New Faculty Orientation 2021

Covid-19 Updates & Letter to Faculty

Dear Faculty,

The days before the fall semester are filled with anticipation as we put the finishing touches on our syllabi and prepare for the weeks ahead. I recognize that again this year we are approaching the semester with precautions in place and concerns about the pandemic. We have a safe and effective vaccine, and we know that precautionary measures like masking and hand sanitization reduce the spread of the virus.

Please know that the University Committee for Reopening Campus, which guides all COVID-19 related policies and decisions, communicates frequently and meets weekly to review all aspects of University operations in relation to the pandemic. The committee recently updated campus policies to require approved face coverings in all instructional settings (e.g., classrooms, labs) and in all indoor settings where 6-feet social distancing cannot be consistently maintained. The members of the committee, which includes medical representatives from USA Health, have determined that no additional changes to academic operations are necessary at this time. Of course, this decision is subject to change if and when the committee’s review of current conditions indicates that further changes to operations are necessary.

In addition to the instructional guidance that was provided last week, here are a few reminders:

What are the general instructions for those who have symptoms, have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19?

All employees and students are required to immediately report confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 to USA’s contact tracing team at ReportCovid@SouthAlabama.edu. Instructions on how to report are listed under Contact Tracing Requirements.

Regardless of vaccine status, if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or think you might have been exposed to COVID-19, stay home until you are cleared to return to campus. Students, contact Student Health at StudentHealth@SouthAlabama.edu (251) 460-7151. Employees, contact your supervisor and Employee Health and Wellness at PandemicHRCampus@SouthAlabama.edu or call (251) 461-1521.

What do I do if a student lets me know that they are positive for COVID-19?

If a student reports to the faculty member that he or she has tested positive for the virus, or if they report symptoms that are consistent with a COVID- 19 infection, the faculty member should report information about the student to USA Contact Tracing by sending an email to reportcovid@southalabama.edu.

If faculty or other students are determined to have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, USA Contact Tracing will contact them directly with guidance in a separate process that will also protect the individual’s confidentiality. Faculty should not inform students or others of possible exposures; instead, please rely on USA Contact Tracing to make those contacts.

How will I know if a student is excused from class?

Student Health will verify COVID-related student absences. Student Health will provide a letter to students specifying the dates the student will be absent. The letter will be emailed to the student, and the student will provide the letter to instructors by forwarding the email to them. Verified absences may be due to positive cases or required quarantine. If instructors have concerns, they may contact Student Health to verify absences. Please remember that students are often a few days into their isolation or quarantine period when they receive a positive test result, so the dates for their excused absence may not show a full 10- or 14-day period.

What do I do if a student says they don’t want to attend in person?

Fall 2021 courses will follow the official course modality provided in the approved course schedule-- that is, courses will take place in-person unless they are scheduled as an Online Course (Fully Online Section). If a student expresses concerns about attending in person due to medical conditions, requests for medical accommodations are routed through Student Disability Services.

What do I do if I have symptoms, have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19?

In addition to contacting Employee Health and Wellness as instructed above, contact your department chair to determine plans for your course (e.g., class coverage, remote instruction) during your absence.

Are there extra precautions I can take?

We ordered KN95 masks, which add extra protection, and we will be distributing those to each college for faculty who prefer them. Enhanced cleaning protocols will be in place, and instructions for ordering additional supplies are provided here. Please work through your department to contact Safety and Environmental Compliance if safety shields are needed.

If you have a disability or additional medical concerns, contact your supervisor and Human Resources.

What else can I do to help keep our campus South Strong?

Don’t underestimate the importance of your influence with your students. Encourage them to get vaccinated. Remember— we can’t ask about their vaccination status, but we can talk to them about the importance of vaccination and precautionary measures. We have a PowerPoint slide deck and a set of images that you may use in your classroom or on Canvas to remind students of the current precautions, the steps to take if they are ill or exposed, and the student vaccine incentive. You can access them here.

Your ongoing efforts are appreciated as we navigate the challenges of the pandemic together. Thank you for all you do to provide engaging and meaningful learning opportunities for your students. Please be assured that we will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation on our campus and in our community, and we will keep you apprised of updates via email and at www.southalabama.edu/coronavirus.

Sincerely,

Julie M. Estis, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

COVID-19 Response Coordinator

Associate Professor of Speech-Language Pathology