Information for Current Students

March 10, 2020

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 FranklinUniversity still holding classes?

Effective Wednesday, March 11, 2020, all Franklin University classes will be delivered remotely for the remainder of the spring term. In addition, amid continuing uncertainty over the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision has been made to continue to deliver all courses in an online format through the summer academic term.

No classes will be offered on campus, and building access has been limited to only select personnel with prior Safety and Security permission. Students and faculty can access all of their classes remotely via myFranklin. For assistance accessing myFranklin visit the Technology Suppport page.

Will Spring 2020 Commencement be held?

Spring Commencement, which was to 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.

Students transitioning from face-to-face to online courses should use the Technology Help Desk. The Help Desk will help smooth your transition and help you get the most out of your online experience. 

Students who require assistance with the technology requirements to take online classes should complete the Academic Technology Support form. When filling out the form, select only those items that apply to you. A University representative will then be in contact with you. Please only request equipment if you do not have access to these items. If an item does not apply to you, please leave it blank.

As additional students move to an online format, and employees begin remote work, the University’s HelpDesk is expected to experience an increased number of requests for help with a variety of technology questions. To help manage this increase, students, faculty and staff are asked to first visit the Technology Support page  to access helpful tips and information for addressing many common questions. 

If you require further assistance, please contact the Help Desk by email at helpdesk@franklin.edu. The Help Desk will answer questions between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and on Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

I had a scheduled face-to-face tutoring session. Is it cancelled?

All campus-based tutoring has been moved online using Zoom. The tutoring schedule and WC Online scheduling system have been updated to reflect these changes. Students who had booked appointments on campus should have been contacted to communicate the change. Also, links were sent out with a confirmation email upon booking to access the Zoom session.

Online tutoring has not been affected and in most cases, the hours have been expanded. Students can schedule an appointment using https://franklin.mywconline.com/.

Will online workshops run as scheduled?

Yes, online workshops will run as scheduled.

Math 215 Test 2 on-campus workshop will be held online via Zoom. Registrants will receive a Zoom link.

Structured Learning Assistance (SLA)  for Math 160 and Math 215 SLA will run as scheduled.

Online Writing Reviews services are running as scheduled.

Will the hours for the tutoring sessions be the same?

For the most part, the tutoring hours should remain the same, just online instead of on-campus.

I’ve never done an online tutoring session, how do I sign up and access the tutoring appointment?

Students will still be required to book tutoring appointments via the WCOnline system-- links are sent out with a confirmation email upon booking to access the Zoom session.

I was going to go to the on-campus workshop, is it cancelled?

All workshops will move to an online format for the reminder of the term.

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 or elisha.teague@franklin.edu.

Am I eligible for Federal CARES Act funding?

The purpose of CARES Act funding is to assist eligible students with expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, or childcare that has incurred as a result of COVID-19 and the disruption of campus operations. For eligibility criteria click here >

Class Testing

• Proctored exams will be proctored online through ProctorU. Students will want to schedule exams 72 hours in advance to avoid any “Take It Soon” or “Take it Now” fees. All 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.

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

• Please schedule your exams as soon as you are able. ProctorU is extremely booked, and the sooner an appointment is made, the more availability is likely.
• 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.

If my paper-based test is made into an online test, how do I take it from home?

• The university will continue to utilize ProctorU to administer all online-proctored exams.Please make sure that you register for your exam session at least 72 hours in advance. For more information on using ProctorU, please read the FAQ.

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). The Examity testing fee is $20-25. Students will need a webcam and high-speed internet.
• Students taking a retest, will still need to pay for their retest and will not be issued a voucher until they have paid the $15 fee.

Proficiency Testing

• We are closed for proficiency testing in person. Any students wanting to take a proficiency exam such as CLEP or DSST can find another proctoring location at:
  • https://clep.collegeboard.org/test-center-search
  • https://www.dantes.doded.mil/TestSiteLookup/index.html
• Please contact testing@franklin.edu if you need to take a Franklin University Proficiency Exam. They can be proctored through ProctorU or at a physical proctoring location that meets our proctoring guidelines depending on which exam you need to take.

Community

• For all community testers, all proctoring services have been suspended.

Communication

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

Effective immediately, all face-to-face human subjects research activities must cease until further notice. This includes activities involving Franklin University researchers (faculty, student, staff) at any site. Principal Investigators are expected to pass this notification on to all human subjects research personnel immediately. See the Franklin University IRB’s COVID-19 Response document for more information.

To help research teams through these developing events, the Franklin University IRB has prepared guidelines to assist investigators who can and wish to convert any qualitative, face-to-face data collection plans to virtual means. See the Franklin University IRB’s COVID-19 and Qualitative Research document for more information.

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

Our lives have been disrupted by the Coronavirus. For many, our work lives have been disrupted as well. Some of us are working from home, while others have faced furloughs, lay-offs and shutdowns. However, there are industries who are hiring. From warehouses, to shipping, and to healthcare, they are hiring to meet demand based on our current environment. The Franklin University Center for Career Development wants to directly extend our hand to you. The Center has compiled a list of employers who are hiring now, to support you and the community in our current environment in response to the Coronavirus. Please feel free to pass this along to friends and family who might be looking for immediate employment.

The list of employers, as well as additional resources to support you (resume templates, training, workshops and other tools) can be found here.

If you need to submit any documents to Franklin (with the exception of official transcripts) please scan and email them to info@franklin.edu and our team will route them to the appropriate office(s).

Returning Checked Out Items: Due dates have been extended until the end of spring term for any checked out items.

OhioLINK: As a result of campus building closures, lending and borrowing from OhioLINK has been suspended. Checked out OhioLINK items will be extended until the end of term, and can then be dropped off at the book drop outside of Phillips Hall or mailed back to campus.

Holds for Franklin and Urbana materials: Holds for Franklin and Urbana materials (the library holds the material for you at the main desk) by Franklin and Urbana students, faculty and staff have been suspended.

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. Is it still open for me to be able to do that?

No, unfortunately the space is closed as a preventative and precautious measure.

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

No, unfortunately the space is closed as a preventative and precautious measure. March is our highest volume month with over 6,500 visitors through our doors, so it is in everyone’s best health interests to remain closed. You may check your local public library if they remain open.

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?

A number of online features are available to provide access to a librarian. These options include:

• Chat feature on franklin.edu/library
• Phone:  614-947-6550
• Email at  Library@franklin.edu

I have things checked out right now. What do I do with those? Will I be charged late fees?

The University has extended due dates until the end of the term for items checked out. We do have a book drop on the outside of Phillips Hall that you can use in the mean, or you can mail your items to 301 E. Rich St.

Where can I drop off things I have checked out right now?

There is a bookdrop in the Phillips Hall parking lot you can use. Please call the front desk at 614-947-6550 if the book doesn’t fit in.

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

All hold capabilities have been cancelled, but we 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

Education Service is preparing guidance for schools that have changes in training modalities and operation statuses due to COVID-19.  However, Congress has introduced legislation that, if enacted, will alleviate the impact to GI Bill beneficiaries for a switch to pursuit solely through distance education.  In order to avoid confusion and the need to make multiple changes to enrollments, VA is asking all schools to temporarily refrain from making any adjustments to enrollment certifications if training has changed due to COVID-19.   VA will provide further guidance by Wednesday, March 18.

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

We are currently awaiting confirmation if the change in enrollment modality will impact the FTA payment approval.  There has not been a confirmation provided at this time, so we are awaiting a final answer and will provide an update once we know more.
 
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. 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.

Your F-1 Status

On Monday, March 9, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced changes permitting universities flexibility to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. OISP requested this permission that will allow F-1 students to temporarily count online classes towards a full course of study in excess of the usual limits. With this permission, F-1 students can maintain their legal status in the country while completing the remainder of the Spring 2020 trimester exclusively online. 

On Friday, March 13, SEVP expanded this guidance to accommodate F-1 students departing the U.S. This updated guidance will allow F-1 students to temporarily count online classes towards a full course of study in excess of the usual limits, even if they have left the U.S. and are taking the online classes from elsewhere. As with the March 9 guidance, this temporary provision is only in effect for the duration of the emergency. If you have departed or plan to depart the U.S., notify OISP so that we can update your records appropriately.

If you are currently participating in standard or STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT), continue to update OISP and/or the OPT Portal about changes in your work location, such as moving to remote work, or position within 10 days of any changes.

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