Weber State Returns to Traditional Fall Schedule
OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University plans to offer students a more traditional higher education experience for fall semester 2021.
Students can take classes in the format that fits their needs and schedules including face-to-face, online, hybrid, or supervised offsite instruction, such as internships. The majority of classes, however, will be held face to face in the classroom. In fact, 75% of the classes taught in person in 2019, will be taught in person again in 2021.
Students want flexibility to choose the best option for their schedules. The interest in online learning has increased since the pandemic. A recent survey of Wildcats, however, found 43% of students prefer a traditional classroom setting, compared to 30% who want to take online or hybrid courses. Weber State will offer a schedule to support both preferences.
“We'll be able to have a really vibrant, in-person fall semester that capitalizes on some of the virtual capabilities that we've built up over the last 14 months,” said President Brad Mortensen. “We’ll offer more hybrid classes, virtual enhancements to face-to-face instruction and improved online classes. Meeting students where they are and helping them academically is our priority.”
During fall semester, the community will enjoy a return to in-person campus activities, which will kick off with Block Party the first Friday of the semester, Sept. 3 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Ogden campus. President Mortensen will join other administrators to serve purple pancakes to all Wildcats beginning at 8 a.m. Several thousand people attend the annual, day-long event, with displays and activities showcasing all the opportunities available to Wildcats.
“Weber State has hosted Block Party for more than a decade,” said Tara Peris, WSUSA advisor and event director, “But this year might be the most important one ever as we reconnect students to the many opportunities and events easily available to them as Wildcats.”
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Peris also oversees Weber State’s 120-plus clubs and organizations as well as the student association. Student leaders are planning a myriad of activities that reflect their constituents interests and needs.
As student body president, Ben Ferney has an interesting perspective being elected twice, first during a school year held primarily online and now during a more traditional year.
“I'm excited for fall semester because not only do we get to welcome students and the Weber State community in general back to campus with in-person activities, but also it's almost like you're invited back to life.” Ferney said.
Wildcat athletes want to bring back fans during a full season of competition for all 16 NCAA Division 1 teams. Weber State students can attend the events for free with a Wildcard, and community members can get tickets at weberstatetickets.com. The entire community is invited to return to campus for Homecoming with a week of activities from Oct. 8-16. The celebrations will culminate with a game against long-time rival, Montana State, on Oct. 16.
Performing arts groups are organizing a season of 30 concerts and plays that are perennial favorites with audiences. The theater schedule will include productions of “Something’s Afoot,” “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “Nunsense.” Musical groups are planning performances with works from favorite classical composers to favorite movie scores. The campus community can also visit art exhibits at the Shaw Gallery in the Kimball Visual Arts Center and at the Dumke Art Plaza in downtown Ogden. A list of upcoming events is listed on their calendar, weber.edu/artscalendar.
The Counseling & Psychological Services Center will offer both virtual and in-person appointments. During this past year, about 30% of those who received services indicated a preference for virtual sessions over in-person sessions, so that option will continue in the fall semester. The Student Health Center, Student Wellness Program and Stromberg Complex will also provide students a myriad of easily accessible and affordable health and fitness options.
The Stewart Library in Ogden and at WSU Davis and the testing centers at all campus locations will return to the full schedules and formats that best accommodate student needs. Additionally, Stewart Library will continue to offer curbside delivery of library materials, an enhanced textbook lending library and 250 laptops and 150 hotspots for weeklong or semester checkout. Student Housing is also accepting applications for its 1,000 on-campus beds.
During times of economic vibrancy, people tend to put off education in favor of getting into the workforce. In the long run, people with degrees will earn more money over a lifetime, and they are less likely to lose their job during economic downturns.
“There has never been more federal money flowing to support students to get a higher education than there is right now,” Mortensen said. ‘“So if you've ever dreamed of getting a college degree, you should do it now."
For more information or to register for Weber State courses, visit weber.edu/admissions.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu- Contact:
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu