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Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Fall 2021 scheduling

President Gabel announced last week that we should plan for a return to normal operations this fall. With this announcement, we are expecting a stronger in-person presence for classes.

Instruction modalities

Per the Provost’s message on March 12, instructors will be required to get approval from their unit heads to change their class format from In-Person to a Blended, Remote, or Online offering. Course updates will be required in ECAS by July 1, 2021 (if not already approved for online offerings) for Blended, Remote, and Online offerings but may be scheduled in CCS with provisional approval.

Note: This approval requirement had been waived in the last few semesters due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but will now be required again with our move to normal operations.

  • Online and Remote: ECAS updates will include updating the online course question to “Yes” and providing an updated syllabus to document the new modality for fall 2021. Department and collegiate approval must be obtained prior to ECAS submission.
  • Blended: ECAS updates will require providing an updated syllabus to document the new modality for fall 2021. Department and collegiate approval must be obtained prior to ECAS submission.

Distancing

Widespread access to COVID-19 testing for all students, faculty, and staff will continue, as well as requirements for face coverings and physical distancing for the time being. With the return to normal operations, we will initially be assigning classrooms based on standard room capacities (no distancing). However, classrooms will not be assigned prior to registration.

It is also understood that we may need to adjust distancing for fall semester based on updated guidance. We are planning for multiple scenarios, with continual evaluation of plans in place throughout the summer. To view classroom capacities with various distancing for scenario planning (standard, 6’, and 3’), see this Google sheet.

Timeline

CCS will close at the end of day March 29,2021 and will reopen on April 5, 2021 to make final, emergent changes to the fall schedule prior to registration beginning on April 12, 2021.

As always, we will remain responsive to public health guidance, and we will pivot or adjust if needed.