COVID-19 Update
To Our SMUFOM Family:
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, St. Martinus University has transitioned to online learning. SMUs proprietary student portal, University Management System (UMS), is designed to support and facilitate online learning and has helped to make this a seamless transition for students and faculty alike. During this unprecedented time, SMU Faculty remains focused on teaching courses and helping students continue their learning journey from wherever they may be.
Frequently Asked Questions
To Our SMUFOM Family:
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, St. Martinus University has transitioned to online learning. SMUs proprietary student portal, University Management System (UMS), is designed to support and facilitate online learning and has helped to make this a seamless transition for students and faculty alike. During this unprecedented time, SMU Faculty remains focused on teaching courses and helping students continue their learning journey from wherever they may be.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What internet speed is required for online classes?In order to participate in online classes, you must have access to a stable and adequate internet connection. The network must be at least 1.8 mbps (up/down)
- What can I expect from online classes?Faculty remains committed to providing an excellent educational experience to all the students. Professors continue to integrate new technologies and teaching methodologies in the virtual classroom to support student learning and enhance the academic experience. Lectures are given via Zoom where students and professors are able to interact as they would in the classroom. All course materials are available on UMS, SMUs online portal, for students to access at any time. Quizzes, assignments, and exams are also given through UMS. In addition to the course lectures, faculty is incorporating problem-based learning, small group facilitated presentations, small group assignments, AMBOSS, and 3D anatomy into their courses.
- What happens to the anatomy labs?Students have access and are encouraged to use 3D anatomy during this time of online learning. When students return to campus, the labs will be integrated into the program again and students will be able to participate in those labs.
- What will happen with exams?Maintaining the academic integrity and reliability of the exams is of utmost importance. Some assessments are being given via UMS; however, additional time is needed to finalize the logistics of administering all of the course exams. More information about this will be provided in the near future.
- How accessible are the professors and Administration during this time?Professors are available to have one-on-one meetings via Zoom or WhatsApp with students and are also reachable via email. The Administration is also available to students as normal via email or phone.
- Is the Curaçao campus currently open?No, currently the Curaçao campus is closed to students and staff in accordance with the government regulations.
- What is the latest travel guidance and/or restriction for Curaçao?Currently the Curaçao borders remain closed to all incoming traffic and no one is permitted to enter the country.
- Will COVID-19 affect the start of the Summer semester beginning in August 2020?The Summer semester for the MD program will begin as scheduled on the academic calendar on August 3, 2020. In lieu of the orientation on campus, there will be a virtual orientation conducted for all the students.
- What is the academic plan for the Summer 2020 semester?Currently, the academic plan for the Summer 2020 semester is to begin with online classes. Once the Curaçao campus is able to open again and students are permitted to return to Curaçao, SMU will transition back to in-person classes. Until that time, SMU will continue with online classes.
- How is COVID-19 affecting clinical rotations?Clinical rotations are slowly being re-established at PGH. Currently, rotations in Urgent Care, Internal Medicine, and Psych have been opened at PGH. All federal, hospital, and local regulations are being strictly followed. All clinical rotations students are being trained by the hospitals infectious disease officer and are required to attend an orientation. All clinical rotations students are provided with all proper equipments to minimize risk of exposure.
- How does COVID-19 affect the requirements for the NBME and USMLE Step 1 exams?The requirements are not affected. The deadlines are subject to opening of the prometric testing centers.