On Monday night, University of Idaho Dean of Students Blaine Eckles and Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Torrey Lawrence hosted a Facebook live event regarding plans for the fall semester at UI while sitting six feet apart.
Eckles noted this will not be the only Facebook Live event where the two will answer questions, but future dates have not yet been finalized. Those who watched the event could comment their questions while the Director of Health Promotion with Vandal Health Education Emily Tuschoff moderated.
Eckles clarified everyone is required to wear a mask while in university buildings. He also noted emails will be sent to students around mid-July to let them know full plans for the fall semester. He also said the university will create a website focusing on fall 2020 and possible questions.
This post breaks down these questions or topics and their respective answers. A recording of the Facebook Live is accessible on the Dean of Students Facebook page.
COVID-19 and student supports
Will there be testing and quarantine for students coming from out of town?
The university is partnering with Gritman Medical Center to increase testing for the university. Lawrence said there will be on campus testing, with more information to be released in July.
Quarantined spaces will be set up especially for those living on campus. A specific location has not yet been determined because the university is figuring out where to do so.
Eckles asked off campus individuals to quarantine at their location if they get COVID-19.
Temperature Checks
The university will begin looking at thermal scanners and testing on them on Tuesday. These scanners will be used in high traffic areas. The university is working on a protocol for where they will be used and how. Lawrence said they will release more information in July or August.
Eckles said students should get in a habit of self-checking temperature every day. The university will be putting out information about self-checks later.
Is COVID-19 testing required for students?
The university is looking at the possibility of requiring all students to be tested. If that becomes a requirement, the university will provide an initial test for each student as they come to campus, but students will be responsible for the cost of subsequent testing.
Is there a quarantine requirement for out of state students?
There is no quarantine requirement for out of state students. The university asks students coming from a “hotspot” to self-isolate. Eckles said to isolate for a “period of time,” but he did not specify the period of time.
Will students be required to wear gloves?
Since wearing gloves is not related to COVID-19 prevention, this will not be required, Lawrence said, but gloves will continue to be available in areas they were required before.
Will face masks be provided?
Face masks will be given to all members of the faculty, student body and staff. Each person will receive one face mask. However, Eckles and Lawrence did not explain how these will be distributed. Students are encouraged to bring their own masks as well.
A contact tracing app?
The university is exploring options for a contact tracing app, but right now they don’t have one or any recommendations for one to download.
Will financial aid be available for those who lost jobs due to COVID-19?
Eckles said students with this concern should contact the financial aid office to find individualized support.
Financial Aid for International Students not eligible for federal aid
Eckles said he encourages international students to reach out to the Dean of Students office where case managers are available to work on this issue.
“To be absolutely honest, financial support for international students is limited and it’s difficult, but we will work with you and partner with you to the extent that we are able to help lower those costs to make it an affordable experience for you,” Eckles said.
Eckles said students can file a CARE report for more information regarding how to do this on the dean of students website.
Work study and student employment
Student employment and work study is not limited now but there is a possibility it will be. If a student is interested in working in a particular department, they are encouraged to reach out to that department directly.
Counseling and Testing Center
The Counseling and Testing Center will remain completely remote in the fall. The university is looking at how to handle appointments as safely as possible. Information about the CTC can be found at the CTC website.
Therapy Dogs
Right now, the university is unsure if therapy dogs will be on campus, but they are working with the dog handlers to determine if it can be done responsibly.
Holiday Break Bus
Right now, the break bus schedule is unchanged. However, the future schedule will depend on the bus company. Typically, information about the cost of the break bus isn’t released until the beginning of the semester. Information can be found at the break bus website.
Academics
Plans regarding classes between Thanksgiving and Winter Break
Some universities have announced they will hold all classes online after Thanksgiving break, however, Eckles and Lawrence said the university has not decided whether they will do it. They said a decision will be made in the next few weeks.
“It’s a complicated question with all the things happening after Thanksgiving, including commencement and final exams and things like that,” Lawrence said. “But we’re looking at this seriously because it is an option that might be a good decision for safety and for less travel and possibly less spread of COVID-19.”
If the university did hold classes online after Thanksgiving break, students would be able to stay on campus. Lawrence said he believes housing and food services would continue to be available.
Online classes, start dates and class formats
Classes are set to start Monday Aug. 24. Students will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
The university is working with each college to decide which classes will be held in person and online, but these plans are not finalized yet. Eckles and Lawrence said this is expected to finish after the Fourth of July.
Communication will be sent out to students once the plan is finalized. Afterwards , students will have the choice to switch to a different format if offered. Details about class formats will be available in the class schedule.
“It’s a big project. We have about 4,000 class sections offered in the fall and we’re working through those so we can set each class up to be as safe as possible,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence and Eckles explained students will receive word from instructors with more information about classes in the few weeks prior to Aug. 24.
Online course fee
There will be a fee for completely online classes, but Lawrence and Eckles are examining that fee since the number of online courses will increase.
“We’re not looking to add fees, this is not a money-making opportunity for the university,” Lawrence said. “We’re trying to adapt to the situation and adapt to the needs of our students.”
The date for when information about fees will be released was not mentioned.
Could students switch entirely online if they choose?
A student can choose to adjust their schedule as more information comes out regarding formats, Eckles and Lawrence said.
Eckles said he has gotten questions asking whether the entire semester will be online.
“We’re planning on a live in-person experience. But the chance is always there that COVID-19 could creep up and we could make a similar decision like we made this last spring,” Eckles said. “That will be the last choice we make.”
Lab classes in Biology and Chemistry
In the next few weeks, more details on the number of people allowed in each lab class will be released. Eckles and Lawrence said the goal is to minimize how many students are in each class.
Since the set-up of each lab is different from lecture classrooms, the university must examine each room individually to determine a plan.
As of now, there will not be changes for students already registered for these courses. Lawrence said the university will reach out to these students if anything does change.
Will all classes be required to used Bblearn?
There is no requirement for all classes to use Bblearn and Lawrence said he doesn’t see the university adding one in the next few weeks.
Will graduate student research change?
Research activities will follow similar guidelines as classes: students will be required to wear face masks and practice social distancing.
Lawrence said most research won’t be inhibited, but situations with human research may differ.
Graduate students and admission deferral
Admission deferrals are possible, as they were before COVID-19. Students are encouraged to reach out to the College of Graduate Studies at [email protected] for more information about this process.
The Library, Writing Center and Tutoring
The Library opens in mid-July, but some services are available now. Lawrence said he believes other student services are now open as well. Eckles encouraged students to reach out to each office to find out the specifics regarding student support.
Lionel Hampton School of Music and Physical Education classes
The LHSoM will be in touch with students about exact plans soon. Physical education classes will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
On Campus Living
Impact on Greek Living
There will be a reduced number of students living in both Greek houses and the residence halls. The university is asking all chapters to submit plans for the fall.
Sleeping porches will look different for chapters that have them. Fewer members will sleep on these porches. Instead, the university is asking chapters to use other rooms to spread students out.
Social events will function differently. One possible change includes chapters limiting who can visit the houses. However, Eckles and Lawrence did not give specifics. They encouraged students to reach out to their chapter leadership, but more information will be sent to them once plans are finalized.
“Our Greek leadership have really leaned in to creating as safe of an experience as possible for our students this fall,” Eckles said.
Fraternity and Sorority Recruitment
The Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Sororities will offer a different kind of recruitment. Eckles said a decision has not been made yet, but Greek houses will likely host the first few days of recruitment online and the second portion in person.
“We can create a really socially engaging online way where students can learn about a chapter or organization and do so in a remote way,” Eckles said.
Housing and Residence Life
Housing and Residence Life will also reduce student density. Theophilus Tower will hold single rooms instead of the normal double due to the communal bathroom, Eckles and Lawrence said.
“In consultation with public health, we thought that reducing density to one student per room would be setting students up for success in the event there were some challenges or concerns in regards to COVID-19 going forward,” Eckles said.
Students can have roommates in Wallace Residence Center and the Living Learning Communities because fewer students share bathrooms. HRL will determine who will have roommates. They are notifying students this week about housing adjustments. Reservations are still available for those who want to live on campus.
Eckles was not able to comment about the price of housing but said students can reach out to HRL at [email protected] with their questions.
Eckles did not know when Resident Assistants will begin training and be able to move in, but he said he will make sure HRL notifies RA’s about what training will look like.
Students are allowed to move into campus housing the Thursday before classes start, Aug. 20. HRL is spreading out move in times from Thursday to Sunday. HRL will be in contact with students with more information.
What about students who can’t fit in the dorms?
HRL is still taking reservations. Lawrence said they don’t see an overflow situation in any residence, but it’s possible.
“Right now, the numbers that I’m hearing is that we still have capacity both Housing and Residence Life as well as our fraternities and sororities,” Lawrence said.
Are freshmen students allowed to live off campus?
UI has a requirement that all first-year students live on campus their first year. Students can petition to live off campus, like they were able to before COVID-19. Those apprehensive about living on campus can petition to live off campus and will be followed up with directly.
Food options
Previously, students could get food at The Hub in a self-service style. This fall, employees will put food on plates for the students. Eckles said the university is looking to box food for those who want to eat elsewhere. There is also a possibility of reduced seating and limiting the number of students allowed in at once.
The Idaho Student Union Building Food Court will have face shields in each location. Food will be boxed to discourage students from congregating nearby.
Eckles said students can visit the Vandal Dining website if they have additional questions.
Are face coverings required in residence halls and Greek houses?
Eckles said chapter leadership is likely to not require face masks inside Greek houses, but he encourages students to wear one. He said the same thing about residence halls.
This includes communal areas, like kitchens, study rooms and living spaces, and not individual students’ rooms.
Events and recreation
Events during the fall semester
Eckles said the UI is still working to determine what is best for each event. He said the university plans to lower the density of attendance and request everyone who hosts events to submit a plan first. The Event Risk Assessment Team (ERAT) will review event requests.
Eckles said the university is planning for football games where attendees are socially distanced. Instead of admitting 15,000 fans, the university may admit 5,000-6,000 fans and require masks be worn.
The university is planning to host other sporting events, but these events depend on conference and NCAA guidelines.
Student Recreation Center
The Student Recreation Center is open now. Eckles recommended visiting the SRC Facebook page to look at photos of the set up.
The SRC is open on a block schedule and requires reservations. Information about that can be found on the SRC website or our article. Eckles said the university is looking to modify hours as students return to campus and increase use of the SRC.
Face coverings aren’t required while working out, but anyone can wear one if they want to. However, as patrons walk between machines and around the facility, they are required to wear a face covering.
The Outdoor Recreation Center is open for curbside drop off and pick up. Information about that can be found on the ORC website.
With events open to students and the public, who will get priority?
Usually, public events are first come first serve. However, if events have a requirement for students to come for a class, the university will consider giving students a priority. The university is also working on virtual options.
UIdaho Bound
Temperature checks aren’t required for the event, but face coverings are required for employees and participants. The university will provide face masks to participants.
Right now, around 100 people are registered for the upcoming event. The university is planning on dispersed activities with small groups and more times for participants to explore on their own.
More information can be found on the UIdaho Bound website.
Fall Career Fair
There is no information on the Career Fair yet, partially because the fair depends on what employers are comfortable doing. Eckles said he doesn’t see why the university couldn’t hold a Career Fair.
Nicole Hindberg can be reached at [email protected]