid but the M.S.W. cannot?
M.S.W. courses have multiple sections and use a different scheduling format than other programs at the University. Thus, it requires many more classrooms than B.S.W. courses, which typically only have two to three sections. Under University guidelines, classroom capacity is reduced to accommodate the needed social distancing (36-square feet per person); thus many more classrooms than are available would be needed to accommodate all M.S.W. students. Smaller classrooms that are typically assigned to the M.S.W. and B.S.W. program will only accommodate between eight – eleven people at a time. Since M.S.W. classes meet only once per week, it would require three separate meetings to accommodate about 25 students in one section of an M.S.W. course.
How is remote instruction going to be different from the way it was last spring?
During the spring term, instructors had to quickly and unexpectedly move to a remote learning format. Instructors lacked the time to prepare for this transition, and it was challenging to implement a true online pedagogy. However, we are currently better positioned for the fall semester. The M.S.W. program already has a well designed online curriculum. Over the summer, we are using components of this curriculum as the foundation to implement remote instruction for the fall. The course content has been curated by lead faculty members, and all instructors have been trained in providing quality remote instruction.
Can I switch to the online M.S.W. program for the academic year 2020-2021?
No, you may not switch into the online M.S.W. for fall 2020. You may request a format change from on campus to online in the middle of the academic year. We offer a formal process for those requests and changes are made on space availability.
Can I take a leave of absence from the M.S.W. program?
Yes, you may request a leave of absence, but you must finish all credits for the M.S.W. within a six-year time period. Please contact your Student Success Advisor to discuss further.
Can I defer admission to the M.S.W. program?
Yes, you may defer your admission until next fall. Please contact mswadmissions@vcu.edu.
For B.S.W. students
Whom can I contact if I have questions about the B.S.W. program?
Please direct all questions to bsw@vcu.edu
What kind of accommodations would be made for those who do not want or are unable to meet on campus?
While we encourage students to attend face-to-face instructional meetings, we understand that there may be concerns that may prohibit students from attending. In this case, it is important for students to communicate directly with their instructor.
Additionally, program leadership will be working with each instructor to encourage them to utilize classroom technology and think about ways to best engage students who are participating remotely and in-person.
Per the One VCU: Responsible Together guidelines, the University recognizes that some students who previously did not need Section 504 Academic Accommodations, and who have a qualifying condition or disability, may need support or assistance during the return to campus process. A modified approach for the temporary and more permanent need for accommodation has been developed and implemented to provide students with full access to programs and activities related to their academic majors. Because every case is different, student requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please share your need for an accommodation with the Student Accessibility and Education Office, after you have worked directly with your faculty member.
Will attendance be taken in my classes?
Being engaged in your classes, remotely and face-to-face, is the best way to learn. While we understand that technology limitations may prohibit some from consistently participating in synchronous settings and some students may not be able to physically attend in-person class meetings, all students are expected to fully engage and participate in their courses. Students should communicate with their instructors to ensure that they are meeting course expectations and requirements.
What will hybrid B.S.W. instruction look like?
Hybrid instruction will be a combination of face-to-face and remote instruction (asynchronous and synchronous). This will vary based upon each class. Instructors will communicate their class plans to students as soon as their course has been planned.
Will online B.S.W. courses be offered this fall?
There may be some B.S.W. classes that will be offered completely online. This will be indicated on eServices when the Scheduling Office updates the fall schedule. Please pay attention to the day and time listed in eServices for these courses, as they may be used for synchronous class meetings. If you have any questions, follow up with your instructor.
For Ph.D. students
Whom can I contact if I have questions about the Ph.D. program?
Please direct all questions to sswphd@vcu.edu.
What kind of accommodations would be made for those who do not want to meet on campus?
Students should speak with the course faculty and program director about this.
Additionally, program leadership will be working with each instructor to encourage them to utilize classroom technology and think about ways to best engage students who may need to participate remotely and in-person.
Per the One VCU: Responsible Together guidelines, the University recognizes that some students who previously did not need Section 504 Academic Accommodations, and who have a qualifying condition or disability, may need support or assistance during the return to campus process. A modified approach for the temporary and more permanent need for accommodation has been developed and implemented to provide students with full access to programs and activities related to their academic majors. Because every case is different, student requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please share your need for an accommodation with the Student Accessibility and Education Office, after you have worked directly with your faculty member.
Students should speak with the program director and course faculty about this.
Can I use the Ph.D. Workroom?
Students who are on campus for class may use the PhD workroom with proper precautions. Students are not allowed to use the refrigerator.
What will hybrid Ph.D. instruction look like?
Hybrid instruction will be a combination of face-to-face and remote instruction (asynchronous and synchronous). This will vary based upon each class. Instructors will communicate their class plans to students as soon as their course has been planned.
Comments
I still do not feel comfortable with the fact that we have to be on campus. Not everyone is willing to follow rules and procedures, and take the virus serious. People are out here shooting people, because they don’t want to wear a mask, and even with a mask you are still risking people of getting the virus. Are we going to disinfect the whole classroom after every class period, I doubt it. This is not taking the lives of VCU students seriously at all. There is no way we can social distance with 25 people in one room. Lastly, why are online classes limited, so therefore we do not have much of an option. There has not been any improvement within the virus, so how is it a good idea to have on campus classes? I will be risking my life everyday (or my family who I live with), and I do not feel like the school is being empathic or thinking this virus is as serious as it is. Do know that there is another COVID virus out, a bubonic plague, and swine flu? This world is turning into a mess, and I am getting frustrated with these elements being considered lightly. Finally, if you know that the virus could be increase in the fall semester, why gamble with people’s lives, until they get the virus?
Olivia – I know you have already received a response from Dr. Humberto Fabelo, associate dean of academic and student affairs, but I wanted to share his response here as well, in case other students have similar concerns or questions.
“I am writing to respond to a number of the concerns you expressed about classes resuming. Above all considerations, the university and the school are both prioritizing the well-being and safety of all members of the university community, including students, faculty, and staff.
“First, let me put your mind at ease by letting you know that no one will be required to be on campus in person if they believe doing this is not in their best interest. All instructors will make courses available remotely for those students who chose not to participate in person.
“All members of the university community who do come to campus for any reason, will need to observe the strict guidelines for social distancing and mask-wearing. There will be protocols in place for the proper disinfecting of areas occupied by students and instructors when in class or in meetings before and after every gathering.
“Classroom capacity has been adjusted so that every person will have 36 square feet of space around them. This means classroom capacity will be decreased accordingly and each instructor who offers on campus sessions will communicate with their students to let them know how this will work for those who chose to come to campus.
“I can assure you that nothing is being planned without first carefully considering the safety and well-being of all members of the university community, and this includes the choice each student has of not being on campus. Please stay tuned for more information as it becomes available and in the meantime, if you would like to discuss anything further, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, your academic adviser, or Dr. Ananda Newmark.”
For reference: https://socialwork.vcu.edu/about/ourteam.html.