fbpx

Business As Unusual: Albizu University

Lifestyle continues to reach out to businesspeople all over South Florida to ask questions about the impact COVID-19 has had on their businesses—and what the future holds. Today, we check in Tilokie Depoo, chancellor of the Miami campus of Albizu University.

Business backstory: Founded 55 years ago, Albizu University is a private, nonprofit organization with more than 2,000 students in campuses in San Juan, Doral and a center in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. The university offers programs in human services, criminal justice, education, psychology and more. With more than 1,000 alumni, it is the only regionally accredited secular university in the continental United States named an honor of a Hispanic person (Puerto Rican psychologist Carlos Albizu-Miranda).

 

The impact: “When it became apparent that we needed to shut down as COVID-19 was spreading in March, Albizu University was able to move quickly and respond throughout our Puerto Rico and Miami campuses on both the operations, administration and academic fronts, thanks to our ongoing digital transformation,” says Depoo. “Students, instructors and staff have been working remotely during the COVID crisis.

“We were well prepared and equipped to provide distance learning. We ensured that our professors completed continuing education training to become properly certified to teach online. Online certification is now a permanent part of our instructors’ requirements.

“We arranged a virtual graduation.

“We launched a news site for students for internal updates and launched a new website that brands our international presence, with our San Juan main campus in Spanish and our Miami campus under one online ‘roof.’ ”

 

Supporting students: “With students, instructors and staff all working remotely during the COVID crisis, keeping everyone connected continues to be critical, both from a practical standpoint, as well as a morale-boosting one.

“To accomplish this, our Office of Student Affairs created a schedule of virtual events, including alumni gatherings, a career fair, and self-improvement workshops, such as brushing up on professional writing skills, our graduates will need to be productive members of the medical community.

“Albizu offers students a variety of psychology-related special interest clubs such as the Neuropsychology Club, which hosts events like the recent fourth annual Research Council and informative webinars on psychology-related topics like ‘The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s.’ ”

 

Moving forward: “A major positive change is that our Goodman Clinic (also referred to as the Albizu Clinic) received permission to deliver telehealth mental health and speech pathology services statewide, throughout Florida. This service gives people who may have lost their jobs and their health insurance a way to get psychological care, counseling, testing and diagnostics without making a trip to the clinic. The addition of telehealth services was a silver lining that provides health care to those who could not otherwise afford it and enables us to extend our geographical reach to provide those services.

“Albizu University continues to provide various student testing services to Miami-Dade Public Schools. We are also licensed to deliver speech pathology and diagnostic services online in Kansas.

“We plan to keep making all our continuing education classes available fully online, along with other types of curriculum as appropriate.”

You May Also Like

Paws Enchanted Masquerade Ball to Benefit the Humane Society of Broward County

The annual PAWS Gala benefiting the Humane Society of Broward County occurs at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale. This year’s theme is the “Enchanted Masquerade Ball,” presented by Spirit Airlines. Chairwomen Alyse Lemstrom and Sheryl Maher and their committee have organized the event with proceeds

Dan Marino Foundation Celebrates Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month

The Dan Marino Foundation in Fort Lauderdale will celebrate the autism community with various initiatives and events during Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month throughout April. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of children, teens, and adults with autism. When Dan and Claire Marino created the nonprofit in 1992, the prevalence of autism

Visit Lauderdale Celebrates Broward’s Cultural Diversity

Did you know Broward County is home to a rich, vibrant tapestry of cultures, with people from more than 170 countries speaking 147 languages living here? This dynamic array of diversity is not only prevalent in every corridor of the county — it’s proudly celebrated in the attractions, festivals, and food the destination offers. And

Jack & Jill Center to Host Team Pouncey Bowl for Change Fundraiser

Jack & Jill Center’s Young Professionals Network will host its annual charity bowling tournament from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, at Manor Lanes in Fort Lauderdale. The Team Pouncey Bowl for Change community event will feature a day of bowling, a live DJ, arcade games, a raffle, a full bar and

Other Posts

Gutenburg Burger Opens at Time Out Market Miami

Gutenburg Burger, a German-American burger concept, recently debuted at Time Out Market Miami, home to chef-inspired events, arts and culture, and live entertainment. Chef Jorge Kauam launched the eatery to honor Germany’s history of high-quality beef and highlight the hamburger’s proclaimed roots in his new menu.  “Our buns are a mix of a brioche and potato

Gulfstream Park Village’s Free Cone Day Returns Next Month

Gulfstream Park Village’s popular Free Cone Day will return on Wednesday, May 17 at Häagen-Dazs. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy one free mini cone or cup with the ice cream flavor of their choice. Additionally, Gulfstream Park Village Center will transform into a family-friendly village carnival with free entertainment

NAMI Broward to Hold Annual Artful Minds Event in Dania Beach

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Broward County will host the Second Annual “Artful Minds” event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at MAD Arts in Dania Beach, 481 South Federal Highway. The art exhibit showcases the relationship between art and mental health through artwork in various mediums created by artists

MAPP 2023 Conference in Miami to Empower Women in Hospitality and Culinary Industries

The second annual MAPP Impact Conference will return to Miami on May 1 to host a series of panels, speakers and events featuring top chefs and restaurateurs nationwide. MAPP (Mentorship, Advocacy, Purpose and the Power of women) is a nonprofit organization aiming to empower women in the culinary and hospitality industry.  The day begins with a