Information for Current Students

To provide a safe environment for our campus community, all face-to-face services on campus require an appointment. Appointments will be limited to one student/visitor, please do not bring anyone with you to campus unless circumstances warrant that you be accompanied. If you arrive on campus without an appointment, you will be referred to a University staff member to determine if a staff member is available to meet or if a future scheduled appointment is needed.

When arriving on campus for an appointment:

• Arrive no more than 15 minutes in advance of your scheduled appointment.
• Please follow the signage to the designated entry door check-in station. 
• A facial covering (mask) that covers the nose, mouth and chin is required for entry into any campus building and must be worn for the duration of the visit. Masks with exhalation valves or vents are not acceptable due to their inability to contain expelled droplets. Disposable face masks will be provided if you do not have one.
• A verbal health screening and no-touch, digital temperature check will be conducted by a Department of Safety and Security Services (DSSS) officer or other designated individual at the entry point of each building prior to the scheduled appointment.
• Health screening questions:
  • Are you now experiencing, or in the last 72 hours have you experienced any of the following symptoms: Cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever (a temperature of 100.4°F [38°C] or higher), chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
  • In the past 14 days, have you tested positive for, or been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?
  • Have you traveled outside of the state of Ohio within the past 14 days? If the state you traveled to has been identified as a “hot spot,” a 14-day self-quarantine is required before coming to campus. The current listing of “hot spot” states can be found here.

Affirmative answers to any of the health screening questions may prevent you from completing an appointment or attending a face-to-face class.

• Temperature check:
  • A temperature reading over 100.4°F (38°C) or higher will prevent you from completing the appointment or attending a face-to-face class.

Upon satisfactory completion of both the health screening and temperature check, please adhere to the following requirements for the duration of your visit:

• Wear the dated sticker provided upon completion of your health screening. To protect your privacy, neither temperature results nor responses to the health questionnaire will be shared.  
• Observe the minimum six-foot social distancing requirement for the duration of the visit as denoted by the floor decals throughout the building.
• Leave the campus building using the designated exit points, upon conclusion of your appointment.

Upon unsatisfactory completion of the health screening and/or temperature check:

• You will be asked to exit the campus building and will be contacted within 48 hours by a University staff member to reschedule your appointment using one of the following:
  • Option 1: Schedule a phone or virtual appointment as soon as possible.
  • Option 2: Schedule a face-to-face appointment for a time and date after you have:
    • Been free of symptoms for at least 72 hours without the use of symptom-reducing medication and/or been tested negative for or adequately recovered from COVID-19 as described above and/or remained in Ohio and free of symptoms for a period of at least 14 days.

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.

March 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.

March 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. 

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?

All Franklin University classes will be delivered remotely for the remainder of the fall term. During this time, no classes will be offered on campus, and building access is 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.

Is Franklin University offering on-campus classes next term (Spring 2021)?

As Franklin University continues to adapt in response to COVID-19, we will be offering a limited selection of face-to-face courses on Main Campus for the Spring 2021 term. Registration for spring classes will begin Oct. 26.

What on-campus services are currently available?

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, the Student Services Center and the Learning Commons will open for appointment only, face-to-face operations. Appointments must be made in advance and students must follow all on-campus appointment requirements. 

Student Services: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
     Admissions
     Academic Advising
     International Students and Programs
     Student Financial Services
     Welcome Center
    
Learning Commons: Tuesday and Thursday, 2 p.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

How can I make an on-campus appointment? 

Use the links below to schedule appointments. 

Student Services Center
Academic Advising
Student Financial Services
Office of International Students and Programs
Accessibility Services
Student Life 
Career Services 

Learning Commons

• Student Meeting Rooms: If you wish to study in the Learning Commons space, print, or use a library computer, select this option. Appointments are 1 hour and 45 minutes maximum. Student are allowed 1 appointment per day for Meeting Rooms & Laptop Bar Seats. Due to COVID-19 only one student per Meeting Room is allowed. All Meeting Rooms have a computer.
• Laptop Bar Seat: If you wish to use your own laptop or other personal device to wirelessly print or study, select this option. Appointments are 1 hour and 45 minutes maximum. Student are allowed 1 appointment per day for Meeting Rooms & Laptop Bar Seats. Please note that we do not provide students with a laptop or other devices.
• Copy/Scan/Fax: To copy, scan or fax document using the library copier, select this option. Appointments are 15 minutes for this service.
• Book Pickup: If you have reserved a book from the Franklin library or OhioLINK, select a 15 minute appointment time to pick up the material(s). If you need to return material(s) to the library, you do not need an appointment, as we will have a contactless drop-off box available during open hours.
• Accounting Tutoring: In-person Accounting tutoring will be available by appointment only.
• Proficiency & Placement Testing: In-person Proficiency and Placement testing will be available by appointment only. These exams are also available to be proctored online from home. All class testing will remain online.

How early can I arrive on campus for classes?

Plan to arrive on campus in time to complete the required health screening, but no earlier than 5:30 p.m. Also please remember that you will not be permitted to bring food into the buildings but drinks will be permitted. There will also be limited availability of public use computers in common areas.

Given that COVID is an airborne virus, what precautions have been put in place?

In addition to the on-campus mask requirement, class sizes are capped at 12 students – one student per table in order to maintain safe social distance. 

Franklin’s buildings operate with MERV 9 and MERV 10 pleated filters in our systems, which accommodate filtration down to 1.0 -3.0 microns of dust particles. This is the desired rating identified by the CDC and is the rating desired for hospital laboratories.

Our air exchange will vary slightly from area to area but our base line is 4 changes/hour or every 15 minutes. Outside air intake and the CFM of the blower and VAV units can affect this rate if they are increased.

Each classroom is set up for 6 exchanges based on design to accommodate occupancy. 

Will Fall 2020 Commencement be held in person?

At this time, no decision has been made on Fall Commencement which is currently scheduled for January 2021. 

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. 

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.

How do I access tutoring sessions?

In an effort to maintain all COVID safety precautions, 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. 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 WC Online system - links are sent out with a confirmation email upon booking to access the Zoom session.

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. 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.

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.

Just as our lives have been disrupted by the Coronavirus, for many, our work lives have been disrupted as well. 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 like warehouses, shipping, and healthcare, that are hiring to meet demand based on our current environment.  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 (résumé 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).

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.

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. 

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: Library@franklin.edu

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

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. 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 March 9, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, temporarily allowing exemptions to F-1 students' full course of study requirements, such as allowing exclusively online coursework. In follow-up guidance on March 13, SEVP clarified that the exemptions were temporary and "only in effect for the duration of the emergency."

On July 6, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued updated guidance to go into effect for Fall 2020. In the July 6 update, SEVP stated that "(s)tudents attending schools operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States." The guidance included the statement that, "(a)ctive students currently in the United States enrolled in such programs must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status or potentially face immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings." 

In response to this change, higher education institutions and other organizations filed complaints within the U.S. court system. Citing the March 13 guidance that the exemptions were in effect for the duration of the emergency, the complaints requested that the U.S. government be prevented from enforcing the July 6 policy.

During a case hearing on July 14, the judge announced that the government had agreed to reverse the July 6 guidance and had agreed to return to the guidance issued on March 9. As a result, SEVP will temporarily return to allowing F-1 students to count online classes toward a full course of study.

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.