As we make plans to return to a more normal campus environment for summer and fall, here are some select FAQs addressing questions we are hearing from students.
What will classes look like for summer and 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.
Is a condition that makes someone high risk for COVID-19 complications something that gets legal accommodation protections?
If a student claims a disability-related to COVID-19, they should contact the Office of Disability Service (ODS) by calling (316) 978-3309. There are certain disabilities that could make a person at higher risk for COVID-19 complications. ODS will determine if the student can receive legal accommodation protections.
As we make plans to return to a more normal campus environment for summer and fall, here are some select FAQs addressing questions we are hearing from students.
What are important dates for Fall 2021? Where there be a fall break?
Full-semester classes begin on Aug. 16. The last day of the fall semester will be Dec. 2, with finals proceeding as originally scheduled from Dec. 4-9. The commencement date and details will be announced at a later time.
Fall break is scheduled for Oct. 9-12.
What will my classes look like?
Students should visit the wichita.edu/summer2021 and wichita.edu/fall2021 webpages to see what additional details instructors have posted about how their courses have been designed. Instructors initially posted information in March, prior to the recent changes by the country regarding masking and event capacities. Instructors have been given the opportunity
What do I need to know about online exams and proctoring?
Some instructors require students to have proctored exams for online testing. The university supports ProctorU and Respondus for proctoring options.
Additional information can be found at the Media Resources Center’s Online Testing page.
As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for summer and 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.
As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for summer and 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 #7: Questions about the Classroom and Campus
What are the classroom capacities for the summer and 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 summer and 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?
No. We cannot ask questions that violate people’s health privacy.
Can instructors require students to be vaccinated if they want to be in person?
No. 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 advisors 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 that 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.
As we work to return to a more normal campus environment for summer and 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 #5: Questions about Health
Can instructors still wear a mask while providing instruction?
Yes.
Can instructors be compelled to take off their masks to teach?
No. This is a personal choice. 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?
No. We are following county guidelines. There is no longer a mask mandate. We can encourage COVID-healthy behaviors, including masking and distancing as space allows. It is fine to let your students know that you prefer that they wear a mask, but we cannot enforce it.
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.
