With just two weeks to go, we continue our Titans Return series from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh college deans. In this installment, we hear from Dean Judy Westphal about what new and returning College of Nursing (CON) students can expect with the fall 2020 semester amid the pandemic.
What did faculty and staff in your college learn about teaching online this past spring that may inform how hybrid or online classes will be conducted in the fall?
At a meeting in late May, CON faculty and staff were asked about the online teaching experience in spring. Staff and faculty shared insights on their resiliency and flexibility as they switched to online formats. Faculty and staff were engaged in learning new tools, using creativity in the teaching process, and found ways to be more available to the students. Comments included: “We learned from our students as well.” Faculty and staff found they were stronger than they thought and they learned to “take it day by day.” CON staff also were impressed with the flexibility of students.
Describe how faculty members in your college are preparing for the fall semester.
To prepare for fall courses faculty and staff have been taking courses offered by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). The educational opportunities include the Online Teaching and Learning Summer Program, workshops on the Hyflex and Modified Tutorial course models as well as numerous workshops on organizing courses.
What’s new in your college for fall 2020?
The CON is preparing a newsletter for publication in early fall and has been updating policies and procedures to address the COVID-19 challenges. We are working with clinical agencies for student placements in the fall. Faculty and staff have been evaluating software and textbooks for fall classes.
What advice would you give students who may perhaps be on the fence about starting college or returning during this time?
In the CON, we prepare students to work in a variety of healthcare facilities, such as clinics, nursing homes and hospitals. We have experienced faculty who care for patients with transmissible diseases including COVID-19. We pass this information on to our students to help them understand how to protect themselves and others. As dean, the safety of our students, faculty and staff is a priority. We are preparing for fall with this safety priority in mind. Nurses are front line workers and critical members of the healthcare team. We role model safety precautions and teach our students how to protect themselves and others.
What are some of your own personal thoughts/goals about returning in the fall? It certainly seems like we are living in uncertain times and that can be frightening. Conflicting information is everywhere. As a nurse I cared for individuals with diseases that were not well understood. When faced with uncertainty I relied on the best scientific evidence available at the time. Researchers explored and built upon sound scientific principles to learn more about the disease, its transmission and treatment. Nursing is a science-based discipline and our graduates receive a bachelor of science in nursing. In the CON, we base our actions on proven scientific principles and as the research knowledge about COVID-19 expands, we will incorporate necessary changes in our practice and teaching. Yes, these may be uncertain times but as a student you are not alone, we are here to help you on your educational journey.
Learn more:
- Titans Return: College of Business update for fall 2020
- Titans Return: Honors College update for fall 2020
- Titans Return: College of Letters and Science
- Titans Return: College of Education and Human Services
- College of Nursing