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Virtual Events: Overview

Face-to Face Events Transitioned to Virtual in due to COVID-19

Walden University is committed to providing education for good and to being excellent global citizens. Walden has made it a priority to align with the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and federal, state and local authorities to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus. We believe that this is the responsible and right thing to do not only for the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff, but for our nation. Based on their guidance throughout 2020, we have made decisions to transition several events from on-ground to virtual formats.

Please see the Academic Experiences COVID-19, the Calendar, and your event website (if registered) for additional information about your upcoming virtual experience.

View also student testimonials from 2020 events that transitioned from face-to-face to virtual.

Technical Requirements for Virtual Events

In addition to the current technical requirements for Walden’s online courses, the virtual residency requires you to have the following:

  • Laptop or desktop computer
    • Students are required to attend all sessions using a laptop or desktop computer (or other device) that enables them to see the screen and have access to download/read curriculum documents. (It is okay to call in on the phone as long as you also have a laptop/desktop to see the screen.)
  • Speakers
    • The virtual residency is designed to be a collaborative learning environment. You do have to use audio functions in order to listen to synchronous sessions.
    • The residency sessions are designed as student-centered, interactive experiences where students are expected to take an active role in learning, contribute to dialogue, and participate fully in large and small group activities.
    • Speaker options include:
      • the computer’s speakers which allows you to listen to computer audio
      • dial in with your phone using Zoom’s call in option to listen
      • an external speaker with USB or AUX attachment or;
      • a headset with USB or AUX attachment
  • Microphone
    • Students are required to have and use microphones to participate in large and small group discussion. (Mics are NOT optional).
    • Microphone options include:
      • the computer’s microphone which allows you to speak into computer microphone
      • dial in with your phone using Zoom’s call in option to speak
      • an external microphone with USB or AUX attachment or;
      • a headset with microphone with USB or AUX attachment
    • The synchronous sessions will have a chat feature that can be used in place of microphone when session leaders are presenting.
  • Webcam
    • Students are required to have and use webcams to participate in group discussion. (Webcams are NOT optional).
    • Minimum resolution at 640 x 480 standard definition.

  • High-speed Internet

    • Access to the internet using high speed access (Cable, DSL, Network) is required for all virtual sessions.

    • The suggested speed is 1 Mbps or better (broadband recommended).

    • To learn about your internet speed, use Speedtest.net as a broadband speed analysis tool that allows anyone to test their Internet connection. The speed test will test all available bandwidth on your network, but it does not take into account other users on the network that may be using bandwidth at the same time.

  • Zoom web conferencing software

    • You must have the ability to run Zoom software. Go to this website to check your system requirements.

Walden is the first higher education institution to offer a virtual residency experience for non-licensure PhD students. The virtual residency offers you the same learning opportunities as our traditional face-to-face residency but without the travel requirements.

As a student attending a virtual residency, you can take advantage of innovative social networking technology that allows you to participate in learning activities through virtual conferences and dynamic online classrooms. You will also be placed in a small cohort of students, which will foster even more opportunities for you to connect with your classmates and faculty.  

Just as the face-to-face residency requires you to attend scheduled seminars, you will need to attend online events that are scheduled throughout the virtual residency. However, unlike face-to-face residencies that require you to attend four full days of seminars, the virtual residency seminars are scheduled over the course of nine partial days throughout the month. Click here to view the upcoming PhD virtual residency dates. 

Why Choose a PhD Virtual Residency?

You may want to choose a virtual residency if:

  • Traveling presents professional or personal difficulties for you.
  • Your budget limits travel and lodging expenditures.
  • You enjoy collaborating in small groups but also like to work independently around your own schedule.
  • You would like to develop skills with innovative technologies such as virtual conferencing and social media.
  • You are available to attend online seminars and activities during several scheduled time frames over the course of one month.
  • You can communicate via webcam.

PhD Virtual Residency Eligibility

You may be eligible to participate in a PhD virtual residency if:

  • You are a PhD student participating in a four-residency model.
  • You have completed Residency 1 and/or Residency 3 and are ready to complete Residency 2 or Residency 4. Residency 1 and Residency 3 must be completed through the face-to-face residency.
  • You are not a student in the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program.  

Click here to view the upcoming PhD virtual residency dates. 

PhD Attendance and Schedule

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

You have the option to select from two scheduled tracks: day or evening at the time of registration. However, the elective sessions, professional development sessions, and colloquia activities are shared by all tracks and are scheduled in the morning and/or evening time blocks throughout the virtual residency. That means, regardless of which track you sign up for (day or evening), you are required to attend some sessions outside of your selected track. Please pay close attention to the schedule of sessions to make certain you don't miss required sessions that are outside of your track.

Attendance is required in ALL sessions in order to successfully complete your virtual residency.

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

PhD Virtual Residency Schedule Tracks - Be sure to select your desired track at the time of registration.

Refer to your residency registration confirmation email for the specific schedule of sessions for your residency level and track. The final schedule will also be posted in the Virtual Residency Blackboard classroom one week prior to the start of the residency.

EdD Advanced Virtual Residency Eligibility

You are eligible to participate in an EdD Advanced virtual residency when you have your doctoral study committee assigned in the Prospectus course (EDUC 8081/EDDD 8900/8910) or just prior to the Prospectus course of your program.

You can also participate if you are enrolled in EDUC 8090/EDDD 8990.

*Research shows students who attend an optional EdD Advanced residency complete their program an average of 6 months faster than those who do not attend.

Click here to view the upcoming EdD Advanced virtual residency dates. 

Registration

To register for a virtual residency, log in to myWalden and follow the process for residency registration. For more information, call 1-800-WALDENU (1-800-925-3368).

Frequently Asked Questions