Muskingum University Provost Nancy Evangelista provided an April update regarding academics and student life.
Evangelista wants students to know how she can be a resource for them, especially during this period of off-campus instruction.
The provost of a university, also known as the chief academic officer, handles everything that has to do with the student educational experience. Evangelista works with departments on curriculum and advising programs. She also works with the PLUS Program, the library, the registrar’s office, and tutoring.
Evangelista also works with the Muskingum Student Affairs office regarding the residential experience, campus clubs, Greek life, and managing events on campus.
Provost Nancy Evangelista became Muskingum University’s Provost Jan. 1, 2018. The provost oversees academic affairs and student involvement on campus.
Muskingum University is offering several resources for students’ online-based learning for the remainder of the spring semester.
“One of the most important resources is, from the get-go, we understood that there was going to be a tremendous variability in the access that students have to technology in their home communities, in places other than their campus residence,” said Evangelista.
Muskingum University sent students a technology questionnaire in March when the campus decided to move to an online-learning experience. This questionnaire included prompts that touched on if a student has reliable internet, a laptop or desktop computer, or access to either in their home communities. Over 1,100 students filled out this questionnaire within the first 24 hours it was released.
“We immediately tried to reach out to do a technology survey before we even went online so we could get a sense of who would need some additional help,” said Evangelista.
Once the information was taken from the survey, University Registrar/Director of Institutional Research Daniel Wilson, Associate Professor of Health Science/Dean of Student Educational Services Shelley Amstutz-Szalay, and the registrar’s office staff distributed data to instructors. Instructors could see the list of students in their classes and their technology resources and limitations, so students can receive the best online experience.
“We have crafted the educational experience so that we avoid some of the major pitfalls that can happen,” said Evangelista.
Evangelista urges students to reach out to their instructors with questions or concerns about their online courses.
“Students should utilize their faculty as their first line. If there’s something that’s not working for them, the faculty members may think that things are OK. Students need to share their concerns and limitations with their faculty on an individual basis, recognizing that it might have worked two weeks ago, but it’s not working now,” said Evangelista.
Instructors are given additional resources every week from Muskingum administrators and student success team members. Faculty are being guided through online teaching tools and ways they can customize their assignments and teaching.
Another resource Muskingum University is offering is a new email help account, studenthelp@muskingum.edu. This email is for students to send in questions or concerns. Emails are sent to the appropriate individuals.
This email can be used for technology issues, service issues, or general concerns.
“Use that [email] liberally…we are here to help to make sure you get the answers for any situations like that,” said Evangelista.
Counseling Services, tutoring services, library services and other offices remain available through email, phone call and video call.
Another resource that Muskingum has implemented for students is a “pass/no pass” policy.
In an email sent out to students on March 27, Evangelista explained this is a way for students who are struggling in a class to not be penalized due to the struggle of online education.
If a student feels dissatisfied with their end grade in a course, they can choose the “no pass” route. This means the student won’t get credit for the class, but the grade will not affect their GPA and won’t be shown on their transcript.
If a student chooses “pass,” course credit will still be given for a course.
Evangelista answered common student questions, one of which was if students would be receiving room and board refunds for unused days of the spring term.
Provost Nancy Evangelista addressees student concerns about off-campus learning during a March 10 student forum. Evangelista is the chief academic officer at Muskingum University.
“We are still committed, and students will get credited to their accounts for unused room and board, but it’s pretty complex. It’s based on individualized financial aid for students. We are continuing to work through those until we have all the variables in place and it’s complete,” said Evangelista.
Students will be notified when the process for room and board credit is complete.
Evangelista shared inspiring words for the Muskie community.
“Muskies are resilient. We will get through this. Muskingum has been here since 1837. We have a long tradition of getting through difficult times in our society. I believe we have so much strength and so much creativity and respect for people’s individual situations,” said Evangelista.
Evangelista urged students to find their “rhythm” while away from Muskingum.
“Being a full-time student is a full-time job, so get up every day and get dressed every day. Get time for work, get time for exercise, get time to relax, get some food. Get a rhythm for your day-to-day responsibilities and that will help you feel in control, like ‘I actually got through my day. I had a day and I got through it.’ So I think that’s important,” said Evangelista.
She wants Muskies to participate in the “Remote Muskingum” campaign. This campaign virtually connects Muskies to one other. Use the hashtag #remoteMuskingum.
“Share your stuff. Show your study space, what’s your brain food, what’s your playlist? Those are fun things that keep us together and remind us that we’re all in our own separate little spaces, but we’re still together and we’re still doing the same things,” said Evangelista.
Evangelista said for students to keep watching their email for updates to stay connected while away from campus.
