Today@Willamette

Distance learning feedback, student health insurance and virtual admissions programming

Don Thomson, Director of Bishop Wellness Center

A multidisciplinary and universitywide COVID-19 committee that includes deans and representatives from all four schools, staff, students and administrators has been meeting every Wednesday morning since early March. The intent of this meeting is to keep abreast of the rapidly changing pandemic and assure all facets of our community are considered in our planning and response. We thought an update from that meeting for our community would be helpful. To that end, a few notable items from the April 15 meeting include:

• A survey was sent to a random sample of approximately 20% of undergraduate students last week asking for qualitative feedback on the remote teaching and learning experience. The response rate was very good and we are working to quickly integrate the feedback offered by our students.
• For those enrolled in the PacificSource student insurance plan, know that the plan is fully portable in all 50 states and coverage continues through July 31, 2020. Also, we know that some students may unexpectedly lose their private health care coverage in the coming weeks because their family or parent is facing furloughs or unemployment. This unexpected loss of coverage is typically considered a "qualifying life event" meaning that students may be eligible for enrollment and coverage through the PacificSource plan even outside of our open enrollment period. Please contact Bishop Wellness Center for more information.
• Continuing our efforts to welcome a robust first year class to Willamette next fall, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions has developed programming with faculty that includes virtual open houses and a lecture series that prospective and incoming students can access.