RU Letter to Faculty on the Return to Campus and In-person Learning

 

 

GUIDANCE FOR FACULTY: Student Attendance and Accommodations—Fall 2021 Semester


The University has implemented strict and successful protocol for campus entry during the past 18 months.  Ongoing monitoring of and compliance with CDC and IDPH requirements, implementing a vaccination/exemption requirement, and strict adherence to policy have assisted our University in maintaining a healthy and safe campus.  Please know that the University continues to monitor the state of public health and has implemented policies and procedures to make our on-campus environment as safe as possible. We encourage all of our faculty members to be proactive in communicating their expectations for the fall semester to the students in their classes. Below are a few reminders about the expectations as we begin the new academic year: 

  • Anyone who plans to be on campus this semester will be in compliance with the vaccination protocol in one of two ways:
    • Proof of vaccination
    • Exemption from vaccination, combined with frequent testing
  • All campus guests, including guest lecturers, are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccine.  The only exception to this requirement is individuals under 12 years of age, who must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to coming on campus.
  • Students, faculty, or staff who are not compliant will not be permitted on campus.
  • A communication plan, from the Dean of Students’ Office, will inform faculty as to any instances when a student should be excused from class and allowed to make up work for COVID-related reasons.
  • In an instance when a student is excused for COVID-related reasons, faculty are expected to support and work with the student. Please keep in mind that some students may be excused for quarantine (not ill) or isolation (ill) reasons.  While sharing a Zoom link with an individual student is one way, it may not be the method you choose as faculty or the only way to work with a student.
  • The majority of our classrooms are equipped with technology to allow a Zoom session if needed. Naturally, this may not be an ideal alternative or the only way to assist a student with an excused absence.  Faculty may choose to use this method to record a session, share a link with an individual student, or utilize other methods of working with excused students.  Accommodating a student’s needs utilizing Zoom is not an expectation for a faculty member to teach in two different ways (face-to-face and remote).  It is rather a way for the student to attend and hear the course discussion.
  • Masking continues to be mandatory while on campus, except in designated dining areas or when one is alone in in a private room with the door closed. Should a student refuse to wear a mask after being reminded, please notify Campus Safety (Chicago: 312-341-2000; SCH: 847-619-8989) immediately.