It was an exciting time for Vaughn College as we welcomed back our students and faculty to the fall 2020 semester. We understand back-to-school is looking different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. In keeping with our commitment to our students’ success and safety, as well as our dedication to a high-quality educational environment, Vaughn has worked diligently over the past months to make the transition to online learning smooth and convenient.

In addition to having moved all classes to an online format in a matter of just one week, Vaughn created a lineup of virtual sessions, events and services designed to not only give peace of mind to students and families, but to provide them with the information and tools they need to succeed.

The student affairs department hosted a virtual information session, which offered families and students a platform to ask questions about how Vaughn would be operating in the fall, and how it planned to ensure each child’s safety and success. Here is an outline of the College’s flexible approach to learning:

A flexible approach to learning

Through careful consideration, Vaughn planned a flexible approach to learning that gives students and faculty members some options that incorporated best matches to student learning styles with the modality of instruction. Four types of instruction exist that fall within two categories:  synchronous (at the same time) or asynchronous (self-paced). Here is how they break down:

• Synchronous (at the same time)
  • Face-to-face—These courses are taught face-to-face in a traditional classroom setting.
  • Online—These courses will be taught fully online.*

• Asynchronous (self-paced)
  • Hybrid—Hybrid courses are approximately 50 percent online and 50 percent on-campus.        Students can expect to attend lectures online while going to labs in person.*
  • Online (traditional online)—These courses operate fully online with all content delivered entirely asynchronously.

How virtual learning nurtures life-building skills

We understand how “going off to college” may currently mean staying closer to home. This could actually be a good thing. And here’s why: Did you know virtual learning could help with personal growth? It’s true. Here are some ways virtual learning can help you develop life-building skills:

• Builds confidence
• Develops discipline
• Inspires independence
• Creates organizational skills
• Encourages becoming a self-starter

Here are some of the virtual experiences Vaughn has offered, and will continue to offer:

Virtual Information and Registration Events to Support Students

Express Registration Events—To ease the enrollment process for students, Vaughn hosted express registration events for continuing students and implemented a new ombudsman tool, named “the Zoom Front Desk,” to make registering for upcoming semesters simple and flexible.

College Success Programs—To help with college preparation, information sessions were hosted for prospective students interested in the Vaughn College Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). This academic and financial support program helps students enroll in and succeed through graduation. The sessions provided insight to the success stories of current Vaughn HEOP students and the opportunities that are available. Read about HEOP graduate, Xylene DeCoteau and how the program helped her achieve her dream of flying and obtaining her bachelor’s degree in aircraft operations.

Transfer Information Sessions—An overview of Vaughn’s academic degrees and programs, a preview of the College’s fees, scholarship opportunities and the admissions process were presented during the sessions for interested transfer students. As a bonus, students in attendance were given the opportunity to apply to Vaughn for free as well as a chance to win a $500 scholarship!

Aviation Training Institute (ATI) Information Sessions—Designed for students interested in pursuing a futureproof career working as maintenance technicians in the fields of aviation, transportation and public utilities, this session explored the opportunities in this growing field, the aspects of Vaughn’s Aviation Training Institute and how to enroll.

 Fun events to reconnect are also in full swing at Vaughn

Wellness Sessions and Challenges

Wellness and nutrition go hand in hand to maintain a healthy body and mind. Numerous virtual events were led by the athletics, wellness and counseling departments to discuss these vital elements as they relate to the performance and health of Vaughn’s students and student athletes. Virtual counseling sessions with Dr. Stacey Dutil, director of counseling and wellness, are beneficial to students and provide another way Vaughn is helping support students’ well-being and success during this difficult time.

Read more about how you can improve your wellness and boost your mood while social distancing in our blog, “Is Distance Learning Closing in on You? Try These Mood-Boosting Tips.”

Here are some other great virtual sessions Vaughn has designed to keep students healthy and motivated while supporting academic success:

• Workout boot camps
• Tele-counseling
• Tutoring
• Academic services
• Career services
• Street hockey—residence hall parking lot
• Volleyball tournament—residence hall parking lot
• Welcome assembly—via Zoom
• First-generation college mixer—via Zoom
• Outdoor movie night—campus parking lot

A great year ahead

As we navigate through this “new normal,” we want to assure our students that their safety and education are our top priorities and we will continue to support them in every way we can. We look forward to a fruitful year for all, even during these challenging times.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in engineering and technology, management, or aviation? Today, Vaughn is more committed to your success than ever before. Did you know that 99 percent of our graduates—83 percent in their chosen field—are employed or continue their education within one year?

Discover all that’s possible. Apply to Vaughn College today.

Welcome back!