March 30 Classes Resume

03/25/2020 12:00 AM

We are entering a new reality as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and your learning has been turned upside down. All of us at Bradley know this has been very disruptive for you. It’s been disruptive for all of us. Rest assured, we are here for you. There will be bumps in the road no doubt, but we are doing everything we can to make this as smooth as possible. We ask for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate this together.  All of Bradley’s faculty, staff, administrators and you — our students — are all in the same virtual boat.

Faculty were given a short window to transition from face-to-face to virtual teaching. They have been working diligently on plans to deliver your online courses beginning Monday, March 30. You should receive communication from your instructors soon, if you haven’t already, about their plans to deliver your courses, where to find materials, their expectations of you, their virtual office hours, grading information and more. Content delivery may differ from class to class and instructor to instructor, so be sure to communicate with your instructors and let them know if you have questions.

We encourage you to set up virtual chats with your instructors, staff and advisors. Find ways to connect with your classmates. Do everything you can to stay connected.

We have resources prepared to help you transition to this new way of learning. This document outlines information that will help as you get started again with classes, navigating Sakai and Bongo, preparing for exams and tips on keeping yourself accountable. Some faculty may use technology that is available through your textbook publishers while others may opt for other forms of outreach such as conference calls and email. Most though, will manage their courses through Sakai.

We recognize some of you may have technology limitations and we have built this survey to better understand your needs during this time. All students should complete it, if you have not done so already please do. Some of you will have technology assistance related questions and these should be handled through the IT service desk. Email the Service Desk at [email protected] or visit https://support.bradley.edu/ and submit a ticket directly. You can also call the Service Desk at (309) 677-2964  from 8a.m. – 5p.m M-F. Bradley will work to assist student’s technology needs and we will need to rely on you to communicate these needs.

Here are a few other things you should know:

• The Academic Success Center remains open to assist you. All previous services are now available exclusively online. Email [email protected] for assistance.
  • Math Success Center – [email protected]
  • Writing Center – [email protected]
  • Tutoring services – [email protected]
• Smith Career Center is operating virtually. Visit their website for details.
• Students working with the Office of Student Access Services will continue to receive accommodations in their classes. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Student Access Services at [email protected] or (309) 677-3654.
• Bradley’s Health Services remains open to all students at (309) 677-2700.  For an appointment you must call, as walk-ins are not allowed at this time. You may also call after hours, if necessary, and your call will be handled by a healthcare professional.
• Counseling services will be available in a virtual environment.  If you previously had an appointment scheduled, counseling services will reach out to you directly.  If you are wanting to schedule a new appointment please call (309) 677-2700.
• Library services are available by emailing [email protected], visiting https://www.bradley.edu/academic/lib/ or calling (309) 677-3502.
• We have initially extended some deadlines that impact you
  • Academic Advising will take place April 13-23
  • Early Registration will happen April 16-23
  • Midterm grades will be due from faculty at 3 PM April 1 and posted shortly after
  • Tuition & fees – no late fees will be assessed for the remainder of the semester
  • Course Withdrawal date – The deadline for course withdrawal will be extended and we will communicate those details when the decision is finalized.
• We will not be adding an extra week of classes to make up for the extra week of Spring Break. 

There are many more things we want to communicate with you, but these seem to be the most pressing to your academic experience. There are still many more decisions to be made and your best source of information will continue to be www.bradley.edu/coronavirus.

We look forward to classes beginning on Monday, March 30th; National Pencil Day.