DAAP » Covid-19 Updates » DAAP Student FAQs

DAAP Student FAQs

Why did DAAP choose online instruction for most spring classes?
This decision was not made easily. We understand the reasons behind our students’ desires for in-person, hands-on instruction. We understand that you did not desire online course instruction when you chose DAAP. We also fully hear and empathize with students who are disappointed with this decision. As DAAP leadership, faculty, and staff have evaluated the current trajectory of infection rates, we have met daily in some cases to discuss scenario-planning and how to best serve our students while keeping them, our faculty, our staff and all of our loved ones safe. In the end, these three factors drove the decision:

  • Spatial constraints. The DAAP building and its classrooms do not have enough space to safely and equitably provide the distance recommended to avoid infection if our students were to attend classes with in-person instruction.
  • Time constraints. To begin to reimagine in-person classes, it would be required to separate our classes into smaller sections. Splitting any course multiplies the time required to teach it by however many new sections are created. Beyond teaching time, additional time would also need to be allotted for the cleaning protocols necessary between classes to prevent the spread of infection. When we performed the analysis to determine what this would look like, there would be no way to offer enough sections of each course to give all students equal footing to remain on their degree paths without disruption.
  • Implications of a student diagnosis. If a student were diagnosed with COVID-19, all individuals who have been in contact with that student (i.e. shared the space of an in-person class) would be required to quarantine for 14 days. We anticipated that this implication would be highly disruptive to our students, faculty, and staff.


Will students be required to come to the DAAP building to complete their coursework? Or, will any student who does not come to campus be at a disadvantage with their assignments? 
No DAAP student will be required to come to the building. Any student who chooses not to, or who cannot, come to the DAAP building will not be at any disadvantage in completing their coursework. Course deliverables are being designed to accommodate remote work equally.


Will tuition and/or fees be reduced for Spring Semester 2021 to compensate for online class formats?
Tuition is determined by program of study and not by the format in which the material is presented (i.e. in-person vs. online).

For Spring Semester 2021, the university is reducing the General Fee and Campus Life Fee. Reduced rates for full-time students for the Spring 2021 semester are:  

  • General Fee:  $358.00 (10% reduction) 
  • Campus Life Fee: $218.45 (15% reduction) 

General and Campus Life fees support non-academic activities, some campus spaces and various recreational and entertainment facilities and programming. Other tuition and fees related to instruction, technology and most program fees will continue as these support ongoing teaching and academic advising, allowing students to earn and receive full academic credit toward graduation and degrees. 

DAAP program fees for Spring 2021 will be standardized for all DAAP students to the base amount of $400, rather than the normal range of up to $750. 


Can I defer starting my DAAP program or can I take a Gap Year? (Incoming Students)
Incoming students may submit a deferral or gap year request, but there are no guarantees that the request will be approved. Because we are offering a way for students to continue in their degree programs without incurring health risk, simply referencing the existence of the pandemic will not be a sufficient reason to defer or take a gap year and still keep your spot in your program secure. If a student has already reached out to their School of study and has been given permission for deferral prior to this this communication, that permission will still be honored by the School. Please visit the Admissions website for more information: https://admissions.uc.edu/apply/defer.html.
 

Can I post-pone my studies at DAAP? (Continuing Students)
This option is available to DAAP students but should be approached with an abundance of caution and with the input of an advisor. In considering the options, students need to weigh the following:

  • A spot in the next cohort cannot be guaranteed. Cohorts are planned based on available resources and space and large fluctuations in numbers cannot be accommodated without impacting the integrity of instruction. While any student can opt to take time off from a program, DAAP unfortunately cannot guarantee that a spot will be available for them in the next cohort.  DAAP has studio enrollment limits to ensure that every student is receiving a quality experience with personalized attention. A student returning from a leave should understand that students accepted into the next cohort will have priority at registration. After students in the next cohort register for their 2021 fall semester, DAAP will review space availability and enroll students returning from a leave if space remains. Students would most likely learn this decision late in spring 2021.
  • Students should research what this decision means to their eligibility for their specific scholarship.
  • There could also be implications for students who receive financial aid. In some cases, student loans may become due during a gap period.
  • Choosing not to enroll may impact how connected a student is to opportunities that arise within a program including internships, co-ops, and other unique learning prospects. A student should consider if they can come to terms with watching their peers continue to progress in their programs while they are taking a break.
  • While online learning is not most students’ first choice, it does open a whole new experience and skill set that will only become in greater demand as our world continues to evolve to more and more digital experiences. A student could consider embracing this situation to develop new skills and examples of resilience and flexibility that could better position them for opportunities in the future.


Will DAAP continue online course instruction beyond Spring Semester 2021?
DAAP leadership, faculty, and staff will continue to evaluate the changing situation and make the best decisions possible to uphold the health and safety of all members of our community while providing our students instruction that upholds our academic missions. We will communicate the plan for each semester as the information is decided. 


If you have questions that remain unanswered, please feel free to send an email to: daapcomm@uc.edu.