Questions and Answers for Employees

Facilities has been working with Records and Registration to develop “COVID Capacities” for classrooms and meeting spaces based on the MDH recommendation of 6 feet physical distancing and entering these capacities in room scheduling system.  We will continue to update this information as we continue to review the spaces and receive additional guidance from MDH.

Yes.  Please work with your chair and dean to gain access to your teaching spaces.

The St. Cloud State University face coverings policy requires face covering for all people when inside university buildings and outside when physical distancing cannot be observed.  This includes students and faculty in classrooms. 

1. If a student arrives to class without a mask, the faculty member should politely explain that face coverings are required to protect the health of everyone.
2. Remind them that it is university policy that everyone wear a mask or face shield when in a university building.
3. Politely ask the student to put on a mask or face shield.
4. If the student refuses to put on a mask or shield or does not have one, politely ask the student to leave the class to get a face mask. Face coverings can be purchased at the St. Cloud State bookstore.
5. If the student refuses to wear a mask because of a medical condition, they may work with Student Accessibility Services at SAS@stcloudstate.edu to discuss alternative options such as a face shield, or remote course options, etc. 

We are currently developing plans to either tighten or loosen restrictions as conditions continue to change.  The first step to prepare for greater restrictions was in the development of our course portfolio.  Our current portfolio has 24% of our courses offered primarily in-person.  We are currently working with the faculty in these classes to determine a process to move to all online if needed.  The remainder of our courses are working on strategies to adjust in-person components if necessary.  In addition, we have asked all faculty to utilize the university learning management system (D2L) to facilitate a smooth transition to all remote learning if needed.  We are also working on an institutional plan to move the university work remotely as well.  It is anticipated this move would be stepwise similar to our move back to campus from the spring semester.

We will continue to monitor the situation at the University and in the community in partnership with MDH, the Minnesota State System and local health professionals.  Because every situation will be different, it is not possible to apply a general metric to these decisions.  However, if changing conditions warrant a formal change in instructional approach, the instructor will be notified directly.

We have worked closely with faculty to accommodate their decision regarding which delivery mode was most appropriate for their course.  We will continue to work with faculty on a case-by-case basis to ensure we have a balance program portfolio for the fall semester.

We must be sure that we are observing physical distancing capacities in each classroom including large classes.  If we are not able to hold a course because of the number of students would exceed the COVID-19 capacity of the space, we will need to consider alternative delivery approaches (hybrid, hyflex, online, etc.) to the course. 

We do not currently have the instructional capacity to cover all courses.  Faculty are allowed to take sick days similar to a normal year. 

We have been working closely with faculty regarding their sabbatical and/or research plans that require international travel or other activities not allowed under COVID-19 rules.  We will continue to work on a case by case basis to develop potential solutions.

We have extended the deadline for faculty in their first year to submit their first-year PDR to beginning of the AY20-21 year.  We are currently working with the FA to determine if any additional extensions will be required for the next academic year.

During the fall 2020 semester, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will allow international students to enroll in any number of online courses as long as the students are enrolled in a full-time course load.

Please support students as you always do and, if there are specific needs that international students in your class may have, contact Shahzad Ahmad, Associate Vice President for the Center for International Studies at shah@stcloudstate.edu for further assistance.

Since many international students will be enrolled in online courses from their home countries, faculty should be mindful of time zone differences and internet difficulties that may affect a student’s ability to participate in an online course.

There should not be any difference how you teach students enrolled in your class.  The big difference this semester can be students who may be enrolled while in their home countries or out of state. Each student may need different accommodations due to time differences or the availability of technology in their home country.  Please be as flexible as possible during this unprecedented time.