NEWS: Faculty Senate meeting | Photo by Qusai Takuri | The Wright State Guardian
As COVID-19 cases rise on Wright State University’s (WSU) campus, faculty members clarify academic policies regarding course delivery methods while reflecting on pandemic difficulties.
Provost’s policies
On Jan. 5, 2022, Interim Provost Oliver Evans sent a communication to all university faculty regarding the policies on course delivery for the spring semester.
The communication stated that faculty could not completely change their course mode of delivery from what was published in the course directory. This policy is based on the existing policy 2030, which deals with faculty duties.
“Faculty members have an obligation to meet their scheduled classes throughout the scheduled time unless an alternative learning experience has been assigned in the syllabus as part of the course requirement,” the policy states.
Not mentioned in the provost’s communication is another academic policy, the Wright Way Policy 4160, which allows faculty members who teach in-person classes to conduct their course up to 20% online.
Faculty Senate President Brian Boyd explains that for the average 14-week course, 20% would be about two weeks.
With the rise in COVID cases on both of WSU’s campuses, faculty may use this policy if they contract the virus or if a large number of their students do.
According to Evans, department chairs and college deans are responsible for the enforcement of both academic policies.
COVID concerns
WSU saw the highest number of COVID cases in the week of Jan, 11 to 17, with 190 active cases among students, staff and faculty on both campuses.
This surge is causing concern among students and faculty alike regarding course delivery, health and safety.
“I think [there is] a lot of uncertainty. I think that faculty, students, staff, administrators are all trying to just navigate this (COVID) the best we can,” Boyd said.
Faculty Senate Vice President Dr. Megan Faragher reflects on the efforts faculty make to plan for COVID disruptions in the classroom and keep students connected through online learning.
“It almost feels like you (faculty) are planning two courses,” Fragher said. “My concern is always retaining students and helping them through all this because [COVID] is a highly traumatic experience all around for everybody.”
AAUP-WSU response
Groups like the Faculty Senate and the Wright State branch of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP-WSU), work with university administration to create and maintain policies like 2030 and 4160.
AAUP-WSU President Robert Rubin expressed support for the policies and advocates for ensuring faculty and student safety during the pandemic.
“We have been working with the Provost's office, and more specifically with Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Professor Carol Loranger, to ensure that the balance between health/safety and educational mission is achieved,” Rubin wrote.
With these policies, the university plans to continue in-person instruction options throughout the spring semester.
