Looking back and looking ahead for student success

What a year it’s been so far! As we reflect on the first half of 2020 and look to the future, we wanted to share how students are being supported behind the scenes at Douglas College. We spoke to Sarah Dench, Associate Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs, to learn more about what students are currently facing and what we can do to help.

Supporting student success

Since March, students and instructors have successfully transitioned from in-person learning to learning entirely online. During this time, access to student services – from Accessibility Services to Counselling to Advising and Financial Aid – has been more crucial than ever.

“The various teams that support students across the College continue to focus resources on our existing services while looking at where we need to make incremental adjustments or enhance technology, so to speak, to ensure students have easy access as much as possible,” says Sarah.

Some of these incremental adjustments include remote one-on-one counselling and advising appointments, new online virtual mindfulness workshops, support groups designed to help students cope with uncertainty and stress, online fitness classes, and learning resources and strategies for online learning, communication and staying motivated. Orientation for new students will be offered entirely online in late August, and will involve services and faculties from across the College. 

“Some students have expressed that they continue to feel really challenged by remote learning. Many students miss classroom collaboration and the ability to work directly with their peers in  class and in other College settings,” Sarah says. “But we’ve also heard from other students that they really appreciate the flexibility and that they’ve been better able to fit their education into their lives because of family or employment obligations.”

Enhancing teaching tools

In addition to services being offered directly to students, there is important work going on behind the scenes to support instructors as they switch to remote teaching and learning. Faculty mentors with online teaching experience have been put in place to advise and coach instructors as they deliver their courses remotely. Technological tools – from Zoom to Blackboard – have been upgraded or on-boarded to address the various needs of instructors, students and course requirements.

“We are continuing to look into creative solutions and different learning technologies for areas like lab sciences, where students need to be hands-on in their learning,” Sarah says. “We’re exploring how to continue offering these courses in a meaningful way that meets learning outcomes but recognizes that we have new health and safety considerations.”

Looking forward

Despite the challenges we’ve all faced this year, there are many accomplishments to be celebrated. In June 1,590 students graduated, joining the growing community of nearly 70,000 Douglas alumni. In the 2019/20 academic year, the Foundation distributed over $2 million in awards, scholarships and bursaries. Over $88,000 has been dispersed so far to students experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID. The need for Fall semester is expected to be higher. 

This ongoing success of Douglas’ students during this time is not without the help of those in our community. “We are so appreciative of the support we continue to receive from Douglas College alumni and friends. Whether it’s been financial or moral support, or finding opportunities for our students to continue to be employed and engaged in experiential learning – all those types of opportunities are crucial to what students get out of their education. This support makes an incredible difference, so we thank you,” Sarah says.

While Douglas plans to slowly and carefully reintroduce some in-person learning for the Fall Semester, the College will continue with remote delivery if these circumstances continue. “Ultimately, it’s safety first, and we’re going to remain very nimble and continue listening to our students and instructors,” says Sarah. “Support throughout this whole process is incredibly appreciated.”

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can empower the student learning experience at Douglas College, please contact Shannon McInnes.  

 

 

 

 

Help us do what matters

Your gift entirely supports Douglas College students and their learning experience. 

Donate

Contact us

Have questions about how to enhance the student experience at Douglas College? Our Manager of Philanthropic Relations, Shannon McInnes, would love to speak with you. 

Phone 604 218 2675

Twitter
Facebook Icon