April 27, 2020
College Excel is open and currently working with students on-site in Bend and from across the nation using web-based platforms. This newsletter outlines changes we have instituted due to COVID-19, including our plans for Summer and Fall Term, information on our Remote Coaching Program, and how we are delivering our services under the current conditions.
Our 17 Years of Experience Counts
We have been offering remote coaching for the past seven years and have over 17 years of experience collaborating with students to create personalized learning plans that transform course content into meaningful and relevant learning experiences. Remote learning platforms work well using this approach, which is designed to maximize student engagement.
Our Remote Learning Mission
Our coaches believe at the heart of any successful learning experience is a student who is empowered to create a plan where they decide on the goals and outcomes that will define their academic and personal success. This growth mindset puts the student in the driver’s seat which is essential to thriving in remote classrooms where self-advocating and leadership are vital. Read more about our Remote Learning platform here.
Admissions
Our Admissions Office is continuing to operate, with a few changes.
– To protect the safety of our community and the public, we are not enrolling midterm residential students this Spring.
– Applications for both the remote coaching and on-site programs are being accepted for summer and fall 2020.
– Phone interviews continue to be conducted with students, parents, and consulting professionals.
– On-site tours are being waived, and we are currently working on creating a virtual campus tour. In the meantime, our program video is a great way to see our campuses, meet our students, and learn what the Bend community has to offer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq7kObAhXB0
– We have current students, alumni students, and parents who are willing to talk to prospective families about their College Excel experience.
Summer and Fall Enrollments
All new students must be healthy and showing no symptoms of COVID-19 prior to enrollment. For the first two weeks after a student’s enrollment we will adjust our interactions to help assure we create a healthy transition to College Excel and our community. We are happy to brainstorm options for how to help students successfully complete the isolation protocol. During this time we will provide students with a variety of remote services, including advising, academic, personal and wellness coaching, and ways to connect socially with our other students. We successfully accomplished these services Spring Term with our new students.
Residential Housing Program during COVID-19
We currently have students living in our housing. Each student has their own room, and the common areas allow for social distancing. Coaches work with students daily on how to sanitize their homes, themselves, and their belongings. We have asked our students not to engage in activities with people outside of our small community. Our Intentional Living Program has adapted to teach our life skills courses remotely, including our cooking classes. Each house has an assigned coach to lead weekly web-based and in-person roommate meetings while checking to assure cleanliness standards are being met.
Summer Term / June 15-August 30, 2020
We have adapted our Summer Program to meet COVID-19 protocols and are enrolling students who are able to complete 14 days of isolation prior to moving into our residences. During the isolation period our new students are part of the program and receive services. Central Oregon Community College’s Summer 2020 courses are being offered via remote instruction with a variety of course offerings. Registration for Summer Term is open now, and June 15th is the deadline for submitting applications. We will be offering a number of in-person social activities for students where social distancing practices can be easily followed. To find out more about summer class options and a list of student activities, please contact our Admissions Office.
Late Summer NOLS + College Excel White Water Leadership Course / August 31-September 9
We are currently enrolling students in this course that offers optional college credit. It is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the end of summer or kick start Fall Term. This course will help students reemerge from behind the screens they have become dependent on to get through COVID-19. They will enjoy the stunning beauty of the Green River in Utah while developing leadership skills and making lifelong friends. We will keep you updated on any changes that may occur due to COVID-19 protocols. Find out more about this amazing experience here https://www.nols.edu/en/custom-education/clients/college-excel/
Fall Term: September 14 – December 12, 2020
This Fall we are dual-track planning. We are offering both an in-person and fully-remote program to support our students’ situations. We will continue to offer on-site enrollments and will address the need for a 14-day isolation period as we get closer to the beginning of fall term. For those students that are unable to join us in person or are attending another college, we will provide the services each individual needs to succeed in and out of the classroom. Registration for all fall term formats are currently open.
Parent Support Services
Our weekly parent webinars, quarterly updates, and coaching have been conducted remotely for years, and we will continue to offer these services. We have put our on-site Parent Workshops on hold until the COVID-19 protocols are lifted, and parents can safely travel and co-mingle. We are currently working on a shortened remote version of the workshop that we hope to offer this summer.
Our Off-Campus Remote Coaching Program
We work with students who are enrolled in other colleges or universities who are seeking weekly Remote Coaching services through College Excel. We carefully assess these students to assure we can offer the support needed to be successful.
What’s Next
We will continue to update you as necessary and encourage you to reach out with questions, ideas, or concerns. For more details on our Summer Program offerings please visit our website www.collegeexcel.com/summer-program.
Thank you for your continued support and trust.