NDSU’s plan to make up lost time
Written by Amelia Felz Tuesday, 07 April 2009 08:00
While students, faculty and staff were fighting flood waters, officials were developing plans to compensate for the missed classroom time.
The Plan
“Since our students and faculty have other commitments that would be difficult for them to keep otherwise, we have decided to adhere to our current academic calendar with the exception of classes Monday evening, April 13,” Provost Schnell in a message to the university said.
Monday evening classes on April 13 are meant to be permissive explained Schnell. “I hope the professors talk to the students to see what works best for both parties.”
Adherence to this calendar includes no change in graduation schedules.
Planning for the missed time has been a juggling act. Professors were asked to create a plan to cover the material that was missed the past two weeks. Schnell asked the professors to discuss the new plans with students and present the final plan and any problems to the department chair.
“99% of the time professors and students will come to an agreement,” Schnell said.
Creating a better atmosphere was a large determining factor in the decision. The provost announced that there would be no tests this first week back to help give people the time needed to get back and get plans into place.
Extended library hours were also implemented to give students a place to study and meet. The extended hours start April 13, and will go from 6 a.m. to midnight.
Schnell does see at least one positive from all of this happening, “It has been an opportunity for faculty and students to work closely. They all have the same goals.”
The effect
One of the main concerns Dr. Paul Nelson, department of communication chair, expressed was the thousands of students in communication 110.
To make up for the lost classroom time communication 110 instructors are cutting out the second test and will be including that information on the final. Instructors will also be shortening presentations to lighten the load on students.
For some professors however, a new class schedule was one of many problems.
For Dr. Amy O’Connor, communication professor, 65 inches of water was another issue to deal with as a result of the record breaking flood waters.
“She has emailed a new syllabus to students and has subs lined up if that is needed,” Nelson said.
For communication law professor, Peter Balega, it was a game of pick and chose, “I thought, what would be the one or two areas that I want them [students] to take from this, while still being fair to the students.”
Balega had thought about doing assignments online during the break, but didn’t because he was unsure of some of his students situations.
Looking forward
While NDSU and the rest of the valley are unsure of what these next few weeks will hold for the river, NDSU will work closely with area officials to determine what is needed of the university.
“If we can avoid calling any more school off we will,” Schnell said. “In 1997 we kept classes going and people went out to work in 2 hour shifts, we will do whatever the city asks us to do.”
At press time NDSU had not developed a contingency plan for the National Weather Service projected crest of 43 ft.
“We are all hoping that Walaker is right,” Schnell said of the Mayor’s lower prediction of 37-38 ft.
