Talks with Torrey is a biweekly question and answer-based Zoom call hosted by University of Idaho Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Torrey Lawrence. In this series, we summarize the main points of each of these calls. If you have questions for Lawrence, you can submit them on the Talks with Torrey website at least 24 hours before the next event.
UI Director of Human Resources Brandi Terwilliger joined Lawrence on this week’s edition of Talks with Torrey to answer questions from faculty and staff about reopening the university over summer and fall. Previous Talks with Torrey coverage can also be found on our website.
Here’s an overview of this week’s Talk with Torrey.
COVID-19-related information
- Approximately four feet of distance will be provided between individuals in classrooms, Lawrence said.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend at least six feet of distance between individuals to practice social distancing. The full recommendations for colleges and universities can be found on the CDC website.
- “I am really surprised to learn that current plans did not include students being at least six feet apart,” English Department Associate Chair Tara MacDonald said. “I had assumed this was part of the hyflex model. We were told that “maintaining social distancing” was part of the fall return plan.”
- Face coverings will be required in campus buildings, including in classrooms and hallways, with few exceptions. The university is working to provide face shields for lecturers as an alternative to facial coverings. Faculty members can request a face shield on the VandalCARE website.
- Students will not be allowed into classrooms without face coverings. The university is developing protocol and potential syllabus language relevant to this type of situation.
- “We have a no smoking policy on campus,” Lawrence said. “It’s an issue that’s contentious, but it really is kind of similar in that it’s individuals versus the group. Somebody said ‘well, what if somebody lit up a cigarette in class, what would you do?’ and I think most people would probably react in the same manner, ask the student to alter their behavior and do something different.”
- Students will not be required to self-isolate or quarantine on campus for two weeks before classes begin. Lawrence said the university will continue to consider the option.
- “People in quarantine are still going to need to go to the grocery store,” Lawrence said. “It kind of kicks the can down the road a little bit, but it could be an option we need to look at more seriously.”
- UI has COVID-19 testing equipment and is working with Gritman Medical Center to develop a plan for testing students for COVID-19. There could be multiple locations for this testing, but there is no final plan yet.
- As mandatory reporters, faculty members can report COVID-19-related concerns from students to the Dean of Students office to connect the student to a case manager and any required assistance. Dean of Students Blaine Eckles said the office can be reached over phone, email and VandalCARE reports.
- “I think, Torrey, that health and safety trumps “what everyone wants,”” English Department Chair Jodie Nicotra said. “This is where I go back to our ability to proactively message that whatever pedagogical experience students get will be good, even if it’s not what people (students) expect.”
Fall classes
- Two surveys, one for faculty and one for students, regarding transitioning to online-only classes following Thanksgiving break are open until 5 p.m. today.
- As of July 1, both groups support the idea.
- Lawrence said a final decision on will be announced within the next few weeks.
- UI is basing the assumption that students want to take in-person classes more than online classes on three criteria: ASUI input, a student survey and students and families who have reached out to UI. Lawrence said those who have reached out to UI who prefer in-person classes outweigh those who prefer online classes about 20-to-1.
- Some in-person classes will not offer online options.
- Students with medical conditions can request accommodations through the Center for Disability Access and Resources.
- The fall schedule is not yet complete, although he expected it to be complete by today. Lawrence said the university will contact students once it is complete and ask them to double check their personal class schedules.
Employee-related concerns
- All COVID-19-related telework requests approved by UI HR at this time have been marked provisional, Terwilliger said. This means if the university has a change in needs, some of those approvals could be discussed again or revoked.
- The option to teach hyflex and online courses is not guaranteed to be approved. Some professors are expected to teach in-person courses to ensure the needs of the students are met.
- Desire from faculty members to have a stronger say in which method they use to teach amid the COVID-19 pandemic is not limited to UI. Inside Higher Ed covered the topic in May and The Chronicle covered it in June.
- The furlough salary range sheet is posted on the mandatory furlough frequently asked questions page on the HR website.
Lex Miller can be reached at [email protected]