Resources for Fall Teaching

Dear Colleagues,

The fall semester is fast approaching, and I know Monday’s Board of Regents decision adds one more complication to the already complex fall instruction environment. I am inspired by your commitment to continue delivering our educational mission with passion and creativity in these trying circumstances.

As you continue your fall preparations, I want to call your attention to a few resources that are available to support you.

Fall 2020 Resources Now Collected through MyU

We know there is a lot of information being sent to you, and that the information appears in many different places across the University’s websites. A new "Fall 2020" menu tab on MyU has launched to collect as much of this in one place as possible; it appears between the "Resources" and "Favorites" tab along the top of the page. We are also working to create a MyU topics page with information specific to instructors, to include the existing Guidance on Student Positive Cases, as well as other topics like classroom protocols for those of you teaching in person or in a blended format.

Resources for Teaching at a Distance and Inclusive Course Design

Our faculty and instructor development page includes links to a number of resources that can help you prepare for remote or online instruction, including those developed by Academic Technology Support Services, the Center for Educational Innovation, and the University Libraries. This will be useful if you were already planning to teach online or remote, or were planning for in-person or blended and need to think about the first two weeks (or the last three) of the semester.

This page also includes information about the principles of universal/inclusive design, which can ensure your courses are broadly inclusive and accessible. Regardless of the modality you are using, please keep in mind the needs of marginalized and underserved students, including individuals with disabilities.

Student Accommodations

Individualized disability accommodations and modifications will remain this semester. If you have specific questions about the access needs of students with disabilities, the Disability Resource Center (DRC) encourages you to consult with them. If a student has shared a disability accommodation letter with you and you have questions about anything in the letter, please contact the access consultant who wrote it. If you have a question that is not related to a specific student, contact the DRC at [email protected].

Makeup Work Policy

The Makeup Work for Legitimate Absences policy gives students an opportunity to make up coursework when they are absent for a variety of circumstances. Please see the policy FAQs for guidance when working to accommodate a student who is sick, quarantined, or needs to care for someone in their family or household who is sick.

Finding Balance

I know that instructors are balancing teaching responsibilities with a range of other challenging life circumstances. Your well-being is also a top priority and we hope that you will reach out for support if needed. Whether you utilize CEI’s teaching consultations for instructional strategies, find useful resources in our Information for Faculty and Instructors with Family Responsibilities, or access the Employee Assistance Program for personal support, we want to help you find what you need to thrive this fall.

Thank you for all that you are doing to enhance the academic success of our students.

Sincerely yours,

Rachel T.A. Croson
Executive Vice President and Provost

email sent to all Twin Cities faculty and all instructors scheduled to teach during fall semester on August 26, 2020