NASHVILLE, TN — Distance Learning will be the modality of course delivery at American Baptist College (ABC) for the Fall 2020 semester. Classes will begin Monday, August 24, and the semester ends Friday, December 18, 2020.
“The novel coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted the operations of the College,” ABC President Dr. Forrest Harris said. “We are making the most effective decisions to allow our students to continue their learning experience in the safest environment possible,” he continued. No treatment nor vaccine has been identified to combat COVID-19, therefore ABC’s senior management team has strongly endorsed this plan for students’ continued academic matriculation, as well as their holistic development.
Following in-depth consultation with the College’s Committee for Faculty and Curriculum, it was revealed that staying abreast of national trends in higher education, including peer institutions, is significant for effective and healthy-aware operations. “At American Baptist College, excellence in education is always important and so is the welfare of the entire ABC community. The decision to offer distance learning provides rigorous and relevant quality education,” said Vice President for Institutional Strategy and Academics, Phyllis Hildreth.
Because of this ‘New Normal’ students will be able to engage electronically and immediately in the civic classroom, thereby connecting theory to praxis of social justice, equity, advocacy and leadership, (SEAL).
“Professors, advisors, and administrators will work to ensure student success, as well as develop technological competence with this ‘New Normal,’ stated President Harris. The Student Success and Career Center programs will continuously provide academic and student services support for our students,” President Harris added.
ABC Leadership and faculty have determined the distance learning course delivery is directly aligned with the college’s mission and special focus has been directed to the students’ needs, as well as continuing the rich course offerings in a thriving learning environment.
“All classes will be available through this new modality. Synchronous and asynchronous course delivery will be utilized so that students will have every opportunity to succeed,” Hildreth explained.
The Committee for Faculty and Curriculum (CFCA) was formed in January, 2020 to assist in supporting academic goals and procedures.
Vice President Hildreth further explained, “Distance learning means that courses will not be held in a face-to-face format on campus. Courses are, however, scheduled for specific dates and times so that faculty may design the learning environment to include synchronous lectures and discussions, with faculty and students available and interacting together at the scheduled time.”
American Baptist College, established in 1924, continues to offer courses that produces leaders in communities, regions and throughout the world, such as the late Rev. C. T. Vivian and Congressman John Robert Lewis, who both passed away on Friday, July 17, 2020. Following the footsteps of these world-renowned leaders and others, students will be encapsulated in the SEAL Initiative — social justice, equity, advocacy and leadership – that is infused in every course to provide a robust learning experience.
For more information on American Baptist College’s fall semester, contact Tamara French, director of Student Success at tfrench@abcnash.edu.
