Jul. 10: Update on fall learning options

Dear Students and Families,
 
Last week, we announced that Stonehill will be offering a remote learning option for the Fall 2020 semester. We asked for decisions from students by July 10. Because of many questions that we have received, we are extending the deadline to July 20. 

Students choosing to be fully remote for the fall semester will receive a $3,000 credit to their bill, without any impact to their institutional financial aid. For remote learners who were originally planning to live on campus this fall, the College will adjust their total cost of attendance so that it no longer includes the semester's room and board cost. Please note that students should contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance to verify any impact on any federal or state aid as a result of this credit. 

If you have already filled out this form, you do not need to do so again.

In order to assist with the decision-making process, we have included some FAQs below:
 

Q: When will I be able to see my fall schedule and how can I learn if a course is online?

A: Members of the Classes of 2021, 2022, and 2023 can see their schedule by logging into MyHill and should go into the course description in MyHill to see if the course will be a fully online course. Members of the Class of 2024 will be able to view their schedules by August 1. For first-year student questions, please contact Academic Services or your Academic Advisor. 
 

Q: When will the drop/add period begin?

A: Students will be able to begin dropping and adding courses on August 1. Students can view current courses on MyHill and, if they still need to consider which schedule changes to make before add/drop begins, they should consult with their academic advisor.
 

Q: If I choose to be a residential student now but decide after July 20 to be a remote student, will I receive the $3,000 credit?

A: No, students will need to choose by July 20.
 

Q: Will I receive a full refund on my room and board if I decide to leave campus at any time during the fall semester?

A: If a residential student leaves campus during the fall semester, the College's standard refund policy applies. Information regarding refunds can be found online. Also, please note that students who need to go home for quarantine or isolation reasons will not receive a prorated refund for that period of time.
 

Q: What is the difference between a residential student, commuter student, and remote student?

• Residential: Students live on-campus and engage in classes that may be offered in a hyflex, hybrid, or online format.

• Commuter: Students have access to the campus, its programs, and facilities while living at home or off-campus. They may engage in classes offered in a hyflex, hybrid, or online format.

• Remote: Students engage in a fully remote education while living at home or off campus. Students may take fully online courses or may remotely access any in-person elements of other courses via technology. Remote students will have virtual access only to all College resources and programs. The expectation is that remote students will not be coming to campus, without prior approval, or participating in any on-campus activities and athletics.

Q: What is a hyflex and hybrid course?

A: Courses that are in-person on campus will come in three types: fully face-to-face courses where all students can safely meet with instructors; hyflex courses where half the students can meet in person during one class session and half the next; and hybrid courses, a course that utilizes some online components and some face to face components. It’s important to note that due to physical distancing requirements in the classroom, many students in face-to-face instruction will have some element of a hyflex model. We are also turning spaces such as the Martin Auditorium and McCarthy Auditorium into classrooms. Ultimately, all of our face-to-face courses will be conducted in a way that protects the health and safety of students and faculty while providing a deep and engaging instructional environment.
 

Q: What is the difference between an online course and a course that is remotely accessed?

A: Courses being taught in person and on campus will also allow for remote access to the course and course material via eLearn, Zoom, or a camera installed in the classroom. An online course is designed to be purely online, without any students meeting in a classroom.
 

Q: Will any courses currently taught face-to-face be moved into online formats?

A: It is possible as faculty also assess their own health that we may need to move some courses from face-to-face to online.
 

Q: Will all students have access to student services?

A: Yes, regardless of the option chosen, all students will have access to academic support, advising, and other supportive services that Stonehill provides. Remote students will be able to take advantage of these services via digital platforms.


Sincerely,


Debra Salvucci
Interim Co-Provost and Dean of the Meehan School of Business


Peter Ubertaccio
Interim Co-Provost and Dean of the May School of Arts and Sciences