Franklin is tailoring its academic programs and activities to meet the demands of uncertain times.
Franklin is tailoring its academic programs and activities to meet the demands of uncertain times. We will continue to offer first-class learning experiences to students during the 2020 Summer Sessions, and the 2020-21 academic year will begin this August as scheduled. How can we promise this? Franklin University Switzerland is resilient. Our new hybrid learning model adds an online option for students who are unable to come to campus due to travel restrictions or concerns, while students who are on-site will be able to live the Franklin experience in and beyond the classroom, in safe accordance with the health guidelines established by the Swiss government.
The new academic strategy is designed to support our community during this complicated situation with COVID-19. Given the strong restrictions necessary at this time, the Spring 2020 semester will be completed remotely, with the entire community working, teaching and learning from the safety of their residences or homes. The graduation ceremony has been postponed to 2021.
Students and faculty will return to the classroom here in Switzerland as soon as it is deemed safe to do so by our local and federal authorities. For summer, that means that students on campus will be in the classroom whereas students at home can access class from afar. We hope to have everyone back in the classroom to kick off the fall semester, but in case students cannot return as planned, we will offer a hybrid model with the opportunity to return to campus after the initial start date. Check the Admissions FAQ to get more information on the Hybrid Model, schedule, and application deadlines.
Hybrid Model
Franklin faculty will teach in the classroom to students in Lugano. At the same time, a platform for assignments, coursework and discussion is in place and will continue to support local and remote students. Costs for housing and health insurance will be adjusted based on staggered arrivals to campus. Read more about the new schedule for Fall 2020.
Academic Travel and other experiential components that are a fundamental part of Franklin’s teaching and learning model will be temporarily limited as appropriate in order to ensure the safety of students and faculty. This may mean taking advantage of more local options or incorporating a virtual approach. Our signature Academic Travel program will return in full as soon as circumstances allow. At this time, we have scheduled Academic Travel in the Fall as planned.
Summer and Fall 2020
Summer 2020 programs will begin under the hybrid model for all except the High School program, which will be offered only online this summer. Though we are hopeful that all of our students will be able to join us in August, the hybrid model will continue to be in place as the Fall semester begins, and anyone who cannot travel safely is encouraged to begin the semester with us and come to Lugano later as it becomes possible to do so. Read more about the new schedule for Fall 2020.