[Pols-l] Covid and Fall Semester

[Kennedy, John James]

Hello,



I hope you are well. A couple of you have asked about Covid protocols and policies coming into the Fall semester. Here is what I have.



The University is still anticipating in-person classes and the policy requires masks on campus and in the classroom.  For now, the policy is for in-person classes, but this can change. The county Covid numbers are about the same as they were this time last year. I will let you know if there are any policy changes.



I also want to point out that, according to university policy, an “in-person” class can include up to 24% online or remote teaching (see https://registrar.ku.edu/sites/registrar.ku.edu/files/servicedocs/Instruction%20Modes.pdf).



I have already addressed several Covid policy questions for some faculty, and I believe these are relevant for the whole department. So, I will share with you the questions and my response.



Question: What happens if an instructor gets Covid and must quarantine?


Response: In this case, you can go online.  Let me know, and you can set up an online version for two weeks or the designated isolation time.


Question: Will we be notified if a student in our class tests positive for Covid? And how will that affect our class meetings?


Response: Students should tell instructors if they test positive. The College states that the course goes on as usual if a student tests positive. **However, if more than one student tests positive in the same class, then let me know.  If there are multiple positive cases in your class, then I will approach the College about adjusting the class to an online version.


Question: What happens if a student refuses to wear a mask?



Response: You can remind the student that refusing to follow university policy is considered academic misconduct and you can ask the student to leave the class. I suggest putting the mask policy in the syllabus and remind students at the beginning of the class. If a situation becomes confrontational, then let KU security handle it. The number is 864-5900.


In addition, I have ordered disposable masks for the department so faculty and GTAs can bring extra masks if students do not have one.



You can also review “frequently asked questions” regarding KU and Covid at Protect KU webpage (see https://protect.ku.edu/faqs) for additional information.


I know this is déjà vu and the current policies can change as the semester progresses, but we got through this last year and we will get through it again this year.


Let me know if you have any additional questions.



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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