Guidance to Faculty on COVID-19 Matters
Sent on Aug 27, 2020, at 9:16 AM, Provost and Academic Affairs and Research <AcademicAffairsandResearch@astate.edu> wrote:

Email Sent on Behalf of Dr. Jill Simons

Departments: Please find updated information below that should provide a little more guidance on what to do in the event that a student has symptoms of/test positive for/or is exposed to COVID-19. We understand that it is hard to predict all situations, please feel free to reach out as additional questions arise.

• Students who prefer online classes due to COVID concerns: Advisors will assist students in enrolling in online course offerings wherever possible. In these cases, faculty are not required but may elect to offer a remote learning option.
• Students who need accommodation due to high-risk heath concerns: Access and Accommodation Services (A&AS) will inform faculty via email following their customary practice for any student in need of classroom accommodations. A&AS will work with the student and the faculty member to explore possible accommodations, which may include rescheduling certain class activities, such as labs, for that student, extra social distancing in classrooms, extra PPE, or providing remote learning options. The use of AOS companion courses may be an option in some cases.
• Students who have symptoms of/test positive for/or are exposed to COVID and can continue their studies remotely while in quarantine:
  • Student should submit the campus self-reporting form at: www.AState.edu/COVIDSelfReport
  • Faculty will be alerted via email of students’ absenteeism and their approved date of return.
    • A daily report will be sent to Jill Simons in Academic Affairs listing students that are in isolation or quarantine and the date that the student ends quarantine or isolation.
    • If a faculty member has concerns about a student that they have not received official notice of quarantine or isolation from AAR, the faculty member will contact Dr. Simons who will reach out to Sara Walker for verification.
  • Faculty will work with students on a case-by-case basis to develop the best remote learning arrangement. In most cases, faculty should already have alternative plans in place for a quick pivot to online learning or a hybrid model in place.
  • Students will also receive an email providing tips for working remotely during quarantine.
  • NOTE: The Contact Tracing Team will vet all student situations and will inform faculty or students if they are at risk for exposure. Faculty should not notify students when alerted about a possible positive case in their class.
• Students who become sick due to COVID: At times, students will become too sick to work remotely or otherwise. Faculty will work with students following their usual process for missed courses. Due to the unique circumstances presented by COVID-19, faculty will be expected to allow flexibility, where possible, in these situations. However, in some cases, students may need to withdraw from the course or a grade of “I” may be issued. NOTE: Learning Support Services may be an option for students in need of a learning coach.
  
  Regards,
  
  Jill Simons, Ed.S., Ed.D.
  Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs
  Dean, University College
  870-972-2030
  870-972-3574
  #EveryRedWolfCounts