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Classroom Formats
In-person, online, or a mix of both - Eastern University offers classes in a variety of formats. Learn what they each entail below.
In-Person / On-Ground Courses
Traditional, synchronous courses that regularly meet in an assigned classroom
at one of Eastern University's approved sites.
Attendance
​Attendance is taken based on a student’s physical and timely presence in the classroom. Consequences for absence and tardiness are articulated in the course syllabus.
Participation
Participation expectations are also articulated in the syllabus but usually entail active listening and substantive verbal communication when appropriate.
Synchronous & Asynchronous Online Options
Students register for an on-ground course expecting an in-person experience. However, instructors may move class online in the case of weather-prohibiting situations, professorial illness, or other emergencies. Professors may also elect to move select classes online when web-based modalities are deemed more desirable for delivering content.
Synchronous and asynchronous online content are acceptable for the substitution of an on-ground class session, as long as the expectations and timing are communicated to students in advance.
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Eastern University does not recommend moving more than 20% of on-ground coursework online, except in the case of emergencies. While an on-ground experience may be supplemented by online content, those alternatives should not diminish the classroom time or experience.
Any online coursework should ascribe to the Online Instructional Equivalencies guidelines provided by the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology.
Zooming in to
Live Class Sessions
Due to state and federal guidelines, students who are registered for an In-Person/On-Ground Class should not be allowed to Zoom in to a live class session.
Occasional exceptions can be made for illness or accessibility needs through the Cushing Center for Academic Support.
Hybrid / Blended Courses
Courses that hold a portion of their sessions in an assigned classroom at one of Eastern University’s approved sites and another portion of their sessions online in either synchronous or asynchronous format.
Attendance
Attendance for in-person sessions should follow the guidelines above for "In-Person/On-Ground Courses."
Attendance for online sessions should follow the guidelines for either "Asynchronous Online Courses" or "Synchronous Online Courses," depending on the modality assigned.
Synchronous & Asynchronous Online Options
For hybrid courses, the syllabus should state in advance which class sessions are held in which type of modality.
Both synchronous and asynchronous online content is welcome, as long as the expectations and timing are communicated to students in advance.
Any online coursework should ascribe to the Online Instructional Equivalencies guidelines provided by the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology.
Live sessions (both in-person and online) must be scheduled within the bounds of the day/time assigned for the class.
Zooming in to
Live Class Sessions
Students should not be allowed to Zoom in to live, in-person class sessions.
Occasional exceptions can be made for illness or accessibility needs through the Cushing Center for Academic Support.
Asynchronous Online Courses
Courses delivered in a web-based format through the university’s learning management system that do not require students to log in for live sessions at any particular time; rather, course work is completed according to deadlines prescribed by the instructor.
Attendance
Attendance and participation are not counted as separate grade items but are rather included in grades for online student activities, including discussions, embedded lecture quizzes and student presentations.
Students are not required to log in for live sessions nor attend campus or any other designated site as part of an asynchronous class.
Synchronous Online Options
An asynchronous course does not include a particular class day/time listed in Eastern University’s registration system. Thus, live online sessions may be scheduled, but only if the following two criteria are satisfied:
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They are made optional for students to attend.
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A recording of the live session is provided for students who were unable to attend.
Particularly in light of the fact that our students come from a variety of time zones with a variety of professional and personal responsibilities, synchronous sessions in an asynchronous class should be used minimally.
Any online coursework should ascribe to the Online Instructional Equivalencies guidelines provided by the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology.
Synchronous Online Courses
Courses delivered in a web-based format through the university’s learning management system with particular day(s) and time(s) listed in Eastern University’s registration system during which students are required to log in each week for live class sessions.
Attendance
Attendance is taken based on a student’s timely and ongoing presence for the class session via Zoom, Eastern University’s teleconferencing software.
A student’s camera must remain on for the duration of the session, unless they provide a compelling reason to leave it off in advanced communication with the instructor.
Consequences for absence and tardiness are articulated in the course syllabus.
Participation
Participation expectations are also articulated in the syllabus but usually entail active listening and substantive verbal or text-based communication when appropriate.
Students are not required to attend campus or any other designated site as part of a synchronous class, though this may be presented as an option by the instructor if desired.
Asynchronous Online Options
Students register for a synchronous course expecting to log in at certain day(s) and time(s) for their coursework. However, instructors may use asynchronous instruction when such modalities are deemed more desirable for delivering content.
Asynchronous online content, including online videos and discussion boards, is acceptable for the substitution of a synchronous class session, as long as expectations and timing are communicated to students in advance.
Any online coursework should ascribe to the Online Instructional Equivalencies guidelines provided by the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology.
