Academic Continuity (Faculty Guidance)

What Will the Fall 2021 Semester Look Like?

We will continue to update this FAQ and encourage you to submit questions to Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management.

• 1. A student told me they tested positive for COVID-19. What do I do next?

  Inform Environmental Health and Safety at 907-786-1300 or uaa_ehsrms@alaska.edu. Ask the student to begin self-quarantine immediately. Work with the student on a plan to meet course learning outcomes remotely if the course is a face-to-face course. 

• 2. A student told me that another student shared they have COVID-19.  What do I do?

  Thank the student for coming forward to you. Inform Environmental Health and Safety at 907-786-1300 or uaa_ehsrms@alaska.edu. They will reach out to the student to determine whether they have COVID-19 and advise on next steps.

• 3. A student in my in-person class tested positive for COVID 19. What do I do?

  Fully vaccinated faculty and students who have been identified as a close contact to someone in their class who tests positive for COVID-19 will not need to quarantine. However, they should get tested 3-5 days after the exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms. They should also wear a mask indoors and in public for 14 days following exposure or until the test result is negative. You should isolate for 10 days if your test result is positive. Class members will be informed through the contact tracing process if they are identified as close contacts and need to follow this process. 

  Those not vaccinated who are identified as a close contact will be directed to self-quarantine. Students in isolation or quarantine will need to work directly with the instructor to complete any missed assignments. All others in the classroom should monitor for symptoms and get tested if they occur. The class would resume normal schedule. Rarely would the need to close a room for cleaning, but if it was required, you would be notified by Risk Management.

• 4. A student in my in-person class tested positive for COVID-19.  Does the class have to shift to remote learning?

  No, unless determined by the provost with a recommendation from Risk Management.

• 5. I want to require all students in my course to provide proof of vaccination. How do I do that?

  The university is not requiring proof of vaccination to attend in-person classes. You may not require students to respond to questions regarding their vaccination status or require them to be vaccinated in order to attend courses. If you have further questions or concerns, please work with your dean or director.

• 6. I want to make proof of vaccination part of the grade. Is that possible? 

  No, you cannot make proof of vaccination part of the grade.

• 7. I want to require all students in my course to wear a mask because we will not be able to maintain social distance. May I do that?

  Faculty should follow current university masking requirements. Effective August 2, 2021, masks are required in all UAA facilities and in all facilities across the UA system, regardless of vaccination status. View the mask policy.

• 8. A student cannot attend my class due to COVID-19. How do I handle class attendance?

  Faculty should follow their regular policies around attendance, keeping in mind that students may not be academically penalized for COVID-19 related circumstances, including the need to self-quarantine.

• 9. I am teaching in-person classes. Do students need to maintain 6 feet of social distancing during class?
  Yes, as much as is reasonably possible. 
• 10. I want to allow any student in my in-person class to also be able to choose simultaneous remote attendance at any time. Am I allowed to do this?
  Faculty teaching in-person classes may allow their students to attend remotely on the scheduled days and times. Faculty must state this in their syllabus and clearly outline the expectations for in-person and remote attendance and participation.
• 11. I'm teaching in-person courses, but students are having trouble hearing me with my mask on, what can I do?

  Work through your dean's office. Some options may include an approved clear mask, switching to a classroom that has voice lift technology installed, adding an over-ear microphone headset in rooms equipped to project the sound, etc.

•  12. Under current guidance requiring everyone to wear masks while inside UAA facilities, what should I do if a student in my in-person class arrives without one on or if they remove it?
  Treat the situation the same as you would any other class conduct issue. For instance, if you do not allow cell phones, you may have previously dealt with a student who tried to text during class. Use a similar approach --- remind the student of the rules, offer a mask and ask them to comply. If necessary, you may ask the student to leave if they refuse to wear a mask. Canceling class is also an option. Please reach out to UPD if a student displays any aggressive or threatening behavior. Use your professional judgment. Safety in the classroom is critical in order to foster student success.
• 13. Students are eating and drinking in my classroom and remaining unmasked for extended periods. What should I do?

  Extended periods of eating and drinking in a classroom are not allowed. Let students know a mask may be removed temporarily to drink but must be put back on immediately while in classrooms. Encourage students to eat and drink in dining areas, common sitting areas, breakroom settings or outside.