Information for Current Students

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

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 Spring 2021?

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 for the Spring 2021 term. 

For the Summer 2021 term, which begins in May, Franklin University will 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. 

Will Spring 2020 Commencement be held in person?

Amid continued concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Spring Commencement, has been transitioned to a virtual event and will be held Friday, June 18 at 7 p.m. 

Diplomas will be mailed to all graduates in late May along with caps and gowns for students who have already ordered them. Your degree completion/graduation will be reflected on official transcripts by the end of May.

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.