Shippensburg University officials work hard to maintain student enrollment and keep them engaged in their classes.

Anytime and especially during a global pandemic, these retention strategies are important to aid in students’ educational journeys.

Officials can use various methods of connecting with students — phone calls, emails, meetings and appointments. These life lines can be vitally helpful to students who may be struggling and not know how to get help

However, these lines of communication can cause anxiety.

During the fall 2020 semester, some students have reported receiving emails about attendance for their classes.

Officials list in the email contact and withdrawal date information along with what class/professor reported you.

These emails could be helpful for those students who are not attending virtual classes. Although if they are not attending classes are they checking their emails?

Some of the students receiving the emails are students who are attending classes and are in good academic standing. One student reported that she received an email for a class in which she was never enrolled.

These emails cause a feeling of anxiety and panic among students who are doing the right things and are trying to make the best of the virtual learning semester.

The feeling goes away after a quick email to the professor, but officials must ensure the emails are going to the right students.

Students, be vigilant and proactive in your academics. If you receive an email and something does not seem right, check with the professor and your adviser. Keep your academics a priority as we enter the final weeks of this socially distanced fall.

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