At a glance
Since March 23, Alfred State Pioneers have been continuing their education on the web, with learning transitioning from hands-on to online.
Alfred State Pioneers are known for rolling up their sleeves, getting to work, and doing what it takes to get the job done.
That still rings true even when faced with the current coronavirus pandemic that has forced colleges everywhere to forgo in-person classes in favor of an online delivery format. Since March 23, Alfred State Pioneers have been continuing their education on the web, with learning transitioning from hands-on to online.
In a video posted to the college’s YouTube channel on March 17, Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan tells students, “I want you to be confident that we have committed ourselves to providing the very best educational experience for our students that we possibly can. Many of you may struggle a bit with online learning. We’re committed to helping you. We want you to be successful. So while it might be a little difficult to start with, we’ll get through it, we’ll get our semester completed, and we’ll be better for it in the end.”
To help ease students’ transition to online learning, Alfred State has taken a number of steps, including:
- Hosting live Online Learning Training Sessions.
- Providing laptops to dozens of students.
- Ensuring that Student Success Center professionals are able to provide assistance through online support such as teleconferencing and email.
- Maintaining an FAQ with advice for free internet, technical support, academic advising contacts, tutorial assistance, financial aid counseling, and more.
While most students moved back home after spring break, those facing financial or technology hardships have been allowed to remain on campus while also practicing social distancing.
To assist the 51 students who chose to remain on campus, one of the college’s dining locations named Alfie’s has expanded its menu to accommodate these students’ dietary preferences and provide an even wider array of meal options tailored to the tastes of the limited campus population.
Another way that Alfred State is helping students who are facing coronavirus-related hardships is by launching the Support Our Students (SOS) Emergency Fund, which helps with technology needs, food insecurity, and financial concerns, and aims to allow students the opportunity to continue their education. Donations can be made online by visiting www.AlfredState.edu/give.
Finally, to keep students, employees, and the community informed and up to date, Alfred State has created a COVID-19 web page, which includes an FAQ section that addresses many common questions related to academics, student services, student support, and tributes to loved ones who are casualties of the virus at www.AlfredState.edu/COVID-19.