At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we remain committed to the transformational value of residential, experiential learning that is at the heart of our academic mission, and in-person instruction remains a key component of that value.
As we plan our spring semester classes, we are following the feedback we have received from our fall experience so far: students want more clarity on how courses are being delivered and want more opportunities to be in the classroom for in-person classes.
In response, we have developed three streamlined methods of course delivery for spring:
In-Person courses – will take place in a physical classroom or location where the instructor and students interact with each other on scheduled days and times. Every student will be in-person for at least one class per week. On days when students do not attend in person, they will engage with the course remotely or independently with materials provided by the instructor. Students will be expected to attend their in-person classes unless they have an approved accommodation, are in quarantine or isolation, or have an instructor-approved absence.
Web Conferencing courses – will use a web-based video conferencing platform like Zoom where the instructor and students can interact with each other on scheduled days and times with a real-time, remote classroom experience. These courses may be supplemented with other components, including independent learning modules or optional in-person opportunities, and provide flexibility for students who prefer to engage with real-time course content without being physically present in the classroom.
Online courses – will be delivered using different methodologies and tools than classroom courses. Instead of real-time, face-to-face interaction with an instructor, these courses are designed to allow students to move forward independently through learning modules without a traditional classroom experience and provide maximum flexibility for a student’s schedule. Course content is usually fully developed and available before the semester starts, and students follow specific deadlines for engagement and completion of assignments, exams, and projects.
“I want to thank all of our academic leaders — especially our classroom instructors, academic advisors, department schedulers, and countless others — who have brought so much care and thought to all aspects of this massive endeavor that matters so much to the core of the academic mission and to the success of our students,” said Executive Vice Chancellor Elizabeth Spiller.
Faculty and staff will see these delivery methods as they finalize spring schedules in CLSS. Additional guidance for scheduling spring courses was shared with college deans and department heads, chairs, and directors.
Spring 2021 Fee Reduction – Similar to fall semester, students will receive a Spring 2021 Fee Reduction if their total Online Course Fees plus University Program Facilities Fees are more than $722. The reduction will be reflected in MyRed monthly beginning December 23 if they qualify based on total enrollment of in-person, web conferencing, and online courses during the spring term, including the Spring Three-Week Session. The Spring 2021 Fee Reduction does not include technology, library or other course and lab fees.
