“What would happen if we centered learning on building relationships and not just on covering content?”
– Scott Macklin, TWU Executive Director of Online Learning
University is a formative time in a person’s life. Whether a person is mid-career or getting ready to launch, Trinity Western University is here to help people advance their goals and dreams.
This fall, in light of health and safety measures for COVID-19, Trinity Western is launching TWU Access to provide multiple ways for students to engage the full educational and community experience from wherever they are.
“Students are looking for flexible learning models,” says Dr. Phil Laird, Vice Provost of TWU GLOBAL, tells host Scott Macklin on the Learning Matters podcast, “Trinity Western’s Multi-Access education lets students receive their learning in multiple ways and locations.”
Dynamic learning and interaction both inside and outside of classes
Dr. Todd Martin, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences provides an update on Trinity Western’s outlook this fall. “We’re working incredibly hard to deliver an outstanding educational experience for you, regardless of where you are,” he says.
“Even though our course content is online, our faculty are excited to meet you and are planning special ways to interact with each student. For those geographically close enough, that may include face to face opportunities on campus. For those that are at a distance, it will involve dynamic remote interaction both inside and outside of class times.”
“We are looking forward to connecting with you as we explore life’s big questions,” says Dr. Martin.
Study and research groups – learning in community
Dr. Glen Van Brummelen, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, remains passionate about his areas of teaching, “Science is not a noun. It’s a verb. Science is a way of interacting with God’s creation to learn more about it.”
“We are looking at all the ways to do that in a Multi-Access model,” he says.
“Some of those ways will be labs. Others will be novel ways and innovative ways of finding online activities for you to explore. We’re also looking at study groups and various other ways of coming together.”
For Dr. Van Brummelen, learning in community is key, “One of the other ways I’m [exploring] is a venue where we can come together outside of classes, and share our research, our discoveries, our learning experiences, or just be together to share.”
“We want you to be safe. But we also want you to be scientists,” he says. “There is nothing better in this world than to come together as likeminded people and explore the beauty and the mystery of this world of wonders.”
Dr. Allyson Jule, Dean of the School of Education, also believes in the importance of community. “For us, relationships are key for the educational experience,” she says. “We want to model for you how relationships will impact your own career as a teacher.”
She continues, “We look forward to meeting you and getting to know you, and creating relationship with you. We look forward to the fall and some exciting days ahead.”
Beyond Multi-Access courses, here are a selection of experiences you will enjoy through TWU Access:
STUDENT EXPERIENCE SUBSITE AND APP
Students can find everything they need for community, student services and classes through the new Student Experience sub-site. A new app, soon launching, will provide students with one-spot access to the TWU social experience—including events, group chats, channels, and customized push notifications.
FIRST YEAR COHORTS
First Year Cohorts intentionally group 15 incoming students together to experience a core set of courses, build friendships and receive mentoring support. The course bundle includes Foundations 101 (an introduction to Christian liberal arts education), a foundational English or Writing course, plus Introduction to Philosophy. Each cohort will have a specialized peer support who will assist students, particularly in research and writing.
TWU ACCESS CHAPTERS AND NETWORKS
TWU Access Chapters are designed to engage the large number of returning undergraduate non-resident students by providing them with personal support, connection and communication, so they can continue to connect, thrive, and serve in a Christ-centered learning community. Each Chapter will include up to 25 students located in the same time zone or region. Where there are 3-5 Chapters in geographic area within a 30-40 min driving distance, these chapters will be grouped to form a Network. Alongside this initiative, we are working on ways for Chapters or Networks to safely connect in person at a space in their area.
LEARNING COMMONS
All normal Learning Commons offerings including advising, success coaching, career counselling, writing center or peer tutoring appointments are available virtually, with limited face-to-face options also available. Several new initiatives are soon launching, including a resource website, study skills classes, online coaching, and a new mentorship platform, called Ten Thousand Coffees. In Richmond, students will be able to receive Learning Coach support for all IDC students through one-on-one support and multi-access workshops.
TEN THOUSAND COFFEES
To make mentorship more accessible we’ve partnered with Ten Thousand Coffees, a platform designed to connect aspiring professionals. Every mentee is automatically matched to influential alumni leaders, parents, and friends of the University, and optimized based on stated goals, experience, and interests. Meetings can be in-person, on the phone, or online. Mentees and mentors can receive an official LinkedIn certification to recognize commitment to continuous learning and career advancement.
These are just a selection of TWU Access experiences and offerings. For more information, please visit the TWU Access Experience page.