The Plan

Bennett College is launching alternative systems to deliver classes and programs for the Fall semester.  After careful research, analysis and consideration, we have made a decision to operate remotely for the Fall semester. This was a data-driven decision, but one that was guided by principles that place the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff above everything else.

We did not come to this decision lightly. The Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors reviewed the growing body of research showing that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionately negative impact on Black women. As a Black women’s college, we could not afford to put our students at risk. We were equally concerned about faculty and staff--many who are in demographic groups that are more likely to be at risk of negative outcomes from COVID-19.  

We looked at dozens of scenarios and determined that there was no way for us to bring students back to campus and keep them safe from the pandemic. When we weighed the benefits versus the costs, there was nothing that outweighed the value of the lives of members of our Bennett family. 

While we were considering the ramifications of the pandemic, we never took our eyes off the long-term goals for the college and our students. We have planned a semester that promised to deliver high-quality academics, wrap-around support services, and a full array of community engagement experiences. We will miss seeing each other in person, but students won’t miss out on a high-value education. 

We are choosing to look at this decision—born of necessity—as an opportunity for growth.

Resources

Below are helpful resources that provide more information about our Fall 2020 Plan. Please check back regularly, as more resources will added.

FAQS

We carefully considered every aspect of college life to address the concerns and challenges that would arise in responding to the pandemic. While we enter the semester with faith and confidence in our decisions, we understand that change brings questions. Here, we address the concerns we expect from students and other members of our community.

We want the entire Bennett family to know where we’re headed and understand the rationale behind the decisions we’re making. This is a shifting situation and decisions will have to be made carefully, thoughtfully, and quickly in response to new concerns. We will  address new questions as they arise and we will continue to update this space accordingly.

It shouldn’t. We’ve planned the block schedules so that you will have the same number of classes as you would in a face-to-face class. You’ll still be able to take 15 credit hours—which should keep you on track.
This isn’t just hop online, watch a video, and take a test. In classes, you will be engaging with your professor and doing interactive activities that support REAL learning.
Let’s talk. While we can’t bring you back to campus for safety reasons, we do have a strong team that will support you in getting the resources you need in order to do well. Contact VP Catherine Hurd at catherine.hurd@bennett.edu, and Dean Kimberly Drye-Dancey at kdrye-dancy@bennett.edu.
We don’t know. No one knows. The nature of a pandemic is that its spread can be unpredictable. We want you back, but we just don’t know when we’ll be able to bring you safely back to campus. We’ll be preparing for that.
Tuition charges will not change; however, for the Fall 2020 semester there will not be a charge for room and board (meals) and the comprehensive fee will be adjusted as appropriate for remote instruction.
In minimester scheduling, students take one course at a time for approximately 3-4 weeks followed by a short break of a few days. The traditional 16-week semester into 3 minimesters.

Minimester 1
1 two-week minimester where you will take one or two classes at the beginning of the semester

Minimester 2
1 seven-week minimester where you will take at least 2 classes (and a lab if required)
  • Classes will meet Monday/Wednesday and/or Tuesday/Thursday; Fridays are reserved for labs
  • Morning classes will typically meet from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Afternoon classes will typically meet from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    • Minimester 3
    1 seven-week minimester where you will take at least 2 classes (and a lab if necessary)
  • Classes will meet Monday/Wednesday and/or Tuesday/Thursday; Fridays are reserved for labs
  • Morning classes will typically meet from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Afternoon classes will typically meet from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Evening classes will also be available (time TBD)

    • You will participate remotely in small discussion-based classes, where professors will engage you, encourage you to grow, and respect your stride. The Minimester Plan allows you to focus your energies on one or two classes at a time. The academic focus of the Minimester Plan allows you to create flexibility in your schedule, leaving sufficient time each day for your passions outside of class—time to participate in student organizations, student activities, internships, work, civic engagement, and career planning.

    The Minimester Plan provides you the space and time for focused learning and academic exploration. It helps you to break from the norm and be creative.
    The Office of Student Experience is committed to helping you to stay connected to your BC sisters through student activities, clubs and organizations. We will continue to work with student clubs and organizations, the student activities committee and SGA to provide students with an engaging Fall 2020 semester outside the classroom. We are planning some great programs that will help to keep you engage…stay tuned, more to come (hint…virtual Ms. Bennett College).
    Many of the Holgate Library resources can be accessed from the library website (e.g. articles, periodicals, open textbook resources, etc.). Interlibrary Loan is still available for electronic copies only. We are not able to ship library items at this time.
    If you do not have access to technology equipment or internet services, please reach out to VP Catherine Hurd (catherine.hurd@bennett.edu) and/or Dean Kimberly Drye-Dancy (kdrye-dancy@bennett.edu) via email and they will assist you with your technology needs.
    The business operations of the college will be conducted remotely with some staff reporting to their specific offices periodically; however, the campus will remain closed to visitors, etc.
    Internship questions should be addressed by the chair of your program. Some students will be able to complete their hours while others may be moved to the Spring. Internships will be addressed on a case by case basis.
    Due to COVID-19, there will be no study abroad this fall. We are hopeful that study abroad will reopen in Spring 2021, and we will be following the advice of international health experts.

    Have A Question?

    If you have additional questions about our Fall 2020 Plan, please feel free to contact us using the form below.

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