Information for Current Students

August 26, 2021 Update

Franklin University officials have been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and Delta variant to guide decisions that help protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, and the greater community. Accordingly, until further notice, all students, staff, faculty, and visitors will be required to wear face masks in areas that cannot maintain a 6’ distance or are high traffic areas where 6’ distance cannot be consistently maintained. 
 
Designated areas where masks will be required are: 
 
•    Student Affairs advising rooms
•    Student Affairs welcome center
•    Learning Commons Testing area
•    Learning Commons Tutoring area             
 
The University maintains its existing policy in all other areas of campus, which strongly encourages everyone to wear a mask indoors and in crowded areas regardless of vaccine status until further notice.

August 5, 2021 Update

In accordance with the advisory issued by Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health, Franklin University strongly encourages everyone to wear a mask indoors and in crowded areas regardless of vaccine status until further notice.

July 15, 2021 Update

As a result of the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines and the subsequent changes in pandemic-related restrictions, Franklin University will resume on-site services and classes for the Fall 21 Trimester. We will continue to keep the health and safety of the campus community a top priority by adhering to current CDC and local health guidelines.

Jan. 7, 2021 Update

As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Franklin County, Franklin University has made the decision to continue online only courses through the end of the Spring 2021 term. Current students should contact their academic advisors with any questions related to scheduling courses for the remainder of spring term. 

Academic support and other services will continue to be available in remote format through the end of the current term.  

For the Summer 2021 term, which begins in May, Franklin University is planning to offer select courses on-site. The list of on-site courses will be published in early February and registration for summer term opens on Feb. 22. 

Dec. 15, 2020 Update

Out of ongoing care for our campus community amidst continued statewide concerns around COVID-19, Franklin University plans to offer all courses, support and services in a remote format through at least January 2021.  This means that all Spring 2021 courses beginning in January will remain online only.  A decision regarding a return to onsite classes for course sections beginning in February or later is still being discussed and will be shared as soon as a determination has been made.

Oct. 29, 2020 Update

The health and safety of our campus community are of the utmost importance. Therefore, amid growing concerns surrounding the current surge in COVID-19 cases, Franklin University will continue to offer coursework, support and services in a remote format throughout the remainder of the Fall 2020 term. 

For students who have scheduled or are considering scheduling on-site classes for the Spring 2021 term: At this time, we are still accepting registrations for these courses. As the start date approaches, we will continue to monitor the situation and our ability to provide a safe campus experience and you will be contacted by your academic advisor if your options change.  

Oct. 2020 Update

Amid continued concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Fall Commencement, has been transitioned to a virtual event and will be held Friday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. 

Degrees will be conferred on Dec. 31, 2020 and diplomas will be mailed on Jan. 12, 2021. Caps and gowns will also be mailed to students who ordered them, so that you will have them prior to the virtual ceremony.

July 2020 Update

Amid continued concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Summer Commencement, which was to be held on Sept. 11, has been rescheduled and transitioned to a virtual event, which will be held Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. 
Degrees will be conferred on Aug. 16 and diplomas will be mailed on Aug. 19. Caps and gowns will also be mailed to students who ordered them, so that you will have them prior to the virtual ceremony.

June 10, 2020 Update

Amid concerns and predictions about the spread of COVID-19, all face-to-face classes will be moved online for the Fall 2020 term. This course of action is intended to minimize disruptions to learning during the term and enable students to plan other life commitments with more certainty.  

Students registered for a face-to-face course for fall will be moved to an online equivalent. Student questions or concerns about the elimination of on-site course options for fall, should be sent to advising@franklin.edu. 

May 4, 2020 Update

Spring Commencement, which was to be held on May 15, has been rescheduled and transitioned to a virtual event, which will be held Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m. 

Degrees will be conferred officially on May 15. On May 21, diplomas and caps and gowns will be mailed to students who ordered them, so that you will have them prior to the virtual ceremony.

Mar. 17, 2020 Update

Spring Commencement, which was to be held on May 15, has been postponed amid growing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Commencement is an important milestone and as such, the decision to postpone the spring Commencement ceremony was a difficult one since we, like you, look forward to celebrating this day with you, and your family and friends.
 
It is our plan that the ceremony can be held at a later, yet to be determined date. In the meantime, graduates will still have their degrees conferred on May 15, and diplomas will be mailed shortly thereafter.

Mar. 13, 2020 Update

As the COVID-19 situation evolves, the University continues to monitor updates and guidance provided by government and health officials. Following this advice, all access to University buildings has been restricted to select staff. We anticipate the closures of buildings to be short term and once this status changes, we will communicate to the entire campus community.
 
To provide continuity of support and operations, all student support services, including advising, student financial services, the Library, and Learning Commons access has been moved online.
 
Please visit www.franklin.edu for updates. 

Mar. 10, 2020 Update

With a focus on maintaining a safe environment, the university has been closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19). A task force of senior leadership and subject matter experts has convened, focused on our university’s preparations and response. 

We continue to align our recommendations with and follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization, and the Ohio Department of Health. 

While there are no campus-associated cases of COVID-19, at least three confirmed cases have been identified in the state of Ohio, and the experts predict that there will be more. Earlier today, we participated in a phone call with Governor DeWine who addressed members of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO). Following his recommendations, the series of updates below is provided related to classes, work arrangements, travel and campus events that will allow us to continue the education of our students while protecting our community. These changes are being implemented with the safety of our campus community as our top priority. 

Direction for students regarding classes  

• All students in face-to-face classes will be moved to an online format, effective tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11 through the end of the term, May 9. Over 90% of Franklin University classes this term are held online, limiting the amount of disruption that may be experienced.
• FAQs are being developed to help navigate these changes. 

 Events  

• All events scheduled through the end of the term will be postponed until further notice and no new events will be scheduled. The University is reviewing options for the upcoming commencement and will provide further information when a final decision has been made. 

We will provide updates and any deadline extensions for the above guidelines as more information becomes available. 

Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the current situation, guidelines are subject to change as new information emerges. We will continue to monitor regularly and make any necessary modifications as needed with a focus on providing a safe environment for our University community. Please check www.franklin.edu for updates and other information related to the University’s response. 

Sincerely, David R. Decker, President

Is Franklin University offering on-campus classes for Fall 2021?

Yes. Franklin University plans to offer courses, support and services on-site for the Fall 2021 term. 

Will vaccinations be required to take classes or access services on campus?

No. Vaccinations will not be required. However, we will continue to follow current CDC guidelines and recommend individuals who are not vaccinated adhere to social distance and wear a mask that covers the mouth, nose and chin. 

Will Summer 2020 Commencement be held in person?

Yes. Summer Commencement is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 10 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. 

Franklin University continues to rely on the guidance of the CDC and the Ohio Department of Health. 

In accordance with the advisory issued by Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health, Franklin University strongly encourages everyone to wear a mask indoors and in crowded areas regardless of vaccine status until further notice.

If you have or likely have COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, notify your academic advisor and isolate from others for at least 10 days. 

If you are exposed to COVID-19 and not fully vaccinated, notify your academic advisor and quarantine for at least seven days, optimally 14 days. 

If you are fully vaccinated, quarantine or testing after exposure is not necessary unless symptoms develop. 

For the purposes of this guidance, people are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 ≥2 weeks after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or ≥2 weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson [J&J]/Janssen); there is currently no post-vaccination time limit on fully vaccinated status. Unvaccinated people refers to individuals of all ages, including children, that have not completed a vaccination series or received a single-dose vaccine.

Admissions
Academic Advising 
Center for Career Development
Community Standards/Conduct
Disability Services
Title IX
Welcome Center/Call Center

On-Campus Service Hours:
Otte Student Service Center 
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. 
Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Virtual Service Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (ET)
Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET)

Student Financial Services

On-Campus Service Hours:
Otte Student Service Center 
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 
Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Virtual Service Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (ET)
Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET)

OISP

On-Campus Service Hours (By Appointment)
Otte Student Service Center 
Monday-Friday:  8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 

Virtual Service Hours
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET)

Learning Commons 

On-Campus Service Hours
Phillips Hall
Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. 
Friday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 
Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 

Help Desk 

Virtual Service Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m-8 p.m. (ET)
Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET)
Saturday: 9 a.m. -1 p.m. (ET)
Sunday: 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. (ET) 

Students experiencing technical difficulties in their online courses should use the Technology Help Desk. The Help Desk will help you get the most out of your online experience. 

For Help Desk hours and contact methods, please visit: helpdesk.franklin.edu

For common support questions and self-help, please visit: support.franklin.edu

Academic support will continue to be available in a remote format through the end of the summer term. During the fall term, some campus-based tutoring will return; however, a majority of the academic support services will continue to be offered in a remote format.

FAQs

Where do I find the campus-based and online tutoring schedules?

Visit the Learning Commons Website to view current tutoring schedule.

I’ve never done a tutoring session; how do I sign up for tutoring appointment?

Students are required to book both campus and online tutoring appointments via the WC Online system.  For online tutoring appointments, links are sent out with a confirmation email upon booking to access the Zoom session. All campus-based appointments are held in the Learning Commons (Phillips Hall)- 303 S. Grant Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Will there still be workshops and SLA offered in the fall?

Workshops and SLA will remain in the online format.

I have questions regarding academic support services. How can I talk to someone?

We are committed to continuing to provide support to our students. Students can contact the Learning Commons for more information on academic support by phone at 614.947.6800 or via email at slc@franklin.edu.

Class Testing

• There will be some class testing available throughout the fall term in the Testing Center. Specific details for class testing are still developing and will be communicated at a later date. 
• All exams will still be available on ProctorU for students who want to test from home. Students will want to schedule exams 72 hours in advance to avoid any additional fees listed as “Take It Soon” or “Take it Now” fees. All proctoring fees are at the responsibility of the student.
• Students may still submit a distance proctor if they are able to find an HR person at their work or someone they have a professional relationship only and a professional setting to take the exam in. Home offices are not acceptable options at this time. 

Tips for ProctorU

Read the tips below to ensure the best possible outcome for your exams:

• Please schedule your exams at least 72 hours in advance. 
• It is a good idea to schedule your exam for earlier in your testing window. This will allow for time for any needed extensions or any help from instructors or the Testing Center.
• It is recommended that students avoid canceling their appointment, as they are not guaranteed they will be able to find another time when they try to reschedule.
• If you have not yet tested your computer equipment out, please do so now.

Placement Testing

• For placement testing needs, please provide email Testing with your full name and date of birth and you will be created a testing voucher that will allow you take your placement tests at home with Examity (Accuplacer’s preferred proctor platform). Online testing is free, but still requires an appointment. Students will need a webcam and high-speed internet.
• Students taking a retest, must pay for their retest and will not be issued a voucher until they have paid the $15 fee.

Proficiency Testing

• In person testing for proficiency testing will be available in the Testing Center once again toward the end of August. Appointments can be made here. 
• Please contact testing@franklin.edu if you need to take a Franklin University Proficiency Exam. Tests can be proctored through ProctorU or at a physical proctoring location that meets our proctoring guidelines depending on which exam you need to take.

Communication

• Contact your instructor for course testing questions
• The best way to contact Testing is by email at testing@franklin.edu.

Effective August 16, 2021, face-to-face human subjects research activities in the United States may resume on a limited basis. Any international face-to-face human subjects research activities will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. This notice applies to activities involving Franklin University researchers (faculty, student, and staff) with new and existing IRB protocols.

You may review the updated policy here.

We recognize the continued volatility of COVID-19 and strongly encourage all research teams to design face-to-face research projects only when virtual data collection methods seriously threaten the feasibility or integrity of a study. We encourage all investigators to discuss their face-to-face projects with the IRB prior to finalizing research designs and proposals. Doctoral candidates should discuss in-person projects with their dissertation chair and work with their committee to determine if face-to-face data collection is appropriate.
Please contact the IRB Office at irb@franklin.edu with any questions.

Please contact the IRB Office at irb@franklin.edu with any questions.

Schedule an appointment with the Center for Career Development.

Sarah Lathrop, Assistant Director

Tim Goetz, Senior Specialist 

Monday-Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Virtual appointments may be available beyond these times upon request

OhioLINK: OhioLINK lending and borrowing will resume fall term. Checked out OhioLINK items will be extended until the end of summer term, and can then be dropped off at the book drop outside of Phillips Hall or mailed back to campus. Normal lending periods will resume in fall, and items will need to be quarantined briefly upon return. 

Research Coaching: All Research Coaching appointments will be held online via Zoom. Appointments can be scheduled at https://librarysmr.franklin.edu/appointments/

Chat and Reference: Any library questions can be answered via chat on the library website (franklin.edu/library) and email (library@franklin.edu). Students can also refer to Research Guides and the video tutorial library, the Learning Commons Passport.

Databases and Journals: Remote access to the library’s databases and journals will continue to be available on the library’s website, research guides and within courses.

FAQs

I use the computers and free printing available through the library. When will I be able to do that again?

The space will reopen beginning fall term with shorter hours beginning 8/2 and these services will be widely available again with the beginning of classes on 8/16.

I use the meeting rooms in the library. Can I still book those?

Beginning fall term, you can book meeting rooms again using the room reservation tool here: https://librarysmr.franklin.edu/ 

How will I be able to access databases and articles?

Our library resources are all available online except for our print books. Please use franklin.edu/library and use the main search bar in the middle of the page.

How can I get in touch with the library to ask questions?

Contact us with you question via:

• Chat on franklin.edu/library 
• Phone: 614.947.6550
• Email: Library@franklin.edu

Can I pick up books that are in the Franklin Library if I need one?

Beginning fall term, print books will be available for hold and checkout. We also have over 350,000 eBooks that can be accessed anywhere. Having trouble accessing one or want help searching? Contact the library.

I wanted an instruction session for my course. How can I request that to be done?  

Professors can still request instruction sessions to be held via Zoom by filling out a form on franklin.edu/library and choosing Faculty and Staff Services.

How do I obtain additional information for questions not addressed above?

During this time, Franklin remains committed to student success and providing the necessary support services. As such, during the move to online operations, students are encouraged to reach out to the University with questions.

I am a Military or VA Education Student.  How will my benefits be impacted due to Franklin University changing the modality? 

VA Educational Benefits

VA Education Service has created guidance for schools in response to changes in training modalities and operation statuses due to COVID-19. On March 21, the president signed into law S.3503, giving VA temporary authority to continue GI Bill payments uninterrupted during an emergency.

The new law allows the VA to pay education benefits regardless of the fact that a program has been converted from resident training to online training, even if online training hasn’t been or approved or is not approvable. GI Bill students will continue to receive housing allowance payments at the resident training until Dec. 21, 2020, or until the school resumes normal operations of resident training, for programs converted solely to online training. Franklin University’s VA School Certifying Officials can assist you in identifying in-person courses that were cancelled and assist you in answering questions about course options in order to maximize housing allowance payments, when applicable.

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

If a student was approved to use FTA for an in-person class, but that class modality changed to online due to COVID-19 school closures, FTA will not be impacted. This approval was seamless over the spring and summer semesters. However, fall semester closures were not as sudden nor as common and schools had time to plan ahead in the best interest of students and campus community safety. Please continue to work with your education center or academic advisor for more information on fall semester FTA class modality changes to ensure your FTA will be approved.
 
Ohio National Guard Scholarship (ONSGP)

Currently, there is no impact to educational benefits for students using the state level tuition assistance program and have had their course modality changed due to COVID-19.

You can reach Franklin University’s Office of Military and Veteran Affairs team for additional questions or concerns at OMVA@franklin.edu.

During this time, many international students may be considering whether to stay in the U.S. or travel to your home country. International students who are or have been out of the country will require a negative COVID test before entering the United States per current State Department entry/re-entry requirements. We encourage all students to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, but it will not be required to attend classes. Review the information below to help make an informed choice.

Stay informed

If you choose to remain in the U.S., stay informed of developments from your city department of health, state department of health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the relevant organization in your country of citizenship, and the World Health Organization. Follow posts from the Office of International Students and Programs on the Current Students blog.

Update your contacts

Many embassies and consulates are offering additional guidance and emergency contact information. If your embassy offers registration for students or residents in the U.S., please update your contact information with your home government. Contact OISP if you need assistance locating embassy information.

Verify that Franklin University has information for your emergency contacts in your Self Service User Profile. You can find instructions on how to access your User Profile at this link. While you are logged into Self Service, update your contact information to ensure you receive emergency alerts. Remember, if you move – even temporarily - F-1 students must notify OISP, and other nonimmigrants must update U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services.

International Travel

Travelers to and from the U.S. should review CDC requirements and Transportation Safety Administration requirements prior to booking travel. Country-specific travel information is available through the Department of State. Upon arrival to the U.S., follow CDC recommendations for monitoring symptoms and getting tested. 

Your F-1 Status

For the Fall 2021 term, Franklin University is resuming face-to-face courses. International students, therefore, will need to resume normal full course of study requirements to maintain your F-1 status. 

NOTE: Due to the fluid nature of this situation, this guidance may be subject to change. SEVP will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will adjust its guidance as needed.