Completing coursework remotely due to COVID-19 concerns doesn’t mean that Florida Polytechnic University students are disconnected from campus.
The University has worked to transition many of the vibrant on-campus resources and events to a digital space, culminating with the recent launch of the Virtual Student Union on the University’s website and in the Florida Poly Mobile app.
“This digital hub for students is designed to make remote learning and campus engagement – from wherever you are – a little bit easier,” said Dr. Kathryn Miller, vice provost of student affairs. “Need-to-know resources, programs, services, and student events have all been organized into one place.”
These resources include information about career services, distance learning support, health and wellness, and student organizations and leadership.
The Phoenix Fun area of the site connects students with events and programs scheduled through virtual meeting platforms.
“We’re trying to mirror what we normally do on campus,” said Jimmy Surin, assistant director of student development at Florida Poly. “The hope is to let students know that our campus is still alive and well, and while we miss seeing them, we can still learn and have fun virtually.”
Among the events Surin is coordinating for students are academic and professional workshops and activities intended to foster interaction.
“We are going to make the most out of this virtual environment,” Surin said. “It’s important that students develop not only academically, but socially, physically, and emotionally. Our goal is to touch all of those areas.”
One of the first virtual events was a workshop on overcoming procrastination in an online learning environment. It was hosted by Surin and Kaitlyn Moores, Florida Poly’s student life coordinator.
“We are creating virtual places for students to still get the engagement they would get on campus,” Moores said.
Other upcoming events include a workshop on tone and body language in virtual interviews, a Ted Talks watch party, and a virtual town hall to weigh in on the new design of the Phoenix spirit mark.
“Student development is a big piece of college – students go to college not just for the academic aspect, but also to grow and be involved in leadership and be involved outside the classroom,” Moores said.
“I think students being able to log in and interact with friends, faculty, and staff and still build those relationships is going to be key to their success.”
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
