Letter to Students

March 13, 2020

Dear Students,

As you are aware, we are responding to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 by moving all of our face-to-face courses to an online format effective March 16–April 18, 2020. While this will cause some disruption for students taking face-to-face courses, please be assured that we are committed to making this a smooth transition and offer the following information and resources.

Online instruction utilizes two main tools, Canvas, which is our learning management system and Zoom which is video conferencing software.

Face-to-face classes will continue to meet at their scheduled time (ex. Thursday at 10:00 a.m.), however these meetings will be virtual, rather than in a classroom. (Note: as a requirement for student financial aid, faculty are required to take attendance for these sessions).

To prepare for these virtual class sessions:

  1. First, carefully review our website to learn about Canvas.
  2. Next, learn about Zoom.
  3. Finally, go to the Canvas website for your face-to-face course through myWilmU. Your instructor will be communicating with you regarding how your course will proceed.

Questions? I am sure you have some and the following will be of help to you.

Suppose I do not have access to the Internet and/or a computer?

There are open computer labs with Internet access at all WilmU sites including the site location where you meet for face to face classes. If you are unable to utilize a site location, and do not have access to a computer to continue a face-to-face class that has moved to online, the University will be offering a limited number of loaner laptop computers via the University Library. To request a loaner laptop, please contact the Library at librarycontact@wilmu.edu or (800) 451-5724.

Who can I speak to regarding a disability?

If students with disabilities have any questions or if faculty need assistance accommodating students with special needs contact Christyn Rudolf, Manager of Disability Services at disabilityservices@wilmu.edu  or 302-356-6937.

What if I am in a course with a lab or the course utilizes special software or other resources?

Your Program Chair has been in communication with your assigned faculty member who will be able to assist you.

My class is clinically based in a health care setting or a school or it requires working at another location in an internship capacity. What am I to do?

Touch base with your faculty member and continue to meet course requirements at the assigned location.  If that location will not allow you to continue for some reason, contact your faculty member.

Will student service areas such as student financial aid, student payment, the registrar and academic advising remain open?

Yes, these areas and services will remain open at all University locations.

What about the library, can I still access resources on-line and face to face?

Yes, the library and Library Learning Commons will remain open and staff are willing to assist you. Also, there are some open computers available as well as small study rooms available for student use.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this period of time.  We want to assist you in any way that we can so that your educational goals are reached – on time!

Best wishes to you throughout this academic year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jim D. Wilson
Vice President for Academic Affairs