Author: Carolyn Shaw

The latest course syllabus template is now available on the Wichita State University Faculty Advancement webpage.

This year, language regarding university policies and student resources is provided in a hyperlink instead of inserted in the body of the document. This allows policy content to be updated regularly without faculty having to change their syllabus or search for the newest template. If you would like to remove these additional pages from your template, just use the following link instead: www.wichita.edu/syllabuspolicies.

As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for fall, the COVID Operations group would like to highlight some FAQs related to classroom instruction. Additional questions can be directed to Carolyn.shaw@wichita.edu to be addressed by this operational group.

FAQs Set #6:  Questions about health

• Can instructors ask students if they have been vaccinated?
  • We cannot ask questions that violate people’s privacy.

• Can instructors require students to be vaccinated if they want to be in-person?
  • We can encourage people to take advantage of getting a vaccine but cannot require it.
• How can instructors manage a situation where a student doesn’t feel safe to attend in-person classes?
  • Instructors have been asked to provide information in advance regarding their in-person expectations for classes next semester in order for students to make informed decisions about enrolling. Students can be encouraged to visit with their advisor to see if an online option is available for them. Instructors may consider replicating in-person learning experiences in a remote or online format when their program provides only one section of a course.
  • The emotional, financial and social disruptions caused by COVID-19 uncertainty have created serious challenges for many of our students. It is important that instructors refer students who might need assistance to the WSU CARE Team to learn options for addressing mental health and wellness during COVID-19.
  • If a student believes they have a condition which requires accommodation where they cannot attend in person, they should contact the Office of Disability Services. Instructors will work with ODS to meet these identified accommodations.
  • There may be some classroom management options that will help a student feel more comfortable. For example, suggest that they arrive early and leave last so they do not have to get too close to others as they enter the room.

Additional FAQs about teaching this fall can be found on the COVID-19 university webpage.

As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for fall, the COVID-19 Operations group would like to highlight some FAQs related to classroom instruction. Additional questions can be directed to Carolyn.shaw@wichita.edu to be addressed by this operational group.

FAQs Set #8:  Questions about the Classroom and Campus

• Can I require in-person attendance?
  • Students are expected to meet the stated requirements for their courses. Students should use the wichita.edu/fall2021webpage to identify courses that work best for their needs. If a student believes they have a condition which requires accommodation where they cannot attend in person, they should contact the Office of Disability Services. Faculty will work with ODS to meet these identified accommodations.
  • However, instructors are encouraged consider ways other than in-person attendance to assess participation and/or engagement. These alternative approaches can help ensure we do not disincentivize people to stay home or quarantine when sick. Instructors should ask students to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms and instruct students who feel ill to not attend in-person meetings.
• Is there standard syllabus language we can use?
  • Yes. The policies that should be linked to all syllabi include a COVID statement.  These can be found here: https://www.wichita.edu/faculty/development/syllabuspolicies.php
  • Instructors should provide a clear statement of expectations on the first day of class promoting campus health and safety.

As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for fall, the COVID-19 Operations group would like to highlight some FAQs related to classroom instruction. Additional questions can be directed to Carolyn.shaw@wichita.edu to be addressed by this operational group.

FAQs Set #7:  Questions about the Classroom and Campus

• What are the classroom capacities for the fall?
  • Regular classroom capacities will be resumed with no more distancing limitations in the classroom. Instructors may choose, however, to divide their classes as they have previously in order to have fewer students in a classroom at a time to maintain distancing. Our hybrid class codes will allow for flexibility in these course designs.

• Can instructors request a new classroom based on changed class capacities?
  • The Registrar’s Office has ensured that all courses are in rooms that can hold the quota of the course. Special requests will be considered if they are needed to allow for additional enrollment, to address medical concerns or to accommodate a specific mode of teaching. The department chair or department schedule builder can contact schedulebuilding@wichita.edu with these select requests.

As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for fall, the COVID-19 Operations group would like to highlight some FAQs related to classroom instruction. Additional questions can be directed to Carolyn.shaw@wichita.edu to be addressed by this operational group.

FAQs Set #5:  Questions about health

• Can instructors still wear a mask while providing instruction?
  • Yes. Everyone in classrooms and lab spaces should wear a mask.
• Can instructors be compelled to take off their mask to teach?
  • If students have trouble with hearing or comprehension, a microphone might be advisable or use of a face shield instead of a mask. If an accommodation need exists, the instructor needs to consult with ODS.

• Can instructors require masks in the classroom, or when students visit their office?
  • We are following state and county guidelines. We will continue to encourage COVID-healthy behaviors, including getting vaccinated, masking, and distancing as space allows. Updates based on Gov Kelly’s July 28 announcement will be found on the Shockers United news page.
  • You may choose to meet students in a larger conference room if that is more comfortable than a smaller office; or arrange for a virtual meeting instead.

• If an instructor has students who want to socially distance and students who don’t, can they designate part of their classroom for distancing?
  • Instructors can manage seating in their classroom as they choose. We encourage instructors to spread students out in the classroom to the best extent possible.

As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for fall, the COVID Operations group would like to highlight some FAQs related to classroom instruction. Additional questions can be directed to Carolyn.shaw@wichita.edu to be addressed by this operational group.

FAQs Set #1:  Questions about the Classroom and Campus

• What are the classroom capacities for the fall?
  • Regular classroom capacities will be resumed with no more distancing limitations in the classroom. Instructors may choose, however, to divide their classes as they have previously in order to have fewer students in a classroom at a time to maintain distancing. Our hybrid class codes will allow for flexibility in these course designs.
• Will classrooms still be sanitized next semester?
  • All classrooms will be cleaned as they have been. We will also continue to have sanitizing spray and paper towels for anyone who wants to disinfect their area in the classroom. See additional Health and Safety information.

As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for fall, the COVID-19 Operations group would like to highlight some FAQs related to classroom instruction. Additional questions can be directed to Carolyn.shaw@wichita.edu to be addressed by this operational group.

FAQs Set #4:  Questions about the Classroom and Campus

• Do Instructors have to provide alternative, online content for students without asking if the request is COVID-19 related?
  • No. But Instructors need to accommodate students who have registered with the Office of Disability Services (ODS). Instructors should be flexible as they would be with any student who is ill. Instructors should not request documentation of health conditions.

• Can I require in-person attendance?
  • Students are expected to meet the stated requirements for their courses. Students should use the wichita.edu/fall2021webpage to identify courses that work best for their needs. If a student believes they have a condition which requires accommodation where they cannot attend in person, they should contact the Office of Disability Services. Faculty will work with ODS to meet these identified accommodations.
  • However, instructors are encouraged consider ways other than in-person attendance to assess participation and/or engagement. These alternative approaches can help ensure we do not disincentivize people to stay home or quarantine when sick. Instructors should ask students to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms and instruct students who feel ill to not attend in-person meetings.

As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for fall, the COVID Operations group would like to highlight some FAQs related to classroom instruction. Additional questions can be directed to Carolyn.shaw@wichita.edu to be addressed by this operational group.

FAQs Set #2:  Questions about the Classroom and Campus 

• Can instructors change their classes from fully online, no synchronous events with no Zoom lectures (IIE)/fully online with synchronous events like Zoom lectures required (IIS) to partly online, partly in person (HYB), or from HYB to IIE\IIS?
  • Registration has been underway since March, and students have made plans based on what is already in the catalog. For this reason, we will not be making any late course code changes to the fall semester.

• Can instructors request a new classroom based on changed class capacities?
  • The Registrar’s Office has ensured that all courses are in rooms that can hold the quota of the course. Special requests will be considered if they are needed to allow for additional enrollment, to address medical concerns or to accommodate a specific mode of teaching. The department chair or department schedule builder can contact schedulebuilding@wichita.edu with these select requests.

As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for fall, the COVID-19 Operations group would like to highlight some frequently asked questions related to classroom instruction. Additional questions can be directed to Carolyn Shaw and will be addressed by the operations group.

FAQs Set #3: Questions about the Classroom and Campus

• Are we ending in-person instruction before Thanksgiving break?
  • We are planning for a normal end-of-semester with regard to in-person instruction. The last day of instruction is Dec. 2 with finals Dec. 4-9.

• Can instructors choose to end in-person instruction before Thanksgiving even though we have moved back to the standard academic calendar?
  • Instructors can choose their course design to meet their instructional needs. It is important to communicate these choices to students so they can make their own plans accordingly.

In response to faculty requests, six outdoor classroom spaces are available for reservation from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.

These spaces will have 25 folding chairs and a table to be arranged as you choose. Whiteboards and portable amplification are also available. Contact Becca Off at 316-978-7058.

Information and online reservations are available at www.wichita.edu/classoutside.