Fall 2020 Course Schedule (Students)

I hope you and your family are doing well. University preparations to welcome you for the fall semester continue.

I would like to provide more information on the Fall 2020 class schedule in this email, with additional information on how better to understand the details of the instructional delivery plan.

The class schedule is now available for review; please access your schedule through highlander pipeline. In addition to detailing section delivery days and times, you will see a delivery mode attached to each course section. This will tell you whether the section for which you are enrolled will be delivered in a converged mode, synchronously online, or online.

The three delivery modes are explained below:

• Converged learning mode: The class will meet at the scheduled time with some students physically in the classroom and others joining remotely. Those joining remotely will have the opportunity to ask questions and fully participate as if they were physically in the classroom. Because of social distancing restrictions, only a reduced number of students will meet physically at any one time. If you are registered for a converged class, information on when you will be physically attending will be communicated to you towards the end of August.
• Synchronous online: The class will meet at the scheduled time with all students attending remotely. Once again, students will have the opportunity to participate as if they were present in person.
• Online: Students participate at the time they desire, post questions and participate in group chats. The entire course material is available digitally.

As you view your class schedule, if you see a time and room associated with a session, that class session will take place on campus in a converged learning mode. Please review your schedule carefully, as your start and end times may have changed. These time changes were necessary to ensure rooms can be properly sanitized throughout the day. If you have questions or concerns related to your class schedule, please contact your academic advisor.

For students in a converged lab course, your academic department will provide more information on in-person assignment in these lab courses.

Incoming freshmen will receive their schedules sometime in August with additional details provided during orientation.

Converged classes will be managed in a manner consistent with safety standards. Face coverings will be worn at all times and classrooms will be sanitized periodically throughout the day. Cleaning has been factored into the class schedule, and necessitated some changes in class meetings.

It is very likely that students may have a schedule that requires them to attend some of their classes in person and some virtually in the same day. Lounge spaces on campus will be made available for these students to remotely attend their classes. The spaces will be monitored, disinfected, and operated to maintain a safe environment, with social distancing.

Students registered for a converged class (other than a non-computer lab section) can choose to attend class remotely even when scheduled to attend physically. In the case of labs that require physical presence, students who have health reasons preventing them from attending in person should contact the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) for accommodation. If DOS determines that accommodation is warranted, departments will be notified and will make special arrangements for these students. Students who (for reasons other than health) do not want to physically attend a lab course, will have to contact their academic advisor who may either grant an accommodation or suggest a change in the student’s schedule to take the lab in another semester.

To the extent possible, we minimized changing the days a course had originally been scheduled to run, but there are some exceptions. Again, please review your class schedule on the course schedule webpage (https://uisnetpr01.njit.edu/courseschedule/).

International students: Based on federal guidance released on July 24, current international students can take any combination of online or converged courses. Continuing students may take all their classes online if they wish, and their SEVIS record will remain active. Additional information is available on the Office of Global Initiatives COVID FAQ page.

It is understood that all students (including those whose courses may all meet synchronously online) are always welcome to spend time on campus using the library and computer facilities, meeting with their class/team-mates, and using resources related to tutoring.

Our plan for the fall semester allows maximum flexibility. Depending on circumstances, converged courses may shift to synchronous online or, more optimistically, may be held face-to-face every week for all students who desire to physically attend. Given this flexibility, the fall 2020 academic calendar [Fall 2020 Academic Calendar] will remain unchanged.

Please review the Instructional Learning FAQ for more information (NJIT Fall 2020 Instructional Delivery Plan Student FAQ).

Additional communications will be sent as soon as information is updated.

We wish you a happy and healthy summer.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jerry Trombella, Ph.D.
University Registrar
Office of the Registrar