1. What is being done to prepare and maintain safe classrooms for the Fall 2020 semester?
Classrooms will follow the general safety protocols of the Urshan campus. Therefore, in the classroom, social distancing and masking guidelines should be observed. We plan to facilitate this by maximizing space between tables, chairs, and lecterns. We may use plexiglass shielding if needed.
After every class session, professors will be required to sanitize the high-touch surfaces using a spray disinfectant. Therefore, classroom spaces will be sanitized throughout the day (in addition to the already-established cleaning schedule for the building). This means that students will need to vacate classrooms immediately following a class session so this sanitization can take place. Professors will have freedom to establish further guidelines for individual classes as required. Any additional measures will be approved by the Academic Dean and administration.
2. Has the Fall 2020 schedule changed to accommodate COVID-19 protocols?
Yes. The Fall 2020 semester will now run from Monday, August 17th through Friday, December 4th with the final week (Nov. 30 – Dec. 4) formatted as an online week. With the UPCI General Conference happening online in 2020, UC is cancelling the General Conference Break (Sept. 21-25) and proceeding with regularly-scheduled classes during that week. Additionally, the Finals Period has been combined with that last week of classes that are happening online.
Students will not be required to return to campus after they leave for Thanksgiving Break; this is important because minimizing travel to and from campus during the semester reduces the possibilities of COVID-19 spreading to the Urshan Community.
3. If I am sick or showing COVID-19 symptoms, am I required to miss class?
Students and faculty will not be allowed to come to class if they are ill, are presenting with COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing), have been notified they have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, or have tested positive for COVID-19. Students and faculty who face any of the above scenarios will be required to attend the course virtually until they have received a negative test result. The Academic Dean and Dean of Student Services will coordinate to keep an up-to-date list of any students and/or faculty that are currently in quarantine or recovery.
4. Will I be penalized for an absence related to COVID-19?
Students who are quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure/sickness will receive excused absences for the duration of their quarantine/recovery. Since these absences are mandated by the institution, they cannot be subjected to the course make-up policy (though those policies will remain in effect for all other student-initiated absences). The Academic Dean will coordinate with the Dean of Student Services to maintain a regularly-updated list of students who are in quarantine and/or recovery.
5. Will I still have access to one-on-one meetings with my professors, advisors, and USSC staff?
Professors, advisors, and USSC staff are encouraged to work with students and set up meetings in a way most comfortable for the safety of both parties.
6. Does the library have additional protocols?
Yes. COVID-19 library protocol can be viewed here.
Jared Runck
Academic Dean
Email: academicdean@urshancollege.org
Phone: (314) 838-8858 ext. 2211
Kristyn Nichols
Assistant to the Academic Dean
Email: KNichols@ugst.edu
Phone: (314) 838-8858 ext. 3207
Brook Crow
Registrar
Email: BCrow@ugst.edu
Phone: (314) 838-8858 ext. 3000
Randi Chavis
Assistant to the Registrar and UGST Academic Dean
Email: RChavis@ugst.edu
Phone: (314) 838-8858 ext. 3001