For the first time since Iowa State began virtual instruction March 23, some faculty and students will be back in the classroom to resume in-person instruction during the fall semester. The first day of fall classes is Aug. 17, with a combination of in-person and online classes in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The university has implemented numerous policies and procedures to help protect faculty, staff and students on campus. The Cyclones Care campaign focuses on four keys: Wear a face covering, practice physical distancing, wash your hands often and stay home when sick.
Here are six things to remember as in-person classes resume:
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Face coverings are a requirement. A policy revision announced by President Wendy Wintersteen in an Aug. 5 message said cloth face coverings must be worn in university buildings at all times and outdoors on campus when social distancing is not possible.
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It will be a first day unlike most before it with faculty advised to spend much of the first class discussing protocols and answering student questions. It is recommended instructors visit their classrooms before the first day to familiarize with the seating arrangement, signage, doors and technology.
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A seating chart is key, not only to promote physical distancing, but to aid in contact tracing should any student, faculty or staff member become sick. Classroom seating charts are available online.
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Food and drink are not recommended in learning spaces this fall, but instructors are asked to use their best judgment when establishing rules for their classes.
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To assist students who may deal with COVID-related symptoms, faculty have been asked to structure courses to accommodate absences. This includes providing numerous assignments to choose from, online meetings to complete labs or studios, and using different methods like open-book or online exams.
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Fall will be a time of learning and adjusting for faculty, staff and students as many classes take on a hybrid approach.
