Spring 2022 Protocol Announcements
Our journey through COVIDland in 2021 is nearly complete. Academic Achievement has indicated that many students have required additional care this semester and I know that many of you have experienced this in your own departments. Thank you, colleagues, for everything you have done to support our students this fall.
This week, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) discussed recommendations to adjust our current quarantine process and approach to face coverings starting in the spring semester. The Town Hall discussion at our Faculty Meeting on Tuesday was very helpful in informing the SLT's direction and decision making. Earlier today, a message was sent to students that outlines these changes approved by the SLT. We have also updated our Current Status of Campus Protocols page to reflect these changes. Following is a summary of what we are planning for the start of the spring semester.
Changes Effective Spring 2022
Quarantine Adjustment for Classrooms
- If both the positive case and any close contacts (individuals within 6 feet) identified from the classroom setting are wearing face coverings correctly (over the nose and mouth), close contacts will not need to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
- If face coverings were not worn in the classroom setting by either the positive case or the close contacts, quarantine will still be required for close contacts who are unvaccinated.
- An exposure e-mail notification with next steps will be sent to all identified classroom close contacts.
Face Coverings in Chapel
- Rather than being required, face coverings will be strongly recommended in all Chapel and Alternative Chapel settings.
- Reserved seating will be provided in each chapel setting for students who want to sit in an area where everyone is wearing face coverings. Please be respectful of the reserved seating section(s) and only sit in the designated area if you plan to wear a face covering correctly during the entire session.
Remaining the Same at the Start of Spring 2022
- Wearing a face covering will still be required in all indoor academic settings (classrooms and labs) when 6 feet distancing cannot be maintained.
- Wearing a face covering will still be required while riding in UNW provided transportation (e.g., UNW vans, buses, etc.).
- A daily email will continue to be sent to faculty with a list of students who will not be able to attend class in person due to isolation, quarantine, or other approved absences. In these cases, lecture capture will continue to be used.
At this time, we are considering these changes for how the semester will begin. As we continue monitoring conditions throughout the term other adjustments may be warranted. We will continue to keep you informed of our campus case numbers as we have done in the past. Additional information will also be shared to support you and our students as we get closer to the start date of the spring semester.
Professional Development Spotlight
Encouraging Participation for All Types of Learners - Thursday, December 16, 1 p.m.
Learner engagement can be challenging when faculty and students are geographically separated. Empower all learners to contribute and engage with the instructor beyond verbally asking a question.
This live demo is hosted by Zoom with Lance Ford to learn the various ways you can solicit feedback from learners on Zoom. You will learn about the recent enhancements to polling (also known as advanced polling) to help assess feedback.
Register here for this live webinar. Can't attend? Register anyway and Zoom will send you a link to the recording.
Sharing Your Thoughts
Moving through the end of the semester can bring joy, anticipation, stress, and many more responses. For this week's feedback, I'd love to hear how you're doing, along with any questions or concerns you may have as we approach the Christmas break. Please use this anonymous form (feel free to include your name if you'd like) to share your thoughts. We are on this journey together!