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.
  • Auditorium Building: 37 of 61 classrooms have built-in cameras and microphones for Zoom sessions
  • Wabash Building: 27 of 32 rooms have built-in cameras and microphones for Zoom sessions
  • Schaumburg Building: 18 of 45 rooms have built-in cameras and microphones for Zoom sessions. 
  • We are working with the registrar’s office to ensure that classes, whenever possible, are scheduled in rooms that are Zoom ready. 
  • We do have a few mobile carts that are Zoom ready.
  • Fall 2021 training opportunities- https://inside.roosevelt.edu/spaces/55/academic-technology-solutions/wiki/view/6210/training-options
  • Zoom/classroom information - https://inside.roosevelt.edu/spaces/55/academic-technology-solutions/wiki/view/6205/zoom-classroom-information
  • Kaltura Video Repository - https://inside.roosevelt.edu/spaces/55/academic-technology-solutions/wiki/view/6237/kaltura-video
• 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.

Published: 27 August 2021

Congratulations to the new members of the RU Faculty Senate and College Council for 2021-2022! 

Select this link for a description of the positions and terms of office.  

Published: 09 June 2021

Writing on the Edge (WOTE) is a virtual conference for adjuncts, contingent faculty, full-time faculty, staff, and anyone else interested in teaching and learning.  Organized by adjunct faculty from the Liberal Arts Division of the College of DuPage, the virtual conference will focus on what we all have learned while teaching remotely, strategies we have found effective, and issues we may face as we move forward.

This year’s conference will be held on Zoom on Thursday, October 7, 2021, and Friday, October 8, 2021.  In addition to a keynote speaker, there will also be several breakout sessions. Please consider facilitating a breakout session. This is your chance to present at a conference about a topic you feel is important. 

Please see this Call for Proposals for details.  Faculty from all disciplines are encouraged to submit proposals dealing with the theme, Post-Pandemic Pedagogy, or any other teaching and learning ideas.

Proposals are due on July 15^th.

Published: 19 May 2021

Roosevelt University is holding elections for RAFO Senate and College Council positions.

Adjunct faculty members are up for election for both the Senate and the College Council, which play important roles in University governance. RAFO encourages adjuncts to vote for both representatives for the College Council and for members of the Senate. Let your voice be heard.

The voting closes on May 7th. Use this link to vote for candidates in your respective college and for the senate.

Click here for more information on the rules for the election and on the role of these bodies in University governance.

In solidarity,

The RAFO Executive Committee

Published: 05 May 2021