REMOTE STUDY INFORMATION
The Academic Program
One of the first concerns expressed by students was about their courses. Understandably, many were afraid they would lose their academic credits for the current semester. Others were concerned that by losing this semester they will not graduate on time. Umbra immediately understood the anxiety the cancellation caused. Therefore, we immediately proceeded to create a plan to allow students to receive credit for the coursework done to date, continue and complete their courses, and receive final grades and transcripts.
We are pleased to announce the Umbra Professors will be continuing instruction online so that all students can complete their courses and obtain full academic credit for the Spring 2020 semester.
Umbra has instructed all faculty to prepare and teach their courses remotely. Professors are restructuring their syllabi in order to keep students’ experiences as intercultural as possible. We have every trust in our professors’ ability to effectively deliver the course content, communicate effectively, assign and grade work, and perform a thorough assessment of students’ learning outcomes to establish a fair and final grade for the course.
Remote Teaching & Learning
The Umbra Institute has decided to move all courses onto the Learning Management Systems platform Moodle (which is very similar to Canvas and other LMSs). You will be enrolled by us into your Moodle classes, and classes will begin on March 16th and end on April 30th. You will get a password to access Umbra’s Moodle on the 12th or 13th of March. Professors will hold regular office hours via Skype, so if you don’t have Skype yet, please sign up for it.
Before that, your professors will be in touch with you via e-mail and send you:
- their adapted syllabi
- requirements for their course besides Moodle
- their username on Skype
- and their designated office hours when they will be available over Skype
We established the date of Monday, March 16th for all remote classes to begin to allow ample time for students to complete the break, arrange departures, and settle in once they return home. Classes are scheduled to end on Thursday, April 30th, with the last week dedicated to Final Exams, the hand-in of Research Papers and/or Final Online Presentations.
Support and Questions
The staff at the Institutes will be available for logistical support and problem-solving. Don’t hesitate to contact the Institute staff to discuss this academic plan.
Direct Enrollment Students: the University of Perugia and University for Foreigners
Please note that the Umbra Institute is working with students studying at one of the Italian universities on a case-by-case basis. Direct Enrollment students have been in touch with our Direct Enrollment Coordinator for guidance.