The ‘New Norm’ Created Virtual Classrooms; Appreciative Students Share Their Thanks

When COVID-19 changed the in-person, campus learning environment a couple months ago, Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) colleagues, students and instructors swiftly transitioned to an online platform to continue providing unparalleled education. And students—many of whom graciously stepped up to assist with the pandemic—became resilient with the change, appreciate of the seamless conversion.

For nearly three months now, Ross Med faculty has engaged students through self-paced programs and alternative clinical experiences by utilizing online tools and unconventional methods to further educate, empower and embolden diverse healthcare professionals who are advancing healthcare.  
 

Accolades for the Transition

As faculty continued to rise to the challenges before them, students not only noticed but gave praise:

• “We understand that the creation of these online electives was due to the unprecedented COVID outbreak; however, as students it is important to understand the requirements and have the information necessary to be successful in this elective including further instructions regarding write ups, notice about the final exam and components and percentage breakdown of the grade. We truly appreciate how quickly Ross Med provided these electives so students could continue medical education and receive credit through these times and I thank you all for your hard work.”—RUSM student
• “Even during the whole COVID crisis, they took the time to really teach me how to be a better practitioner and to be a clinician.”—RUSM student
• “I like the way that they have adapted to distance learning. I still feel able to engage and participate.”—RUSM student
• “I really appreciate Ross putting together this elective at the last minute so that we could continue our education.”—RUSM student
• “I have seen a lot of resilience for academic programs turning to a virtual setting—just like I saw with MPH.”—RUSM alumna and Chamberlain University Master of Public Health student

Adtalem Praise

Even students from other institutions across the Adtalem Health portfolio shared their experience and appreciation:

• “I want to post a huge shout out to all the administrative staff, professors and clinicians who have been helping us and our pets that are leaving the island. They have truly been working hard to make sure we have everything we need.”—Ross University of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) student  
• “There are so many people at Ross right now trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for us as we navigate something that has never happened before. I’d like to give a shout out to all those people who are working tirelessly for us.”—RUSVM student  
• “I applaud you for handling all of this technology and making the adjustments necessary to finish the semester. It’s definitely harder for y’all than it is for us.”—Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP) student 
• “You have done an excellent job to keep us calm and on track with our assignments… I know all Chamberlain staff members are trying day by day to make this all work out for us and I have to say you guys are doing an amazing job.”—Chamberlain Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student
• “The entire going virtual has been an amazing experience. Advisors and professors are very responsive and I love that it feels like we’re doing exactly what we were doing in class. I appreciate everyone’s efforts at Chamberlain to keep us safe and keep classes and clinicals going.”—Chamberlain student
• “Thank you for the effort and immediate action to keep us going. Compared to other schools that took a few weeks to find a solution, Chamberlain was on the spot”—Chamberlain MPH student
• “The switch could really have been traumatic. But it was a seamless transition. I’m glad they implemented everything online, even clinicals, because now I get to learn and spend quality time with my son.”—Chamberlain BSN student