The need for physical distancing and the limited number of classroom spaces available means many classes will be taught remotely, and starting July 1, students will know whether their courses will be offered face-to-face or remotely. In anticipation of questions you may have, the College of Business and Office of Graduate Programs has put together this FAQ to help as we navigate this unprecedented fall semester. We will continue to update this page with additional questions and information.
FALL 2020 GRADUATE COURSE SCHEDULE FAQS
I am enrolled in a cohort-based graduate program (Executive MBA, Professional MBA, Professional MS in Management or Professional MS in Real Estate) and was automatically signed up for a face-to-face course. Do I have the option of participating in the course remotely?
Given the current state of the pandemic, opening safely this fall requires us to have fewer students on campus and in classes than normal. These executive or professional graduate programs were given priority to be face to face given their cohort nature and the expectation of a high level of interaction between students and the instructor. Faculty will be allowed to use some discretion with respect to the frequency of the physical meetings/sessions versus remote video conferencing sessions. Students enrolled in these executive or professional programs are expected to adhere to the delivery modality for the entire semester unless they become ill or have some other urgent issue which precludes them from doing so. You should immediately consult with your instructor and/or an adviser if you experience one of the latter.
My instructor changed, why?
In creating the new schedule, we had to balance safety concerns for both our students as well as our faculty and staff. Some changes were necessary to ensure that everyone remains safe.
Can I skip this semester and enroll in the spring when I hope things will be back to normal?
If you are enrolled in a market rate program the curriculum is designed to be lock-step and the sequence of course offerings is clearly defined for each cohort at the start of the program. Therefore, if you choose to “stop out” for a semester, there may be an option for you to be integrated into the next available cohort contingent upon when you opted out, where you are in terms of completing the program, and the cycle of when a new cohort may be started. However, there is no guarantee, and each case will be reviewed individually.
If you are enrolled in the Evening MBA program, you could “stop out” and pick up the remaining courses required to complete your degree program in subsequent semesters.
In either case, it is recommended that you check with an advisor to make sure you are not in a special situation that would negatively impact your standing or progress toward your degree before making a final decision. There may also be some financial ramifications, please check with your advisor and/or federal financial aid to ensure you understand how this decision might impact your finances.
Can I get a refund on classes I do not want to take?
The deadline for dropping courses is Aug. 28, 2020. If you are enrolled in a market rate cohort program you will need to notify Rebecca (Becky) Wagoner to request to be dropped from your courses before Aug. 28.
If you are enrolled in the Evening MBA program, you will need to contact Kelley Dietrich or cbagrad@ucf.edu with questions.
Will the Bloomberg Lab be open?
The Bloomberg Lab, located at the Dr. Phillips Academic Center, will be available for physical use by students enrolled in market rate cohort programs. You will need to use your UCF ID card to access the room. The Bloomberg Lab, located in BA-1 on the main campus, will not be available. To assist, we have made arrangements for students to access the Bloomberg Labs remotely as well. Check with your instructor or an adviser for more information about this option.
What about the events that the College of Business hosts for students throughout the semester?
The situation is still fluid. We will host as many things in a face-to-face setting as possible, but will no doubt have some activities/events that will be done on-line. Our alumni, corporate partners, potential employers, faculty, and staff still want to meet you, so we are going to be as creative as we can to make those meetings happen.
What if I think I have COVID-19 or think that I have been exposed to COVID-19?
If you think you may have been exposed, you should not attend face-to-face classes. You should get tested and inform your instructor you are awaiting the result. Continue to do your classwork remotely.
What if I test positive for COVID-19 during the semester?
A positive test result will mean you cannot be in our face-to-face classes. If you can document that you are asymptomatic and able to continue your studies, we will work with you to allow you to stay on track. If you are sick and have the proper documentation, a reasonable accommodation to make up work will be made. In very severe cases involving a lengthy absence, a medical withdrawal may be in order. Returning to Campus/Coronavirus Information
What if a student in class tests positive for COVID-19?
We may have to move the entire class online and keep all of the students in the course off campus for a period of time to minimize the impact on our UFC community.
Returning to Campus/Coronavirus Information
What if my instructor tests positive for COVID-19?
If it is a face-to-face class, we would treat the faculty member the same as a student under item 13. If the instructor is sick and cannot teach the course, we will find a substitute to fill in while the instructor recovers.
Returning to Campus/Coronavirus Information
What if the pandemic gets worse?
It is entirely possible that we will have to pivot to a remote learning format just as we did last spring.