Hello Math Majors,
Before the Regular Academic Session for the Spring 2021 semester starts, I want to update you about the format of classes for the semester. Classes for the Spring 2021 semester should look different from the Fall 2020 semester in that you will have more certainty about the overall format. There are only going to be three formats for classes during the spring semester, and all of your classes should stick to these formats baring any additional COVID-19 restrictions.
For the Spring 2021 semester, classes will be held in-person, via web conferencing, and online. In-person courses will follow these characteristics: fewer split, more whole classes; in-person at least weekly; can have online or web-conferencing components; and can expect student attendance, but still expect quarantine or illness (without doctor’s note) absences to occur. An example of a fully in-person course would be MATH 310: Introduction to Modern Algebra, which only enrolls between 25 and 30 students. This size of class can make use of a larger lecture room to accommodate everyone while maintaining social distancing. Web conferencing courses will be as follows: synchronous via Zoom (standard class times); can have asynchronous requirements; online testing; and can have optional in-person support sessions. There are many web conferencing courses for the spring semester based on the size of the class, the size of classrooms available, the health of the instructor, and and the ease of using the Zoom format. Lastly, online classes will have the fully online characteristics of being asynchronous; having required due dates; having online testing in a time frame not specified time; and having optional Zoom office hours. Fully online classes will have sections numbered in the 700s. There are a fair number of fully online courses as well. The Office of the University Registrar has put together the following guide about choosing courses for the spring semester: https://registrar.unl.edu/student/registration/course-delivery/.
How are my classes being taught this spring?
You can find your course schedule in MyRED. When you log-in scroll down and you will see your spring course schedule. The information below gives you details on what each delivery method might look like. Please consult your instructor and course syllabi for specific details pertaining to each of your courses.
Many students have asked about enrolling in a web conferencing course that conflicts with another web conferencing or in-person course. This will be completely up to the course instructor, but the University is recommending that students be required to attend the regularly scheduled Zoom lectures. Only a few instructors so far have allowed students to enroll in conflicting courses.
Please do not enroll in an in-person course that you do not plan to or are unable to attend in-person. In addition, please do not enroll in a web conferencing course that conflicts with an outside of class commitments. If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thanks, Doug
Student Jobs Related to Spring Covid-19 Testing Available!
UNL is working to provide saliva-based COVID-19 diagnostic testing on campus in the spring, with an expected 24-hour turnaround for positive or negative results. There are a number of student positions available related to the testing, including helping within the lab itself, working collection sites and serving as building monitors. Evening and weekend hours are available for most positions. Learn more and apply at https://covid19.unl.edu/test-positions.
CAS Student Spotlight
Do you want to be featured by the college? Share your story by filling out this quick web form and show others why Mathematics is for you. Showcase all the opportunities and experiences you are gaining with your Mathematics major.
UHC Pharmacy
On-campus pharmacy keeps you well
Need prescriptions or over-the-counter medications? The University Health Center pharmacy is an affordable, convenient and high-quality option. Learn more about the services it offers.
COVID-19 vs. the Flu: Will you be able to tell the difference?
As the flu season draws near, you may be wondering how you will know if you have the flu or COVID-19. The experts at the University Health Center answer some of the most common questions about the two viruses in this article.
Spring 2021 Math Advising
All academic advising for the Winter 2020 season will be completed virtually. This means that all advising meetings and interactions will be conducted on Zoom, over the phone, or via email. Doug and Professor Radu are available to meet your academic advising needs, and we look forward to meeting with you and working with you throughout the fall semester. Even though advising will continue to be virtual, we will do everything we can to support you for the winter season.
Due to social distancing even if Doug and Professor Radu are in their offices, you will need schedule an advising appointment that will be conducted via Zoom, phone, or email or join drop-in advising on Zoom. If an in-person meeting is absolutely required, arrangements will need to be made well in advance so we can accommodate social distancing in the meeting.
Doug’s advising hours will be:
Appointments – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Appointments – 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm every Wednesday and Friday
Drop-In Advising - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm every Wednesday and Friday
You can schedule an appointment with Doug by using the MyPlan system via this link, by calling the College of Arts and Sciences Academic and Career Advising Center at 402-472-4190, or by emailing him at dpellatz@unl.edu. Doug is also taking drop-in meetings from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays at https://unl.zoom.us/my/casadvising.
Professor Radu’s advising hours will be by appointment only. To schedule a meeting with Professor Radu, please email her at pradu@unl.edu.