Winter Semester 2021

Learning and Teaching during COVID-19 providing strong virtual classrooms and a strong community.

Winter semester has been planned with input from faculty, students, and staff. Planning has taken place with consideration of current and forecasted public health information. In an ever changing pandemic environment, we must continue to be flexible and adaptable- skills that are key to social work practice.

Class Format

Classes will be primarily online. A few electives might be offered as in-person or hybrid, depending on the nature of the class. If students cannot attend those electives in the format offered, students should select an online elective alternative. Faculty are being encouraged to actively build in social elements, as well as connect class material and assignments to co-curricular events taking place in the school and across campus. Information and resources are being provided to faculty to aid this process.

Field Format

Field education disruption related to COVID remains a challenge and requires flexibility as we experience frequent changes in community environments.  At this time, field placements will continue to be a blend of in-person, online and hybrid depending on the nature and needs of the agency and the clients being served.  Students should use the field decision tree to examine their personal health circumstances to aid in decision making regarding the field format that best fit their needs.  If student needs do not line up with the needs of the agency, contact your field faculty to discuss possible alternatives.

Co-Curricular Activities Education + Social

Co-curricular activities will be designed to provide students with a blend of social engagement and educational connection. We are encouraging faculty to consider ways that these co-curricular activities could support classroom learning. For example, could they be used for extra-credit, alternative assignments, etc.  Activities might include movies & discussions, topics related to faculty research, outside speakers on related topics, lunch n' learns, etc. Faculty involved with curricular pathways will plan activities and help spread the word to students.

Class Sizes

Class sizes will be reduced to help students build stronger connections with instructors and each other. Most classes will include attendance caps of no more than 20 students per class.

Advising and Support

Faculty advisors are being encouraged to connect regularly with advisees. Students are also encouraged to reach out to advisors if they face challenges. CAPS resources will be sent to students often. CAPS has an embedded counselor at the School of Social Work, Alejandro Rojas, MSW. You can reach him by phone at (734) 763-7894 or aroja@umich.edu. Office of Student Services staff will be available to link students to needed resources.

Preparation

Teaching and learning online does not mean simply transferring the skills you use in the residential space to an online environment. Students are strongly encouraged to review resources for remote learning and online learning essential tips SSW compiled about how to be a strong online student. Faculty will continue to be provided with up-to-date training and research about online teaching practices, pedagogy, and tools.