New policies & guidelines established for Fall remote & in-person classes

The College’s Academic Response Team (ART), which has operated continuously since early March, has released new policies and guidelines to promote safety and student equity in Fall Semester remote and in-person classes.

• The Academic Response Team is led by Provost Robbin Hoopes and includes faculty members and academic administrators.
   
• The new guidelines also were reviewed and approved by the College-wide Academic Policies & Curriculum Committee.

In addition, the ART, in collaboration with the Human Resources Office, has released safety guidelines for in-person classes and other in-person activities, including steps to be taken if a student reveals they have symptoms or exposure to COVID-19.

• Click to download Faculty Guidelines FA20 Safety and Remote Classes
   
• Click to download Faculty/Staff Guidelines FA20 In-Person Classes

Elements of the new guidelines include:

• All course syllabi must include a link to the Student Personal Responsibility Statement (at https://www.cincinnatistate.edu/covid-19-safety-policy-statements) or designated excerpts from the Statement.
• Students taking only remote classes need to be aware of these safety policies in case they seek in-person services such as advising or help with financial aid.
   
• All course syllabi must include a statement about the process students should use to seek an exception from the College’s Face Covering Policy.
• The Face Covering Policy and the “How to seek exceptions” information also are available at the same link (above) as the Student Personal Responsibility Statement.
   
• Provost Hoopes stated that students will not be allowed to attend in-person activities without a face covering. However, the College will work with those who seek exceptions to try to help students stay on track in their courses and degree or certificate programs.
   
• Instructors of remote courses that use video-conferencing and/or recording of the “live” class sessions must apply guidelines that help ensure privacy for students.
   
• Faculty or staff members who learn that an in-person student has symptoms of or exposure to COVID-19 must apply guidelines that ensure effective and safe responses by the College.

Anyone with questions about the new policies should talk to their division administrators or department manager.