Updated: August 4, 2020 at 11:14am
Dear NYFA LA Community,
We hope you all are staying healthy and well. We want to update you with the plans and expectations for Fall 2020. Per prior campus updates, we expect our Fall 2020 semester to be a hybrid of in-person and remote learning. Based on the current conditions, the Fall 2020 semester will begin remotely on September 14, 2020 for, at minimum, the first three weeks of instruction. However, if conditions continue to improve, we are planning to begin some in-person instruction on October 5, 2020. We will continue to inform the NYFA LA community regularly on the LA County metrics related to COVID-19, and will either extend remote learning as needed, or prepare for in-person instruction.
Based on the information in this update, students should make decisions about travel and housing that are most comfortable for them, knowing we will accommodate students for in-person or remote learning. We anticipate introducing in-person instruction in the Fall, but only when it is safe to do so. Students unable to attend in-person classes can attend any Fall semester classes remotely. Students planning to attend classes in person must arrive in Los Angeles 14 days before attending their first in-person class, to allow for self-quarantine (/covid-safety-plan#appendix-vii).
Here are some frequently asked questions that we have received about our plans, and overall about the Fall 2020 semester:
Q: How will courses be offered in the Fall 2020 semester?
A: Courses will be offered in three possible ways of instruction: remote only, a hybrid of in-person and remote, or in-person only. Regardless of the mode of instruction, students unable to attend in-person classes can attend any Fall semester classes remotely.
Q: What does “remote” instruction mean?
A: “Remote” instruction means a course delivered exclusively online throughout the semester using the Zoom platform.
Q: What does “hybrid” instruction mean?
A: “Hybrid” instruction means a course with some class sessions in-person, and some remote. NOTE: Students who wish to attend the semester remotely will still be able to Zoom in remotely to the in-person class sessions.
Q: What does “in-person” instruction mean?
A: “In-person” instruction means any class session that is delivered with students physically present in a classroom on campus or at an alternative class location. NOTE: Students who wish to attend the semester remotely will still be able to Zoom in remotely to any in-person class sessions.
Q: I am a current student and a) I can’t come to Los Angeles; or b) I am in self-quarantine or self-isolation; or c) I can’t attend in-person classes for some other COVID-related reason. Can I still attend all of my scheduled classes, even if they are in-person?
A: Yes, you may Zoom into all scheduled class sessions, including any in-person class.
Q: When will in-person instruction begin?
A: There are no guarantees when we will be on campus. We will update students with at least one month’s advance notice before the anticipated launch of any in-person instruction. Currently, in-person classes are expected to begin on October 5, 2020.
Q: How will NYFA LA decide about starting in-person class sessions?
A: NYFA LA will only open for in-person instruction if permitted by local and state authorities AND if the metrics for safe re-opening, as determined by appropriate authorities, are being met.
Q: Do I have to arrive in Los Angeles 14 days before the semester starts?
A: No, you can come to Los Angeles any time during the semester or you can choose to stay remote and not come to Los Angeles. Whenever you do arrive in Los Angeles, however, you will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days before you can attend in-person instruction. You can attend classes remotely while in self-quarantine.
Q: What if I am attending remote classes from a different time zone?
A: All classes will be scheduled at Los Angeles times, which is the Pacific Time Zone, and students not in Los Angeles should plan accordingly.
Q: Should I come to Los Angeles, even though the semester will begin with remote instruction?
A: It is a personal decision for each student to make. Some students will choose to remain at home for many personal reasons. Other students will choose to be in Los Angeles to be available to physically attend in-person classes or in-person NYFA productions, if and when they commence.
Q: When should I sign a residential lease in Los Angeles?
A: If you are coming to Los Angeles, regardless of whether classes will be in-person or not, you can decide to sign a residential lease at any time. For questions about residential leases or housing in Los Angeles, visit Housing.NYFA.edu. Wherever you will be living, we encourage you to have good internet access and a space that allows you to learn in a focused environment.
Q: If I am taking classes remotely, can I still graduate on time?
A: Yes, you can graduate on time. If you are in your final semester, your department will offer you an alternative thesis assignment, if needed, to fulfill your program requirements.
Q: If I plan to attend in-person classes scheduled for Fall, can I change my mind and be exclusively remote later in the semester?
A: Yes, students can switch from attending in-person classes to attending exclusively remotely, or vice versa, at any time during the Fall 2020 semester.
Q: Do I have to pay equipment fees for the Fall 2020 semester?
A: Equipment fees are required if you intend to take classes in-person. If you are planning on staying remote during the Fall 2020 semester, or if we are unable to implement in-person instruction, you will be refunded the equipment fee.
Q: Why is tuition the same during this period of online instruction?
A: During this crisis, the cost of instruction has increased. NYFA continues to provide a top-quality education in a remote environment, and our investment in technology and training for faculty are just some of the additional costs incurred. Nonetheless, NYFA has provided additional tuition assistance and increased aid to students since the pandemic began.
Q: What if I am struggling financially due to the pandemic?
A: Whether or not you are currently receiving or eligible for Federal or State financial assistance, please contact the Financial Aid office at financialaid@nyfa.edu to discuss your financial circumstances.
Q: I am a returning international student arriving from my home country. When should I arrive in Los Angeles for the Fall 2020 semester?
A: You can return at any point in the semester. At least two weeks prior to returning, please email the International Student Office with an update on your plans and to make sure you have the proper documents to enter the US at that time. To enter the US as an F1 student you always need a valid I-20 certificate with a valid travel signature, a valid F1 visa and a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months from entering the US). You may need additional documentation so please make sure to contact the International Student Office (lainternational@nyfa.edu)
Q: What measures is NYFA taking to promote COVID safety on campus?
A: NYFA’s Task Forces and Committees carefully review all available guidance from government, health agencies, public health experts, as well as protocols being developed by the film industry for production. NYFA’s plans have been reviewed by NYFA’s public health consultant, Dr. Peter Bloland, formerly of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All our decisions have been made through an intensive process of deliberation and always with the health of our students, faculty, and staff at the forefront. For further information, please see NYFA’s COVID Safety Plan on the NYFA Student HUB.
Please expect additional correspondence in the coming weeks. As in prior correspondence, you are encouraged to review NYFA’s Health Alert and NYFA LA Health and Campus Updates on the NYFA Student HUB. If you have questions, please contact RemoteLearningLA@nyfa.edu.
If you have not already done so, all continuing students must Register for Fall 2020. If you have difficulty Registering, please contact LARegistrar@nyfa.edu.
Stay safe and be well,
Dan Mackler
CSO / SVP
Dean of NYFA Los Angeles
