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Provost's message to faculty: COVID-19 instruction plan

Provost's message to faculty: COVID-19 instruction plan

03/12/2020

The following message was sent to faculty on behalf of SUNY Cortland Provost Mark Prus:

To: All Instructional Staff
From: Mark J. Prus, Provost
Re: Campus Distance Learning Plan
Date: March 12, 2020

As noted in the earlier memo to campus, SUNY Cortland will enact a campus distance learning plan based on our best knowledge of COVID-19 and in alignment with SUNY system guidance. The goal is to provide a baseline of continuity in student learning while recognizing the need to act in the best interest of the health and well-being of all students, faculty and staff. The COVID-19 situation continues to develop and we may make additional changes as necessary. The following information outlines the timeline, changes in the Final Exam Week, approaches and support for distance learning in this context, expectations for work in addition to instruction and additional resources.

Timeline

Although the campus will remain open, students will not return for instruction on campus until April 13, 2020 at the earliest. During the week following Spring Break faculty, in lieu of teaching and other campus service, will prepare to deliver classes in a distance-learning format. This is an alternative assignment and not an additional responsibility.

March 13
Students leave campus for Spring Break with planned return for April 13 at the earliest

March 23-27
Instruction is suspended for all faculty and students to plan and prepare for distance learning.
NOTE: classes that were originally scheduled for online delivery this semester will continue uninterrupted.

March 30-April 10
All class instruction resumes via distance learning

April 13
All classes resume on campus (students return). Given the fluid nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, this date may change, but this is the earliest students will return.

Final Exam Week

Final exam week, May 11-15, will be converted to an additional week of instruction. Faculty who traditionally give final exams will be able to offer exams during their instructional time that week.

Teaching and Learning in Critical Situations

This is not an ideal way to learn about distance education or implement new ideas. Keep in mind that this is a solution to the challenges we are facing — our expectations for the semester need to adjust and be reasonable given the situation. 

  • Understand that you will NOT recreate your classroom experience for students and cannot hold yourself to that standard.
  • This is not a time to fully learn about online teaching and best practices if you are new to the pedagogy. This is a moment to consider how your time, knowledge and skills can best be used to deliver your course.
  • Manage your expectations and goals for the semester and make adjustments that are reasonable without compromising the critical content of your course.
  • All of us will be faced with challenges in the coming weeks. Be patient and compassionate with your students, colleagues and yourself.

Distance Learning Modalities

During the week of March 23-27, no classes will be held, other than classes that were already fully online.  Faculty will prepare to deliver classes for a minimum of two weeks and potentially longer through the end of the semester.  Faculty will still be expected to be present on campus to utilize resources to plan for distance learning.

Distance learning encompasses a wide spectrum of strategies including, but not limited to:

  1. Use of the Blackboard learning management system. Each class has a Blackboard shell available that can be activated and used to upload course materials, facilitate discussion and more.
  2. Creating One Drives through Office 365.
  3. Using email or distribution lists to work with classes or smaller groups.
  4. Web conferencing using Web X or Skype for Business.
  5. Using online materials or loading materials to platforms such as YouTube.

We are fortunate to have professionals and faculty colleagues that can support distance education. The Instructional Design team will provide resources, workshops and consulting and we have numerous faculty with insight on using technology.  If you need help, reach out.  If you have knowledge, let people know that you can help.

Working with Students in Distance Learning

  1. Identify what content is most critical for your students in the next few weeks, and for the course overall, so that you prioritize your work.
  2. Give students smaller or ungraded assignments at first to help them transition to the distance-learning format.
  3. Recognize what additional skills or time are needed for students to do the work in a new format — does it require more reading, time for students to collaborate online, etc.
  4. Stay in contact with students consistently and be prepared for increased questions.
  5. Be transparent and provide students with clear information on changes to the course and why those changes are happening.

Advisement and Registration

Registration dates have been moved back one week to provide students and faculty with additional time for the adjustment to distance education. Registration will now begin on April 6, 2020 and all systems are available online.

Advisement for registration can also be conducted in distance format including calls, emails, etc.

Non-Instructional Responsibilities

The plan includes the campus remaining open, and faculty are expected to continue all responsibilities, including meetings, committee work, etc., after the week of March 23. Additionally, faculty should be using technologies available on campus to deliver their courses on-line. Management is working closely with UUP in order to assure that we respond to this challenging time appropriately.

Resources