In the face of uncertainty of COVID-19, Walsh University is preparing for Fall 2020 by announcing bold measures to meet its students’ needs including financial incentives, new majors, a more flexible eight-week term and a designated cross-campus Task Force to concentrate on plans moving forward and safety procedures related to COVID-19.
Walsh University intends to offer a full residential life experience in the fall that will include both in-person and online course offerings.
“We are building our nation’s next generation of leaders. Because of this, education must continue. It must be flexible, and it must evolve to meet the challenges of the day,” said Walsh University President Dr. Tim Collins. “At Walsh University, we are committed to leading the way in planning for an uncertain future as we search for new ways to help support our students as they fulfill their academic dreams.”
Free Room for Freshmen/Transfers, Tuition Freeze for Sophomores to Seniors
In direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Walsh University will offer incoming Fall 2020 full-time freshmen and transfer students the opportunity to live on campus for free during their first eight-week term. This is in addition to the already planned freshman tuition freeze and four-year graduation guarantee. For upperclassmen, the University will freeze tuition for all sophomore, junior and senior students for two years beginning with the 2020-21 academic year. These measures are to help provide financial stability during this challenging time.
"One of the benefits of being a private university is that we can be agile in our program development and our financial aid funding for students. And that is just what we are doing," said Vice President for Enrollment Management Rebecca Coneglio. "These new initiatives are part of our commitment to providing relevant and in-demand majors, while supporting Walsh’s mission to make college affordable and accessible for all students, no matter their financial circumstances. In today's climate, that mission is more important than ever."
New Majors
Following an extensive review of academic programs conducted over the past three years, Walsh University is announcing ten new undergraduate academic programs to augment the existing academic portfolio of offerings available to students. These new majors will be available to both traditional and Digital Campus students in a hybrid of in-person and online formats. In partnership with the Lower Cost Models for Independent Colleges Consortium (LCMC), Walsh University is the consortium’s only Northeast Ohio member. The LCMC was created with support from the Davis Educational Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Ten New Majors Include:
Based on low enrollment data and employment trends after a three-year analysis, Walsh is also phasing out majors in art history, music, math, English, international relations and history. Currently enrolled students will be able to complete their majors in these areas. As a University committed to the liberal arts, these classes will remain fully integrated into Walsh’s course offerings and continue to be available as minors for interested students.
Eight-Week Academic Terms
Beginning in Fall 2020, Walsh University will transition from 15-week to eight-week terms, which will provide more flexibility for students to earn their college degree at their preferred pace, pursue internships, employment and other learning activities as they complete their degrees. Over the length of the semester, students will take a full load of courses, but will do so through two consecutive terms, rather than simultaneously. Research indicates that shorter course terms support student success and improve overall satisfaction with the college experience. Shorter terms with less classes are more immersive and provide an opportunity for students to focus on their coursework more. Students who take all six terms in a year could graduate in less than three years. The transition will also provide students more flexibility to quickly move between online or in-class based on their preference.
Task Force Focused on Fall 2020
To support the University’s intention to be fully residential in Fall 2020, Walsh University has created a Task Force to oversee the restart of programs in a safe and timely manner. The team represents all facets of the Walsh University organization who currently meet daily to review operations and security measures necessary to ensure the continued health and wellbeing of the entire Walsh University campus community, in compliance with State health official recommendations. The Task Force’s goal is to provide Walsh leadership with several operational plans and recommendations for Fall 2020 in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is Walsh University’s intention to comply with all government guidelines surrounding a safe return to campus life.
The Task Force will be working with Aultman and AultCare medical professionals who will be offering guidance for health and safety protocols to ensure our students and staff have the highest standard of safety.
