Transparency and Trust: Seeking Clarity on Asynchronous Classes at U. of Cumberlands CMHC Program

I'm a recent grad working in the mental health field and very disappointed by this decision by UC.

I cannot imagine having a positive experience if it wasn't for the class interactions and the resulting group chats and friends that have resulted. We have helped each other with classes, selecting professors, searching practicum sites, stress, and self-care. This component is why I chose this University over other impersonal and, in my opinion, low-rating online programs. CRACREP is not the only consideration of quality. I found the response email reactive and unwilling to compromise or admit that the transition was not handled well. The email had a lot of stands from the school's point of view and the prospective students, but nearly nothing, with the concern of current students who didn't sign up for this. There are areas for compromising and respecting those of us who decided on UC based on the synchronous content. Consider, for example, allowing current students to finish based on our original agreement and have options to opt into asynchronous courses. Then, roll your plan with new students who would know what they choose from the start.

The only time I learn much more from professors and other students is in classed that meet once a week. Hearing how to approach a situation from someone who has done this or other students saying they are also curious makes me curious just how they feel. I feel this change will not be good for me. I will not be able to focus as well.

Please keep a live option for ALL classes. In-class discussions have been the most valuable part of my learning here at UC.

I agree it is important for the University to provide a higher degree of transparency and time for a decision like this. I have loved my time at UC and want to do my part to ensure others have the same experience.

I initially enrolled at UC because I was told the program was synchronous. During the second semester starting in 2025, I arrived to class only to be told it was now asynchronous. My student success advisor didn’t event know and helped me transfer to another group of the same class. The professors were confused. I posted on the student facebook group to ask questions and my post was not shared by the moderators (faculty and dean of the school). Later, we were told an email went out telling of this change. An email absolutely did not go out. We thought we signed up for a live class, and we payed for a live class. I now know of at least 2 students in this class alone who are transferring. There are posts on reddit and facebook asking where we can transfer too. This whole thing has felt like a bait and switch, and not beneficial to grad students. It has been handled with an incredible lack of transparency and support for students. Even professors have told me they are confused and don’t agree with the decision. I think this decision can be made right by continuing to offer synchronous sessions.

Hello University of the Cumberlands, I support this petition. I decided to go to UC, because it has live weekly classes. You speak of the important of ethics. It is not ethical to make this sort of change for students who signed up for one type of program and have it change in the middle. It makes more sense to begin this for students who are just beginning the program and that they have full awareness. It is difficult to transfer programs in my because they typically only take 3 classes worth of credits. I would need to spend more money and repeat classes.

I was very interested in attending this school, as it seemed to fit my schedule and goals. However, several of my friends who are current students told me of the school’s plan to move numerous classes offline which has forced me to seek my degree elsewhere. Frankly, this seems like a very foolish move and I am signing in hopes that this administration reconsiders this decision. Additionally, the lack of transparency that my friends have mentioned is deeply concerning. This may save UC money in the short term but will surely lose the school money on the long term. I urge whoever is spearheading this initiative to reconsider. Your your job may be at risk when the long term repercussions of this bad decision come to fruition.

The greatest part of the learning experience is the class interactions, the dialog, the diving into questions and exploring the nuances of the material. Reading and lecture are somewhat adequate to pass a class, but fall far short of understanding the depths and intent of the learnings. I strongly oppose the sole use of asynchronous learning for any class.

I am starting at UC on March 3rd, and one of the main reasons I chose UC was because of the synchronous program. I am really disappointed in the decision to transition to asynchronous classes, and honestly might make look around at other synchronous programs.

I thrive on the weekly discussions face-to-face. I chose this program specifically because it offered such learning.

Please make classes asynchronous because some of us are overseas and the time zone difference should not keep us from achieving our dreams of becoming licensed counselors!

I just finished a bachelor program without a single live class, and while I did fine, I don't want this for my masters program.

I fear what I love best about the program, the interactions with my professors and classmates, will be absent in this new format. Even if students meet separately in groups from time to time, it will never be the same.

One of the reasons I chose UC was the for the community found in synchronous classes. Asynchronous classes might be a good fit for other masters programs but in my opinion, counseling calls for in-class connections and discussions to enrich the experience and prepare students. It is disappointing that UC has chosen to make a decision about synchronous learning without getting input from the students it serves. I hope that UC will consider restoring synchronous classes.

I fully support this petition and share the concerns expressed by many students regarding the sudden transition to asynchronous classes in the CMHC program. The lack of clear and timely communication has not only caused confusion but also significantly impacted those of us who chose this program specifically for its synchronous learning opportunities. As someone who struggles with learning through reading and lectures alone, I thrive in interactive classes where engagement with peers and professors enhances my understanding. The abrupt shift to asynchronous learning has been deeply concerning for me, to the point that I am now undergoing psychological testing to ensure I have the necessary support to succeed in this new format. My challenges with processing and retaining information through reading and passive listening have led me to seek additional help, including the possibility of medication, just to keep up with what will now become an asynchronous program. This transition, without proper transparency and consideration for students’ diverse learning needs, has created unnecessary stress and uncertainty. I urge the University of the Cumberlands to prioritize clear communication, provide flexibility in learning formats, and ensure that all students have access to the supportive and interactive educational environment that initially drew us to this program.

Please consider synchronous options.

Asynchronous classes set this program apart from the others! Like many in the counseling profession, I learn the most from interactions with other people, and learning from experts with field and life experiences. Please consider offering both synchronous/asynchronous classes simultaneously to better serve the students and our future clients.

Please provide option for people who wants classes to be synchronous. We learn so much from organic interaction with our professor and classmates. The synchronous nature of class format is irreplaceable.