Remote learning begins Nov. 30 for Alfred State students

Following Thanksgiving break, Alfred State College (ASC) students will finish out the rest of the semester in an online setting.

ASC Provost Dr. Kristin Poppo said, “It is absolutely critical that we keep Alfred State and our surrounding community safe while offering exceptional learning opportunities for students. For this reason, we have chosen not to have our students return from across New York to Alfred State after Thanksgiving. The fall semester on campus has been very successful so far, and we are confident that we can complete the semester online. To do so, we are encouraging all students to be remote ready.”

For ASC students, Thanksgiving break will run from Nov. 26-29. In compliance with a recent SUNY directive, all students will be tested for COVID-19 within 10 days of the break.

Beginning Nov. 30, classes will resume online via Microsoft Teams and will continue through Dec. 4 for Alfred campus students, and Dec. 8 for Wellsville and Northland students. Final exams for students on the Alfred campus will take place remotely, as well, from Dec. 7-11.

To help students prepare for the move to remote instruction, Alfred State College has sent them a checklist that includes tips and advice such as:

• Designate a Learning Space: Find a quiet place to attend classes and complete assignments and keep all non-class-related technology outside of this space so you can focus.
• Test Technology: Check to make sure all of your technology works and that you are able to log in to Blackboard, the Portal, OneDrive, etc. The Help Desk is available for assistance with technology issues and may be contacted at helpdesk@alfredstate.edu or 607-587-4357.
• Get Organized: Put your class-related items in one location so you can find them, create a list with the due dates of all your assignments and exams, know the expectations of your instructors, and check Blackboard and your Alfred State email account daily.
• Develop a Schedule: Write down important dates from the Academic Calendar and set up a daily or weekly calendar to keep you on track so you don’t miss anything.
• Take Care of Yourself: Stay healthy by getting adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise; take breaks between study sessions to reset and refocus; and monitor your self-talk and stay positive.
• Stay Connected: Check Blackboard and Alfred State email daily and know how to contact and communicate with your instructors, adviser, and academic success coach.

As students return for the spring 2021 semester, Alfred State will secure test results for everyone, keep students in quarantine for the first week of classes through remote instruction, and then begin in-person instruction on Feb. 1.