How TU became a virtual campus during the COVID-19 pandemic

By Towson University on June 4, 2020

The term remote learning wasn't used all that frequently at Towson University prior to March. But as the COVID-19 pandemic enveloped the world, TU had to make it a way of life.

University leadership informed students amid an extended spring break that classes would transition to an online learning format for the remainder of the term. Students and teachers needed resources for how to do it successfully. The early focus was on communicating via email. Students were reminded prior to spring break to download the Blackboard app.

Before Jan Baum, a professor in the Department of Management, resumed classes in the new modality, she created a short video. She asked her students, “bear with me, because I’m learning right along with you.”

There was a learning curve for everyone, but making a connection was key.

For his sales-focused classes, which relied heavily upon role-playing and the subtleties of body language, associate professor Plamen Peev adjusted the curriculum using tools like Webex Meetings and Blackboard to most closely replicate in-class content for the his now-distant students.

Students and faculty faced the stress of the new normal together, realizing it reflected real-world experience.

“Entrepreneurs face curve balls all the time and success is figuring out workarounds or pivots,” says Baum. “This is where our hallmark skills of creativity, entrepreneurial thinking and perseverance come into play. We just keep going. So this is a very teachable moment.”

For many disciplines that rely on face-to-face interaction—especially the arts—moving to remote learning provides an extra challenge. 

“Our field has as one of its special characteristics the experience of human beings in a physical space together,” says Robyn Quick, professor and chair of the Department of Theatre Arts in the College of Fine Arts & Communication. “But theatre is also about speaking to the needs of the community. And this is what our community needs us to do at this moment.”

See how TU community members have helped during the pandemic.

Coaching Through Adversity

Tigers' spring sports seasons were officially canceled in mid-March as well. Fall teams, such as football and field hockey, saw spring practice sessions shut down as well. For all coaches and athletes, it was a crushing blow.

“Once I got that text, I had to take a few minutes to collect myself,” women's lacrosse coach Sonia LaMonica says. “It has been so difficult because it’s just something so unprecedented. But my biggest message is ‘this is bigger than us and bigger than lacrosse.’” 

The sense of community is what prevailed, most notably on social media.

“I’m so happy to see them bring their energy and personality to our social media platforms,” Field hockey coach E.A. Jackson says. “They’re staying connected, and the fact they are building these connections and developing their communication skills...It’s going to show up on the pitch this fall.”

Serving those who remain

While the vast majority of TU students exited campus, a small segment of the population had permission to remain due to external housing limitations. Those students still had personal needs for daily life. Parking & Transportation Services provided a shuttle to two nearby businesses that include pharmacy services.

“We realized that those students still needed access to grocery shopping, personal items and pharmacy,” says Robert Walton, assistant director of Parking & Transportation Services at TU.

Another part of campus that worked hard to support the Towson University community was the International Initiatives Office, which includes study abroad, the English Language Center and the Office of International Students and Scholars (ISSO).

Katie Villamar, associate director of the Study Abroad Office, says she and other staff members supported about 50 students who were traveling internationally for different programs at the start of the COVID-19 crisis.

“Towson University was a leader, in terms of bringing students home,” she says.

Staff from ISSO helped support international students adapt to life with social distancing and determine how best to stay safe.

Yuqi Wan, a student from China who is president of the International Student Association, says the staff have been incredibly helpful.

“They have online meetings for us, to ask questions and get support,” she says. “They’re always there; they always provide help.”

Celebrating #TUtogether

Reaching the finish line together was different. While spring Commencement ceremonies for Towson University's newest alumni may be on hold until the fall, the celebrating commenced in May nonetheless.

A special weeklong Celebration of Graduates took place beginning May 18—the week that would have initially included spring Commencement for the 3,440 students who earned their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

TU graduates, their families, faculty, staff, alumni and students were—and are—encouraged to share in the celebration by using #TUtogether[BROKEN LINK] on social media.

 

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland, Diverse and Inclusive Campus.