[Pols-l] POLS and Provost Message

[Kennedy, John James]

Hello everyone,



You may have seen the recent e-mail from the provost emphasizing the university’s commitment to return to in-person instruction this Fall. That means most courses will be taught on-campus, as they were before the pandemic. However, this may be a challenge or concern for some faculty.



One of the key points in this message is that the administration requires the Dean’s approval for any changes to the teaching mode of a course. That is, classes scheduled for in-person instruction cannot be moved to online or hybrid without the Dean’s approval. This means the department does not have the authority to change an in-person course to a hybrid or online format. Classes that were online before the pandemic can remain online.  In addition, any request for changes by an instructor based on health or medical reasons must go through the ADA accommodation process<https://accessibility.ku.edu/employment-accommodations>.  Thus, the Dean’s approval will require an ADA accommodation request.



However, there are also legitimate conditions/reasons for accommodation that fall outside the ADA eligibility. Thus, there is an ongoing discussion between department chairs and administration regarding course changes and approval process. I will let you know as this develops.



This is a fluid situation and I expect more changes in the policies due to the spread of the Delta variant.



In the meantime, if you need to change your course from in-person to a hybrid or online format, then let me know. I will work with you to make a case for a course change to the College.



Take Care,

John


John James Kennedy, Professor
Chair of the Political Science Department
University of Kansas
Office: Blake Hall, Room 521
Phone: 785-864-9025
E-mail: kennedy1 at ku.edu
Webpage: https://www.johnjameskennedy.com
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