Faculty Priorities

• As we begin the new semester amidst COVID protocol, please prioritize high-quality teaching in all your classes and in all modalities.
• Continue focusing on . . .
  • Strong Interaction and Engagement
  • Elements of High-Quality Instruction
• Prioritize connecting with your students on multiple levels—teaching, advising, mentoring.
• Communicate frequently and well with your students, who are experiencing this unprecedented journey with us.
• Clear understanding of processes, expectations, and academic progress is especially important during this time of COVID.

Syllabi Statements

See below for the most recent COVID Syllabus Statement Syllabi Statements to be embedded into all Fall 2022 syllabi.

Faculty Accommodations

Faculty accommodation requests should be submitted for review through HR. Faculty should connect with Kelly Franck (kkfranck@unwsp.edu) about a possible accommodation. Additional information can be found on the Faculty Accommodation and Flexible Teaching Arrangement page.

Supports Available During Quad 4

• Wearing university provided N95 masks: these masks are available in the Academic Affairs and Human Resource offices for faculty and staff use (while supplies last). These can be used while teaching, in your office, or during meetings.
• Requirement for students to wear face coverings in classrooms or labs: Faculty and academic departments may choose to make face coverings required in academic settings. Disposable masks are available in the Academic Affairs office to provide to students if you will be requiring face coverings in class (while supplies last).
• Seeking a larger classroom: If you would like to pursue a larger classroom, please contact Andy Simpson to check on availability. 
• Change in modality: If you are considering changing the modality of your course from face-to-face to either hybrid or virtual, please consult with your Department Chair/Assistant Dean. If approved, communicate with the Registrar next and then with your students.

Guidance for Engaging with Students on Face Coverings 

Effective, March 3, there is no longer a general requirement for students to wear face coverings. However, faculty and academic departments may decide to require face coverings in classrooms and labs. Students may not wear a face shield in lieu of a mask unless they have received an accommodation or adjustment from Academic Achievement. The following information outlines ways to engage students in support of wearing face coverings. 

First Response When a Student Comes to Class Without a Face Covering 

• During the first week of class, provide a mask if the student arrives without one (the first time). Initially, students might forget to put their mask on or might forget to bring a mask with them to class. Masks are available from the Academic Affairs Office while supplies last.
• Respond with grace as we recognize we are all acclimating to the revised protocols.
• The next time a student comes without a mask, ask that they quickly go and get their mask and return to class.
• Try to do whatever you can to speak to this individual personally outside of class (such as moving to the hallway). We desire to show care, rather than confrontation.

Process for Addressing Student Refusals to Wear a Face Mask

• Ask them to sit in the back or physically distanced, if possible. This should be considered a temporary option to allow class to continue
• Ask the student to leave your class
• Determine if the disruption is large enough that canceling class is warranted
• If a student refuses your request to wear a face covering, this becomes a student conduct issue. Inform them you will be providing their name to Student Life.
• For student conduct issues, email your department chair and John Hyttsten (jphyttsten@unwsp.edu) with the following information:
  • Name of student
  • Name of class
  • Indicate what transpired (what was tried)
• It is important that these emails are timely (within a day or two) of the occurrence

Other Scenarios 

• Students in lab courses or studios may need to wear both a mask and a shield (or mask and goggles) to provide additional protection. 
• Music private lessons and lab students should speak with their instructor to clarify the applicable, approved protocols for their lesson/lab. 
• Students may wear a face shield or remove their face covering while giving a presentation if they maintain 6’ distancing. Students should replace their face covering when their presentation is complete. 

 The image below provides details and examples of approved face coverings and face shields:  

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Office Hours

Faculty are expected to hold regular office hours as defined in the Faculty Handbook. At this time, faculty can determine whether their office hours are virtual or in person. If your preference is for virtual meetings, please consider making an accommodation for students who request an in-person meeting. Clarify your schedule for office hours and meeting location (Zoom link, Teams page, office number, etc.) in your syllabi and on your course Moodle pages. Please communicate this schedule with your Department Chair/Assistant Dean as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fall 2022 COVID Plans

• If faculty test positive for COVID-19, or are a close contact, they should work with their department chair/assistant dean on a continuity plan which may include temporarily switching a class to virtual instruction.
• Academic Adjustments will continue to be provided to students. Please see the following guidelines:
  • Guidelines for Student Accommodations and Adjustments remain.
  • Guidelines for using Lecture Capture remain.
• Faculty and students are welcome to continue wearing masks but may not request others to wear masks in a classroom.
• Health Services and HR will continue to monitor updates from CDC/MDH and make recommendations on further changes as needed.