Pivots & Silver Linings: Staying Student Centered During a Pandemic
John Woodruff, Director, Academic Success Center & Disability Resources
Lara Roberts LeBeau, Assistant Director of Testing Services
Melissa Banuelos, Graduate Coordinator
Rowan University
The impact of COVID-19 on colleges and universities was abrupt, immediate and presented multiple challenges. The pandemic left little time for schools to ramp up and pivot towards alternate modes of course delivery while continuing to provide student services and resources. This necessity to rethink of ways to best serve students also created opportunities and silver linings in remaining student-centered.
This session will explore the pivots and silver linings brought about by COVID-19 and the opportunities for schools to rethink their physical and virtual campus programming and practices specific to best support the student experience.
Through conducting a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), along with employee, faculty and student feedback, schools will be able to enhance current best practices for a physical and virtual campus during the pandemic and beyond.
In addition to academic course delivery, the session will examine campus collaborations with student organizations and departments including Disability Resources, Testing, and Campus Student Activities in providing virtual student programming during a pandemic.
Our session will also look at best practices in engaging current and incoming students (along with the adults who support them) during the orientation/onboarding process, including summer bridge programs for students with disabilities.
Examples will include new, enhanced programs and services offered in virtual settings such as: Book a Desk, Asynchronous Enrichment Videos, Academic Coaching and Tutoring, Orientation/Onboarding sessions, College Compass Summer Bridge Program, and remote proctoring options that include supports such as readers and scribes.
John Woodruff is Director of the Academic Success Center and Disability Resources at Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey. He coordinates campus services for students with disabilities and manages transitions for students entering college. John holds an MS in Health Education from St. Joseph’s University and a BS in Business Administration from St. Francis University (Loretto, Pennsylvania). John Is the co-author of a book with Dr. Michelle Kowalsky entitled, Creating Inclusive Library Environments. His most recent activities include outreach to faculty and students to increase empathy for the varying needs of students; development of year-round speaker programs, activities, and events to promote understanding on campus and in the local community; and leadership of faculty-led and community–led strategic partnerships for awareness, training and mentoring. John’s professional career reflects over thirty years of education, training, administration and management of employment and training programs for persons with disabilities.
Lara Roberts LeBeau is Assistant Director of Testing Services at Rowan University, and also teaches the Freshman Experience Course, Rowan 101. After earning a Bachelor of Psychology degree from Rutgers University, Lara had a 17 year career in the mortgage industry. Entering as a Customer Service Representative, and working her way through training and advancements to her final position as a Senior Underwriter, Lara decided to use the re-structure of the mortgage industry to continue her education. Lara's interest in neurodiversity and inclusive education and employment began during her graduate school work, where she worked as a substitute teacher many classroom settings. She was often asked to substitute in the self-contained classroom for students on the autism spectrum because of her affinity for this group of learners. She earned a M.A. in Counseling in Educational Settings from Rowan University, and was pleased to begin working there after graduation. Lara first joined the University as the Interim Coordinator of Tutoring Services before working as the Assistant Director of Testing Services, where she continues to serve.
Melissa Banuelos is a second-year graduate student studying Higher Education Administration at Rowan University. She also serves as the Graduate Intern for Disability Resources in the Academic Success Center. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychological Science with a minor in Biology from Rowan University in 2019. Melissa also serves as the Graduate Coordinator for Rowan After Hours in the Student Center & Campus Activities.