听Fall 2020 Undergraduate Student FAQs
In response to COVID-19 and its impacts to CU 麻豆影院, we have compiled answers to frequently asked questions specific to the needs of both first-year and听continuing undergraduates.
First-year Students
Why should I come to CU in the fall?
Fall 2020 will be more than an 鈥渙nline鈥� experience.听When you start your journey here this fall, you will take the first steps on your path to becoming an educator and leader, meeting the faculty, staff, and fellow students who will be with you throughout your time here at the School of Education. As one of the smaller colleges on campus, we听enjoy a close-knit community, where we know each other by name and share a passion for improving our world. We look forward to meeting you this fall and helping you plant your roots in the School of Education. We are here to support you whether online or in person.
Will the School of Education College Day be in-person?
Your advising team is currently working to create an insightful and welcoming experience for our new students that will likely consist of both in-person and online components. In any event, we are working diligently to ensure that you feel confident joining your School of Education community this fall well-informed and poised for success.
Can I change my major or college over the summer?
Students may contact the Admissions Office to see if they are eligible to change major and/or college. 听Students interested in a change should inquire with the Admissions Office before July 1.
What if I want to change colleges after I have received my housing assignment and class schedule?
First contact the Admissions Office to see if you are eligible to change colleges; if approved, contact the Housing Office for guidance: 303-492-6673.
Will students still have enrollment windows, or will all first-years be automatically enrolled in the same courses?
First-year students will be pre-enrolled into most (if not all) of their courses by their advisors. 听Modified enrollment windows in the latter part of July will be communicated to students by the New Student & Family Programs Office. 听Open enrollment begins on August 3, and it will provide another opportunity to revise the fall course schedule, if appropriate.
I鈥檓 a new first-year student this summer term. When will I be able to enroll in fall classes?
You鈥檒l be pre-enrolled in some/all courses and then will have the July 20-21 enrollment window to make course adjustments, if appropriate (enrollment periods display in Buff Portal).
What will my fall course schedule look like?
The schedule for a typical first-year education student includes a student success course, elementary education- or leadership and community engagement-specific courses,听and select general education courses per your degree checklist. Your advisor will help you develop your schedule and will enroll you into your courses this fall.
What about AP and IB exam scores?
CU expects to receive AP and IB scores mid-to-late-July, and the Admissions Office will post any AP or IB earned college credit to student records by the end of July.
What if I need to revise my course schedule after the earned AP or IB credit posts to my student record?
Your advisor will听help you make adjustments as needed. Schedule an appointment as soon as you find you will need to make an adjustment to your schedule.
Will there be an option to change my enrolled classes?
Possibly, but students may experience some limitations in their ability to switch around their classes due to cohorting. Likely only online/remote classes will be available to switch into, so students should consult with their academic advisor if contemplating any course changes.
What is a cohort?
Cohorts are groups of students within the residence halls, typically organized by college or other affiliated group, to support safety and academic community. 听Cohorts within residence halls are managed by the various colleges, schools, and programs. 听For Fall 2020, education students will live in Willard Hall.
I鈥檓 not a first-year student. Will I have a cohort?
No.
How many students will be in my cohort?
Cohort sizes will vary.
Is there any recourse to switch my cohort?
Switching courses is typically not an option since cohorting is in place to ensure community safety. 听First-year education students enroll in similar classes, and we promote a flexible first year. 听If you have a question about your housing or room assignment, please contact the Housing Office: 303-492-6673.
If I can change my enrolled classes after the semester begins, what happens with my placement in my cohort?
Because students will remain in their original cohort placement, the ability to switch around classes is limited. 听Consult with your academic advisor if you have questions or concerns.
When will I find out my housing assignment & cohort?
The Housing Office will be notifying students throughout the summer, with all students receiving their room assignment on or before August 3. 听See the Housing FAQ for more information.
How will my on-campus experience look if I don鈥檛 live on campus?
First-year freshman students who are commuting to campus will also be cohorted, meaning they will also have a local community with whom they connect via course enrollments.
Continuing Students
What does the fall 2020 academic calendar look like?
Classes will begin on Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, and continue through Wednesday, Nov. 25. Fall break will be shortened (Thursday, Nov. 26 - Sunday, Nov. 29), and then all in-person teaching will shift to remote after Fall Break. The last day of classes is Monday, Dec. 7, followed by Reading Day on Dec. 8, and then final exams will take place between Dec. 9-13.
Why is CU reducing fall break and going remote after Thanksgiving?
We are doing this to reduce post-travel mixing between people after fall break, while still maximizing time for in-person teaching.
Will my meal plan/housing costs be adjusted if I don鈥檛 come back after Thanksgiving?
No. The time period after fall break represents less than 10% of on-campus instruction.
When will fall schedules be finalized and how will I know if my course schedule changes?
Curricular adjustments should be in place by mid-to-late-July, and the Registrar鈥檚 Office will be notifying students once schedules are set.
Is the passing period between classes being modified?
Yes. The passing period between classes will be increased to 20 minutes. The Registrar鈥檚 Office is updating start/end times of currently scheduled classes to accommodate this extended passing period. The Registrar鈥檚 Office will be notifying students once schedules are set.
When will I be able to adjust my fall course schedule?
Continuing students will be able to make fall schedule adjustments starting on Aug. 3 (enrollment periods display in Buff Portal).
How will in-person classes be structured?
Faculty are revising course syllabi to share this (and other) information. All in-person learning must be calibrated so that classrooms meet physical-distancing requirements. Classes of more than 50 students will not be able to meet in person if all students are present in the classroom on the same day/time.
Will all classes have a remote option? Will I still be able to take classes if I can鈥檛 be physically on campus?
Departments and programs must offer enough fully remote and/or online options so that students who are unable to participate in person can make progress toward their degrees.
What does academic support look like?
Resources for your academic success will continue to be available! Tutoring, office hours, help rooms, will all be available through a mix of in-person, remote, and/or online modes. 听
How will I get in touch with my academic advisor or academic coach during the fall semester?
Working with your advisor can be done virtually, as was done for most of the spring 2020 semester, typically through Zoom (video chat or telephone). Make an appointment with your academic advisor via Buff Portal Advising or simply email them with your full name, ID, and preferred day and time to meet.听
I鈥檓 a new first-year student this summer term. When will I be able to enroll in fall classes?
You鈥檒l be pre-enrolled in some/all courses and then will have the July 20-21 enrollment window to make course adjustments, if appropriate (enrollment periods display in Buff Portal).
I鈥檓 not a first-year student. Will I have a cohort?
No.
Is CU extending their spring 2020 Pass/Fail policy to fall 2020?
No, the extended Pass/Fail policy was for the spring 2020 semester only. 听However, the timeline for students to choose the Pass/Fail grading basis has changed from the third week to the 10th week of the semester. The deadline to make that change on Buff Portal for the fall 2020 semester is Friday, Oct. 30, but remember that engineering students must be approved via petition ahead of time to take a class on Pass/Fail or Not-for-Credit grading basis.
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Program Overview
The following program overviews听provide a snapshot of what you can expect to experience in your chosen program听whether you're pursuing a major听or teacher licensure听through School of Education. Our majors and minors听are each听unique and have their own distinct degree plans. Because of this,听it is best to meet with an听advisor听to get a better understanding of what your experience will look like. Please refer to the School of Education Student听Handbook for a more complete list of听resources.听
Student Handbook
Use this handbook听to help听navigate听policies and procedures听for the School of Education majors, minors, and听teacher education programs. It is our hope that in conjunction with this tool, you may lean on our advising support听for guidance. In this handbook you will find many helpful听resources to guide you along the way. 听
