Fall 2021 Frequently Asked Questions

Will we still be required to wear masks in classrooms/labs for Fall semester?

At this point, the University cannot say for certain if the mask mandate will be lifted in time for Fall semester to begin. Therefore, faculty should plan on wearing masks until the University (and state government) determine the conditions have changed.

Do I have to teach an in-person class if I am not comfortable with it?

Departments and faculty will decide together how best to deliver courses. Faculty should express any concerns to their department head and plan accordingly. It is best if decisions are made about course instructional methods prior to student registration.

Will the CARE Team still be active?

If the University continues to provide case containment (contact tracing) of COVID-19 cases then the CARE Team will continue to monitor and communicate with students and faculty about those cases—including the Canvas notification system for those with in- person classes.

What should I do if I still have students who get COVID?

If the University continues to utilize the CARE Team, instructors will be notified when students are impacted by COVID-19 and instructors should accommodate their absence(s). In addition, the instructor should consult with the University’s Attendance and Excused Absence policy for students: https://catalog.usu.edu/content.php?catoid=12&navoid=3160

Can I change my course delivery type if COVID gets worse in the Fall (or is still bad)?

Departments and faculty are being asked to submit their Fall courses to the Academic Scheduling Office in time for student registration. It is preferred to not make delivery method changes once registration has occurred.

Will faculty be vaccinated in time for Fall semester to begin?

The university will be notified if/when we are able to provide vaccinations to our employees. In the meantime, faculty are encouraged to check their local health department for opportunities that might be available outside of university resources.

If I choose to do online for Fall 2021, will I be obligated to choose that same delivery method moving forward?

The scheduling process and protocols outlined in this plan are intended for the extenuating circumstances we are currently facing. These guidelines are being implemented in response to the uncertainty as to what COVID-19 conditions will exist by the start of Fall 2021, while allowing the university the ability to “pivot” if necessary.

For sections that are web broadcast and originate from a classroom, are students able to attend in-person if they would like?

Web broadcast is a remote delivery method. Expectations and/or allowances for students to attend in-person should not be granted. If a faculty member would like students in the classroom, hybrid face-to-face would be a good option.

How do I schedule a room from which I can originate my web broadcast course?

Departments are encouraged to remain in close contact with the Academic Scheduling Office for specific course needs. Email schedule@usu.edu to request a room.

Are departments still required to spread courses throughout times of the day?

Despite moving more towards an in-person experience, the university must continue to spread courses throughout the day in order to allow for cleaning times, study rooms, and other strategies in an effort to act with caution and vigilance. We ask for your support regarding the times courses are offered throughout the day.

Will classrooms have any social distancing caps?

The goal is to offer more in-person classes with some modifications. As much as possible, classes will be assigned to larger-than-needed classrooms. This is intended to find a balance between offering face-to-face experiences while still maintaining some distance.

Do we need approval from Department Head, Dean and Provost if we need to make a change to the schedule once registration starts?

Departments and faculty are being asked to submit their Fall courses to the Academic Scheduling Office in time for student registration. It is preferred to not make delivery method changes once registration has occurred. In the rare instance a change may need to be explored once students are registered for the section, it must be approved by the Department Head, Dean, and Provost.

Who can best support faculty when deciding which delivery method would work best for their course?

Please contact John Louviere.

What policy dictates how my Hybrid Face-to-Face class should be scheduled?

Hybrid Face-to-Face courses are scheduled to meet at specific times and days. They are simultaneously delivered live to in-person students as well as students attending via web broadcast methods. Professors can/should set the expectations that create the best circumstance for the students to succeed. It is left up to each individual instructor to determine what will work best for their course. Additionally, the instructor should consider the seating capacity of the classroom, and accompanying institutional imperatives (i.e. social distancing) when developing their attendance policy. It is incumbent on the professor to communicate the schedule for when students will attend in-person vs. web broadcast.