fall 2020 academic planning faq’s
q-will there be any changes to the spring academic calendar because of covid-19?
a-at this point we do not anticipate changes to the spring academic calendar. classes will begin as scheduled on tuesday, january 19, 2021. spring break is scheduled from march 19-22, 2021. the last day for all 16-week courses is friday, may 7, 2021 with finals week to follow. any changes to the spring semester calendar will be communicated to the entire university.
q-do the spring course notations apply to both graduate and undergraduate courses?
a-yes, the course notations apply to both graduate and undergraduate courses.
q-what is a “hybrid course?”
a-a hybrid course (hc) is:
- notated with hc
- course times and days will be scheduled for the entire semester in a classroom.
- the primary focus of these hybrid courses is flexibility.
- hybrid courses will contain a blend of online and face-to-face components. it is expected that all students will have the opportunity to participate in face-to-face instruction. an online component is also critical in a hybrid course.
- due to classroom space constraints, some students in a hybrid course might be in the physical classroom space while others may be connecting to the class remotely through technology. each hybrid course will be uniquely designed by each academic department. the hybrid design and attendance expectations for a specific course will be available to students prior to the start of the semester (through a course syllabus or contact in the department office). instructors have been encouraged to think about what they are willing and able to accommodate regarding attendance expectations. *if there are course requirements that cannot be met unless a student is present in the actual classroom, ie; required hands-on activities, work with special equipment, interactions that can only occur face-to-face that are necessary to meet course objectives, that information will be noted in the departmental office.
- the course will still be designed in such a way that fully online instruction is possible at any given time of the semester should the public-health situation necessitate a shift at the university.
- students will pay on-campus tuition for these courses.
q-what is a totally on campus course?
a- a totally on campus (toc) course is:
- notated with toc
- designed for courses that will be entirely on-campus to be completed.
- course will be scheduled in a classroom/lab space for the duration of the course.
- students will attend these classes on campus.
- a toc may have to be paused or delayed at a given point of the semester given the public-health situation.
- students will pay on-campus tuition for these courses.
q-what is a total on-line course?
a - a total online (tol) course is:
- notated with tol
- designed for courses that have traditionally been scheduled as on-campus courses, but will be offered completely online. courses do not meet face-to-face on campus.
- course times and days (no classroom) for tol courses should be scheduled as faculty will hold synchronous class meetings periodically at the designated class time/day throughout the semester. the requirement of a synchronous component differentiates the course from an fhsu online course.
- students will pay on-campus tuition for these courses.
q-how did faculty determine whether a course is online, on campus, or hybrid?
a-each department evaluated multiple factors to determine how a class would be delivered this spring. some of these factors would have included health and safety requirements, classroom space, class size, course content, and many other factors.
q-for courses meeting in person, what safety measures can students expect to take?
a- this will be identical to the fall semester. university signage will be utilized to assist with and educate you on the health and safety protocols. cleaning will be a high priority between classes and at the end of each workday in buildings, classrooms, hallways, elevators, stairwells, labs, etc. you may be asked to assist by wiping down your work or desk space with university provided cleaning supplies before or after a class meeting. more specific information regarding safety protocols in specific courses on campus will be available to you on the first day of your specific classes.
q-will i be required to wear a face covering in class?
a-to protect the health and safety of the fhsu community, when present on university property, all faculty, staff, students, and visitors must wear face coverings over their mouths and noses when in common areas of a building (including hallways, elevators, public spaces, classrooms, conference rooms, library, and other common areas), and when within six (6) feet of another individual anywhere on university property. employees and students with a recognized disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering can contact the human resources office (if an employee) or student accessibility services at 785-628-4401 (if a student) to discuss possible accommodations and the appropriate documentation process.
in classrooms, faculty have the right to deny a student entry into the room if the student is not wearing a face covering. students not wearing a face covering will be reminded to do so and offered a clean face covering, if one is available. if the student does not comply, the faculty member will ask the student to leave the space, and if available, join the class remotely. as a last resort, campus police may be called. the faculty members will complete the coronavirus (covid-19) concern reporting form and the appropriate office will look further into the issue and take the non-compliance with the request to leave into consideration of further accountability measures.
at no point should anyone put themselves into an unsafe situation while attempting to enforce the face-covering policy.
fhsu campus police: 785-628-5304
q-i am an fhsu online student and already enrolled in online/virtual courses. will my courses be changing because of covid-19?
a-no, they will not. your courses will continue as scheduled. if you have any questions, please contact your academic advisor.
q- though the plan is subject to change because of the coronavirus, should students expect further information about the academic plan from the university or from their departments?
a-please contact your academic department or advisor if you have specific questions about a course. departments have been asked to have information regarding courses available to students.