PRESCOTT, Ariz., May 26, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Prescott
College announced a 4x4 block-class plan starting in the fall of
2020 to offer face-to-face classes on campus and in the field as
part of a multi-tiered plan designed to mitigate risk of COVID-19.
Under the plan, students will take one course at a time for four
weeks, as opposed to taking multiple on-campus courses
simultaneously while moving from class to class each day. In each
of four, four-week sessions, students will study with a small
(approximately 12 or fewer), distinct cohort of peers.
"This 4x4 block-class plan is in the best interest of students,"
stated Prescott College President John
Flicker. "Our goal is to create a safe and dynamic learning
space that will allow us to optimize field- and community-based
studies, so students can learn and explore in the fresh air as
often as possible with the advantage of our mild four season
climate."
Prescott has offered block
courses for over 50 years, but the College is now expanding the
schedule of block courses for on-campus programs to increase
flexibility and to minimize contacts among faculty, staff, and
students. Prescott also offers a
wide range of undergraduate and graduate online courses in blocks
of various lengths that will remain unchanged. The enhanced block
schedule makes it easier for students to move between online and
on-campus formats during the year as needed.
While schools in neighboring California have announced a completely online
delivery for the 2020-21 academic year, Prescott offers a unique alternative with an
adaptable framework. "Our size is truly an advantage. With smaller
on-campus class sizes, we're able to pivot quickly if the situation
changes," said Erin Lotz, Dean of
On-Campus Programs. "From a student perspective, taking only one
course at a time means less mental shifting among coursework, and
the deep dive into subject matter helps with student engagement
during this dynamic time," Lotz added.
According to Kristine Preziosi,
Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Risk Manager at Prescott College, risk management protocols
for reopening the campus have been designed in accordance with the
CDC Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education, as well
as Federal, state, and local guidelines in ways that prioritize
safety and well-being for students, faculty, and staff.
"Our plan includes a combination of testing, screening, and
monitoring which will enable us to track the health and well-being
of our entire campus community. Physical changes to campus are
being made to encourage distancing. Students will move into single
occupancy dorm rooms from day one but pay the lower double
occupancy rate," said Preziosi.
Courses for the first on-campus block will begin on August 25, 2020.
Visit Prescott.edu/block for the most up-to-date information,
including the new Block Schedule for Fall 2020, videos, resources,
and more.
About Prescott
College
Founded in 1966, Prescott College
offers four-year undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and a
Ph.D. program utilizing an experiential, interdisciplinary model
that attracts students motivated to make a difference in the world.
Since 1978, the College has offered distance learning opportunities
that bring students and faculty from around the globe together to
share perspectives and experiences to make a difference in the
world. For more information, visit www.Prescott.edu.
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SOURCE Prescott College