President David Johns updated the campus community regarding plans for fall 2020 in the letter, below.
Dear Ferrum Family,
On Saturday, May 9, we honored 200 graduates at our first ever virtual commencement ceremony. I am proud of our faculty, staff, and especially our students who showed remarkable perseverance this semester to reach this milestone. Although it was not the commencement any of us expected, it was nevertheless filled with joy, celebration, reflection, and hope as the class of 2020 turned its sights toward the future.
At Ferrum College, we are also looking toward the future, and have already begun planning for Fall 2020. While the COVID-19 crisis will alter higher education for the foreseeable future, we are committed to our mission of providing an educational experience that fosters intellectual curiosity and prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.
To that end, I am pleased to announce that we intend to reopen our campus this fall, to offer on-site instruction, and provide a residential experience for our students.
We are in the process of developing social distancing and safety protocols to ensure a safe campus environment, and we will continue to seek the guidance of our public health experts. While we are optimistic about returning to campus, we will not do anything to jeopardize the health and well-being of our students and community; thus we will provide regular updates throughout the summer about returning to campus, housing, athletics, classes, and more.
To provide more flexibility, fall semester will be divided into two terms, with classes beginning on August 25. Students will receive detailed information pertaining to their fall course registrations in the coming weeks.
Other changes will include:
This is an unprecedented time for many of us, but it is not unprecedented for our College. Founded on the eve of World War I, Ferrum has endured challenging times since its inception. And for over 100 years Ferrum responded to times of uncertainty with resilience (#FerrumMeansIron), commitment to each other (#NotSelfButOthers), and strength (#FerrumStrong).
The grit and determination that has sustained us in the past will carry us into the future. The values that have inspired the Ferrum Family for decades, inspire us still. We have not so much encountered an obstacle these past few months, as we have reached a turning point; this fall we begin a new chapter in the Ferrum story, and I invite each of you to be part of it.
With Panther Pride,
David L. Johns, Ph.D.
President
On May 5, 2020, Ferrum College invites donors to make a gift to the Ferrum Fund to keep #FerrumStrong.
The Ferrum Fund provides current and future students with:
Visit www.ferrum.edu/ferrumstrong to support students by keeping #FerrumStrong.
This effort is an extension of #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity, set to take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Learn more about #GivingTuesdayNow here.
Members of Health and Human Performance classes participate in virtual yoga.
Ferrum, VA, April 7, 2020 — To do its part to slow the spread of the pandemic novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Ferrum College moved to a distance learning plan effective March 18. Students and faculty had less than a week to prepare to go fully online. Although there have been frustrations, the overwhelming assessment has been one of triumph. Faculty and students alike are finding unique ways to teach and learn.
Ferrum College’s Instagram accounts are full of distance learning posts. Health and Human Performance students are involving their family members in tai chi assignments and practicing yoga during Zoom sessions. On March 31, Director of Student Leadership and Engagement Justin Muse held a virtual trivia game with 45 attendees. And students are using current events to take learning into their own hands. History Professor Tim Daniels’ class Honors 210, Reason and the Individual, asked to study disease and public health using yellow fever and cholera epidemics during the Enlightenment to understand economics, social distinctions, and early public health care.
Faculty members are finding silver linings in the current distance learning situation, as well.
“Distance learning forced me to look carefully at my subject matter and prioritize,” said Associate Professor of Religion Eric Vanden Eykel. “I had to spend a few days going through my remaining class sessions and asking myself what is necessary and what could wait. Students have found the transition difficult, but I’m pleased to say that most of mine are doing great keeping up with the new format.”
Professor of English Tina Hanlon has found that students have actually asked more in-depth questions virtually than during some in-person classes. In her English 102 class, her students were fascinated by retired Professor of Theatre Arts Rex Stephenson’s play Too Free For Me. Stephenson spoke to the students in a virtual class session after they submitted written questions.
“It’s sad that these students couldn’t meet Rex in person with some of the past actors who were going to visit my classes, but by doing it in writing, we got such interesting questions and answers—nine pages worth after I finished typing up the answers,” said Hanlon.
However, the knowledge remains that campus is quiet during a time when it should be bustling.
“What I really miss is seeing my students two or three times a week and watching them grow as readers, writers, and thinkers,” said Professor of English Katherine Grimes.
Click here to see the activities of students, faculty, and staff over the last few weeks. Be sure to post your activities on Instagram and tag #FerrumStrong to have your photos included!
