Spring Snow Seminar

Wyoming is known for its unpredictable weather, and this spring has been just that! The M.S. in Health Services Administration program meets each spring and fall semester for our real-world seminar experience. Typically, we meet at the University of Wyoming campus and immerse students into a special topic with a special speaker. Students join the seminar for their first and final semesters in the program and work in groups to discuss as they learn. This has been one of the most valuable aspects of the seminar experience and allows for students to learn from each other’s diverse backgrounds.

This spring our students and instructional team were challenged with a large storm system as it swept across our region during the week of February 20th. While many explored various routes to arrive on campus in Laramie, they were faced with snow and wind which caused long road closures. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) shared a picture of snow west of Laramie and gives just a small insight to the road conditions on February 24th.

“Our program is designed to be flexible, and this storm proved just how quickly our team strives for a quality learning experience,” says Jen Paintin, Program Coordinator. “While we are used to winter weather, this storm created unexpected challenges for our students to travel to campus for an in-person experience.” The seminar was scheduled for February 25th and 26th with students taking their final exam on the 24th.

The special topic this semester was, “The Opioid Crisis”, with David Brushwood, R.Ph., J.D., Senior Lecturer. Students learned in sections including “Causes and Challenges” and “Practice Standards to Address the Opioid Crisis”. While a small group of students were already in Laramie, many joined through Zoom. The class was highly engaged and able to interact with each other to share ideas and understanding.

This spring seminar certainly brought challenges for travel but was a success as students were able to experience collaborations.

If you would like to master the next step in your career, consider applying for the MSHSA program. Applications are accepted for fall and spring semesters. Students can choose from 18 specialty tracks and will learn primarily online.

Photo Credit: WYDOT District 1 – Southeast Wyoming