MSCHE Self Study April 2021

Beginning in June 2020, the programs began a phased reopening ( Campus Ramp ‐ Up Plan ) that included some rescheduling of course and laboratory requirements and the use of a hybrid approach of remote access lectures and in ‐ person educational labs and clinics. This has been extended into the fall term and will continue into the spring of 2021. Research activities fully resumed as of August 2020.  Professional development. All in ‐ person group activities larger than ten people with social distancing and PPE are suspended as of October 2020, and will remain so until conditions improve. All faculty meetings and faculty and staff development workshops have been converted to synchronous remote access activities and will remain that way until further notice. Although essential travel on official college business is technically allowed, it is discouraged and no air travel has been requested or approved since the onset of the pandemic. The College continues to fund faculty development activities and has adopted policies and programs for travel, screening, surveillance, and rapid testing to support student, faculty and staff in ‐ person activities while keeping the community safe.  Possible lasting impact. Several elements of the academic experience during this period will likely have a lasting impact on the program. Interactive remote access meetings will help reduce the need to travel unless necessary and safe. Alternative teaching activities have improved some delivery and will likely remain in place and support flipped classroom activities. Video introductory basic materials have been developed for lectures, labs, discussion groups and clinic rotations. Elements of the virtual clinics related to case management and decision making will likely continue based on positive feedback from faculty and students.

Standard IV: Support of the Student Experience

Linkage of Standard to Institutional Priorities A declining applicant pool and the addition of new optometry programs over the past decade has increased the competition for enrolling a diverse and highly qualified student body. The College’s 2018 ‐ 23 Strategic Plan includes the following goals, which are also strategic priorities for this self ‐ study and addressed in this standard:  Enhance the student experience through programs that promote student and alumni success  Attract the brightest and most motivated students with demonstrated leadership potential

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