Page 19 - BusinessWest July 20, 2020

change.” “We learned a lot in the spring when we had to model that gives students the
That’s why WNEU, like many colleges and universities, has actually been planning for three different scenarios — most stu- dents on campus, online learn- ing, and a hybrid of the two.
“The majority of our fami-
lies are ready for their children
to be on campus and have the campus experience,” he added, “They trust our Health Services
and know, if it’s ever not safe to
be here, we’re going to make the right decision in the best interest of our students.”
That’s the COVID-19 world colleges and universities must grapple with —
go online — we understand what we did well and what we can do better. If a second surge happens and everyone decides to move online, the Elms flex model allows that to happen.
option of attending sessions in the classroom, online, or both. Students can move between the options based on their personal preferences, while international and non-local students will be able to continue their coursework from afar.
“We know some students are high-risk or living with someone high-risk and don’t feel comfort- able being in a classroom, but
we also know students want an in- person experience,” said Walter Breau, vice president of Academic Affairs.
“So they can choose when to be in the
WALTER BREAU
with every day bringing changing news and more moving targets. As enroll- ment planning goes, it’s unprecedent- ed, at least within living memory. And students aren’t the only ones who will
”
be learning something.
Course Corrections
At Elms College, classes will be taught this fall in a hybrid, flexible
Fall 2020 Plans
... for Now
Leaders at 20 area colleges and universities continue to discuss plans for how academic programs will be delivered fall. Those plans might change, and even schools planning on a mostly on-campus experience will likely offer some programs remotely. Here are the latest plans, grouped by catego- ries that may not capture all the nuances of each plan; readers are encouraged to visit the schools’ specific websites for more infor- mation.
• ALL COURSES DELIVERED ONLINE, BUT STUDENTS HAVE OPTION OF ATTENDING IN PER- SON: UMass Amherst.
• ALL ONLINE, WITH STU- DENTS IN SOME PROGRAMS (SUCH AS HEALTHCARE AND CULINARY ARTS) ON CAMPUS PART OF THE TIME: Asnuntuck Community College, Cambridge College, Greenfield Community College, Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College.
• BLEND OF ON-CAMPUS, ONLINE, AND HYBRID INSTRUCTION: Bay Path University, Berkshire Community College, Elms College, Mount Holyoke College, Springfield College, Westfield State University, Williams College. American International College is discussing this model as well.
• BLEND OF ON-CAMPUS AND ONLINE INSTRUCTION WITH STUDENTS ON CAMPUS FOR EITHER FALL OR SPRING: Amherst College, Smith College.
• MOSTLY ON-CAMPUS INSTRUCTION: Bard’s College
at Simon’s Rock, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Hampshire College, Western New England University.
CELEBRATING THE END OF OUR 72ND
TAX SEASON
AND PLANNING FOR THE NEXT
The end of the extended tax season is finally here. And not a moment too soon. It’s probably the last thing you want to think about right now, but there really is no better time to get a jump on next year and make things easier on yourself—especially if there are big changes in your business. Let us help you make next tax season less taxing.
330 Whitney Avenue | Suite 800 | Holyoke, MA 01040 | 413-536-8510 | mbkcpa.com 413-536-8510 | mbkcpa.com
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