COVID-19 Information for Faculty and Staff

Currently, work for most employees must continue remotely to minimize the number of people on our campuses to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The only exceptions are:

• approved essential services on campuses
• approved research activities that cannot be conducted remotely
• approved in-person teaching exceptions
• approved limited work exceptions on campus (e.g., access to equipment or inadequate workspace at home)

For everyone entering ECHA spaces:

1. If you are approved to return to your on-campus research activities, then you are reminded that only those activities that cannot be done remotely are permitted on-campus. You are also reminded that logs must be maintained of all visits as per your approved Resumption of Research Plan.
2. If you need to “pop in” to your office to pick up some materials or perform tasks that simply cannot be performed from home, then you must register your visit using this Information gathered on this form may be used for contact tracing.
3. If you are considered “essential” (e.g. IT), please continue to follow your scheduling and access protocols as established.

For everyone entering ECHA spaces:

• If you are not feeling well or are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19, do not visit campus for any reason.
• Ensure face coverings (non-medical or cloth masks, bandanas, scarves etc.) are worn at all times when in common spaces (hallways, stairwells, washrooms, etc.)
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
• Maintain physical distancing of at least 2 m (6 ft) at all times.
• The maximum number of people in an elevator is two, at any time.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (preferable) or hand sanitizer with a 70% alcohol content.
• Do not remove taping or restore furnishings to any room or facility that has been closed, including washrooms.

Returning to Campus Mandatory e-training:

A 10-minute online program will help you understand the hazards and risks, and what you can do to protect yourself, your colleagues, and family from COVID-19. All returning employees are required to complete this e-course. Login to take the course »

The bulletin is for instructors and staff engaged in in-person teaching this fall. As we prepare to start the Fall term in these extraordinary times, the Fall Planning Oversight Committee and subcommittees want to remind you of vital information you will need for a successful term of in-person teaching. All of this information is available on-line; the purpose of this quick resource is to highlight critical information in one place. If you have any questions about this document — or anything else about in-person instruction this fall — please contact phrtinfo@ualberta.ca.

Click here to review the bulletin.

Please contact the U of A Unified Communications Centre (780-492-5555) if you receive information from a student or staff member that they are self-isolating. Please note: additional messaging regarding this procedure is forthcoming and we will update this as we learn more.

• The Centre for Teaching and Learning has aggregated materials and resources to support your academic needs. These resources include information on engagement and motivation. They have also included a rubric for course design.
• The Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education has also aggregated external resources to support pedagogical development.
• The University has addressed building a supportive academic environment through podcasts, videos, and interviews.

• Information Services & Technology has aggregated information about using technology for remote learning, including Zoom and Google Meet.
• eCLASS has also aggregated information specific to online lectures, including lecture recordings, including Zoom and Google Meet.
• The Faculty has also created a technology drive that can be accessed with tip sheets on all major areas of remote learning technology.
• This Live and Learn resource can help you develop your class code of "online conduct" with information about "netiquette."

• The Faculty of Nursing Undergraduate Office has prepared a memo on preparing for exams, assessments and academic integrity (attached to this email).
• The CTL has also put together a podcast on oral examinations and minimizing cheating/ensuring academic integrity and has developed a section of their site-specific to academic integrity
• A Quad Blog by R. Graves and E. Watson discusses academic integrity in an online environment.
• A shared document by E. Watson also discusses alternatives to traditional exams.

The University of Alberta has prepared specific information related to COVID-19, including an overview of the three major options for moving to remote learning (live classes, pre-recorded lectures, and non-video lectures).

• The Faculty has created a technology sub-committee with Diane Kunyk, Tracey Stephen, and Janet Lam to prepare fall teaching under University protocol. They will be holding sessions in early August and can create tailored sessions for instructors who need support in specific areas.
• As referenced above, the Faculty has also created a technology drive that can be accessed with tip sheets on all major areas of remote learning technology.
• The former Teaching and Learning Office has also prepared an internal site available on eCLASS with information about Google suite, learning tools, and teaching strategies.