University of Evansville adapts to increase in demand for online options

As COVID-19 continues to disrupt business as usual for so many, universities are finding ways to adapt for both current and prospective students. One struggle for University of Evansville and prospective students is the important tradition of campus tours. Between restrictions on campus access and difficulty scheduling college entrance exams, some students struggle to get a sense of campus life and to have what is needed for the application process. Additionally, universities have had to scramble to adapt to the need for online learning opportunities, particularly for students and faculty who may be at higher risk for contracting the virus.

UE has policies in place that can help ease the crunch for students in the application process. One policy eliminates the need for the usual standardized test requirements. As access to SAT testing has been restricted, this is one way that UE can be more accommodating to incoming students. Students who are reliant on test scores for scholarships will be allowed to submit their scores after they've been accepted. Another revision to the admissions process is that UE is now accepting unofficial transcripts and allowing prospective students to apply from a cell phone. UE has also been able to work within the pandemic-era restrictions to provide safe, in-person access to prospective students.

As for current students, UE has been working to increase online class availability. Some of the new opportunities were made possible by a $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment. As UE was forced to adapt to an online learning platform in the spring of 2020 due to COVID-19, the university began to realize the profound advantages of having a strong, technologically-advanced educational programs. Lessons were learned about the implementation and expansion of online learning and the grant from the Lilly Endowments is allowing administrators to capitalize on the knowledge gained during the improvised response to COVID-19. The reaction to the pandemic also ties into the overhaul of higher education as we move into the more virtually based environment of the 21st century. University of Evansville president Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz stated as much in a recent press release, "This generous gift we have received from Lilly Endowment will help us transform the educational experience of our students at the University of Evansville. As the world of technology continues to evolve and shape education, we are committed to investing and developing our technological capabilities as a growing sector for the future."

The details of the university's plan include the creation of an Office of Strategic Technology and Online Learning, housed within the Office of Academic Affairs. The new department will be tasked with ensuring that students can expect the same quality education in a virtual setting as they do in the classroom. Faculty will be able to access support and training opportunities as they adapt their courses to fit an online format. The plan also includes upgrades to classrooms on campus, making traditional class lectures available to students working remotely. This will increase access for international students, students working full-time will be able to access classes from work, and students who may be at higher risk for infection. Additionally, the grant will fund access to software for the university to solve issues with security for exam taking, video capturing, and synchronous learning. Finally, the plan will enable UE to develop new degree and certification programs. The hope is that these new programs will attract displaced workers and help local employers meet the ever-changing demands of a new, more virtual economy.

Universities all over the country, and the world, are learning to evolve in an era of increased demand for creative technological solutions to improve access to learning. This new era was born of an increasingly interconnected world, and spurred to faster development by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the tools needed to adapt to a public health crisis will prove useful in the trend toward online learning for the future.