Cuyahoga Community CollegeFrequently Asked Questions - Faculty
Course & Instruction Information
Q&A related to courses and sections, including labs.
Have hospitals shared any information on nursing program clinicals?
How will we fulfill hours for hands-on experiential courses?
Will clinicals be offered this summer for students who need them to graduate?
Have any decisions been made about course delivery for summer session?
When will science lab staff be able to return to campus?
Will fall classes will be held on campus?
What is the likelihood that adjunct noncredit instructors will be rehired in fall?
Will students be able to access testing centers in fall?
How much flexibility will faculty have in teaching online classes with set times?
How many health careers students will be permitted in each classroom?
Students in several health career programs didn’t get to finish their patient care comps. How will this be handled?
Some programs were provided leniencies per their accrediting body, such as online simulations or moving specific learning objectives to later on in the course sequence. For others, students returned to campus in June to complete their skills labs while using social distancing and PPE. Contact the program director or assistant dean for information on a specific program or course.
Many health careers students won’t receive a grade until didactic, lab and clinical are comps are completed. How will spring students be able to complete these?
Campuses were asked to identify courses that were unable to complete this term due to certain requirements. We’ve prioritized them to return to campus, only when able to implement safe distancing and PPE. Regarding clinical sites, many of our partners opened to students in June. We’ll work with each program to help students complete requirements in a way that is safe and meets academic standards.
Have hospitals shared any information on nursing program clinicals?
Most sites are currently accepting students from nursing and allied health programs. Each site has their own protocols in place. We expect them to continue, but we remain in contact with all of our clinical sites for updates.
How will we fulfill hours for hands-on experiential courses?
Tri-C has received permission from the state to offer science labs online and has reaffirmed the labs’ eligibility to be transferred and applied to general education requirements (TAGs and OTMs). Off-site clinicals should proceed as planned, unless the program director communicates otherwise.
Can spring semester health career courses that require hands-on skill practice and state certification testing occur in May or during the summer session?
In most cases, yes. Nursing and health career faculty are working hard to provide virtual lab skill courses and practice sessions in alignment with accreditation requirements. On-ground skill-based labs restarted June 1 under Phase I of the Return-to-Work Guidance (found on KWeb).
I know that clinicals are mostly dependent on the sites themselves, but how is Tri-C helping to ensure safety and mitigate liability?
The state has delayed boards and extended licensure requirements to allow our new grads to work immediately. Many partner sites reopened to students in June. When going to a clinical site, students must follow all protocols established by that facility. Students will not work directly with COVID-19 patients.
Will clinicals be offered this summer for students who need them to graduate?
Some clinical courses were scheduled this summer with the hope that some health care providers will reopen their facilities to our students; however, until that happens, some clinical experiences will be delayed. Programs are working to realign clinicals or place them later in the course sequence.
Have any decisions been made about course delivery for summer session?
All summer session classes were held online this year. The move affected all classes scheduled from May 26 through Aug. 2. Students who enrolled in face-to-face courses after summer registration opened in March saw those courses changed to online on their schedule. The adjustments appeared by April 15. Tri-C waived the $10 per-credit-hour fee typically charged for online courses to minimize student expenses during this transition.
When will science lab staff be able to return to campus?
We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to offer more on-ground options, including science labs, this fall. The governor’s prohibition against the gathering of people in small spaces will be a condition. In science labs, for example, a lot depends on the ability to enforce safe physical distancing, appropriate PPE and other precautionary measures.
Will fall classes will be held on campus?
Tri-C has decided to resume in-person classes on a limited basis this fall given ongoing uncertainties created by the COVID-19 outbreak. Approximately 22% of Fall 2020 courses will take place at Tri-C campuses and training locations. Most involve hands-on training that require face-to-face instruction and access to specialized equipment.
The social distancing protocols and health monitoring we’ve grown increasingly accustomed to within the past few months will be in place.
A robust selection of online courses will be offered in a variety of formats, including:
- Online classes with set meeting times.
- Online classes with no set meeting times.
- Online classes with some on-site components.
Registration is open for Tri-C’s Fall 2020 semester and classes begin Aug. 24. More details on the continued phased reopening of College campuses and sites will be made available later this summer. Adjustments may be made if deemed appropriate by public health officials.
At the July 10 town hall meeting, Dr. Johnson said the percentage of on-campus fall classes was reduced from the original goal of 40% to 20%. Is that Collegewide, or per campus?
We originally hoped to offer 35-40% of all courses on campus. In June, when we adopted the four-modality framework and consulted with workforce on their course delivery, we found that only about 22% of all courses Collegewide would have an in-person component.
What is the likelihood that adjunct noncredit instructors will be rehired in fall?
We’re determining a schedule and instituting precautions to accommodate students. If you didn’t teach this spring or summer, it doesn’t mean you won’t be called upon to support fall courses.
When will staffing decisions be made for adjunct faculty who are already assigned to a fall semester course?
Because fall enrollment is still down, course loads are currently being managed based on student demand. Your associate dean or faculty coordinator may have details on enrollment trends for your program.
Historically, students enroll in droves when the job market takes a turn. Do you anticipate additional course offerings this fall?
Economic downturns do generally result in increased community college enrollment; however, it’s difficult to say whether or not fall enrollment will be affected. We will monitor the fall course schedule closely and will add sections as needed to accommodate demand.
Will students be able to access testing centers in fall?
Looking ahead, it’s unclear where we’ll be in terms of guidelines. At this time with the extension of Phase I, they will not be able to access testing centers.
Can you provide more detail on lab courses for fall? When can faculty expect guidance, and how can we help?
We received approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education to continue natural science labs online through fall. As we look at the fall schedule, most courses will remain online. Faculty should plan virtual experiments for students.
How much flexibility will faculty have in teaching online classes with set times?
Online courses with set meeting times (synchronous courses) are similar to on-ground courses in that they meet at the same time on the same day(s) of the week. If you are no longer able to teach during your scheduled times, please contact your dean for reassignment.
Will faculty be able to access their offices to conduct their synchronous online classes? If not, they record their lectures ahead of time?
If there is truly no alternative, faculty may use their offices to conduct classes; however, we ask that they schedule access with their campus president first. We prefer that faculty are live with students during synchronous courses. That said, we don’t expect faculty to meet with students in their offices until it is safe to do so.
Has the governor given any additional guidance on the number of people that may gather in a classroom or at an event?
He has not; however, the best practice remains to not allow student activities or large gatherings on campus. Classroom guidelines say that six feet of social distancing must be maintained at all times.
How many health careers students will be permitted in each classroom?
It depends. Risk Management, deans and campus presidents reviewed health and science labs to determine course caps. In most cases, science labs went down to 10-12 students. Numbers vary, but most course caps decreased by 50%. Campus schedulers are updating course caps, though the situation remains fluid.
Services
Q&A related to support services for students, including testing and tutoring.
Am I required to hold office hours during this time?
How will counselors and librarians continue to work?
Will the campus be open if I need to get to my office?
Can students go to the Testing Center?
Some programs require monitored testing. Is secure testing available?
When will the MTC testing center be able to resume certification testing?
How will placement tests for summer and fall be handled?
Are accessibility services available at this time?
Are the campus copy centers open?
In which phase will face-to-face tutoring and/or office hours be available to students?
Am I required to hold office hours during this time?
Instructional faculty should continue to be available to students and are encouraged to do so via virtual weekly office hours. Communicate the hours and available method(s) to students as soon as possible, and provide frequent reminders. Refer to the Academic Continuity Guide for further direction. Non-instructional faculty are also meeting with students and providing services remotely.
How will counselors and librarians continue to work?
Counselors and librarians continue to work remotely, offering virtual, email and phone appointments and student support.
Will the campus be open if I need to get to my office? Can faculty return to campus to work in their office?
No. Beginning Tuesday, March 24 until further notice access to Tri-C buildings is limited to staff involved in specific student service and critical areas of operation. Support service department links are posted on the College’s coronavirus webpage. If you absolutely must retrieve something from your office, contact Campus Police at 216-987-4325 to coordinate. Please remember that one of the most important ways to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus is to stay at home. Think very carefully about how necessary it might be to come to the College.
Faculty can arrange to retrieve items from their office during Phase I; however, they will not be permitted to work from their offices for some time. We are intentionally limiting campus accessibility to comply with safe distancing guidelines.
Some students are only available in the evenings. Would we consider adding evening hours for the TLC?
Access to the TLCs remain limited in Phase I to Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as we remain cautious in the interest of student and staff safety. We are testing the waters and learning how to manage this.
Can students go to the Testing Center?
No ― the testing centers are not open during Phase I.
Faculty are strongly encouraged to consider other methods to assess student learning beyond traditional testing and to only use the Testing Center when students do not have the technology to use ProctorU. Faculty Development will provide resources and ideas for alternative assessment methods such as projects, papers, learning logs, etc. Please note that students need a webcam to use ProctorU.
Though ProctorU remains fully staffed, increased demand means that student appointments may be delayed 1-3 weeks. We have suspended any student fees associated with ProctorU testing through the end of the semester.
Some programs require monitored testing. Is secure testing available?
On-campus proctored testing services are not available at this time. Faculty may use ProctorU to schedule exams; however, due to increased demand, there could be a longer turnaround time. We encourage faculty to consider alternatives to proctored testing.
When will the MTC testing center be able to resume certification testing?
The MTC testing center will follow the same Phase I plan as the rest of the College. It is open for service from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays.
How will placement tests be handled?
Remote placement testing is available for math, English and English as a second Language (ESL). Please refer to the Placement Testing website for specific information.
Is tutoring available online?
Virtual tutoring is available and students can also use Tri-C’s online tutoring service, Smarthinking, for assistance in a variety of disciplines.
If tutoring remains off-campus this fall, could one person be on campus to help set up tutoring appointments by answering the assigned College extension?
We’re still considering all components of Phase II reopening and will keep this suggestion in mind. Tutoring will still be offered remotely, but we may also offer on-site services to support on-ground classes.
Are accessibility services available at this time?
Student Accessibility Services is available for virtual appointments. Please call them with questions or to schedule an appointment.
Are the campus copy centers open?
Only the Metro Campus reprographics center is open for limited service on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the entire College during Phase I. Days and hours will be adjusted beginning Aug. 10 (to be determined).
In which phase will face-to-face tutoring and/or office hours be available to students?
Not in Phase I. If all goes as planned, we hope to bring those services back during Phase II.
Student Information
Q&A related to information to share with students.
What if a student is ill and can’t complete assignments?
How is Tri-C communicating all of these changes to students?
What is being done for students who are given an Incomplete? Won’t students get dropped for failing to meet requirements?
Incompletes have always been an option for students who can’t complete their coursework. Spring semester students have until Oct. 4 to submit the work needed to complete course requirements. This spring, a few full classes will be given Incompletes ― most of them in specific health career programs. These courses have been prioritized to return to campus to complete those requirements with social distancing and PPE.
In the past, we’ve held financial aid until all requirements are completed. We will not hold financial aid and will review students as they are. As we submit grades next week and notify students of their status, we’ll be looking at records individually and making adjustments.
Regarding prerequisites, if a student receives an Incomplete in a course, they can take the next course as long as the department puts the proper overrides in place.
The Pass/No Pass guideline only allows students with a C to pass. Will the guideline be relaxed for students who received a D to pass without affecting their GPA?
No, the guideline will remain the same. What is important to remember as we promote P/NP is that these grades do not contribute to the cumulative GPA. For many, this is an advantage as they work to complete program requirements. We are planning additional student communications that will provide more information about P/NP.
Many of my students do not have a computer or internet access. Does the College have computers that students can borrow?
Students may apply for emergency funds to purchase laptops, technology, food, books, etc. Please direct students to contact Financial Aid by calling 216-987-6000 and selecting option #2 or through the financial aid live chat. CARES Act funds provide another opportunity to support eligible students’ technological needs. Emergency funds are also still available to help those who are ineligible for CARES funding.
What should be done about students who still lack access to computers or programs to access class assignments?
Campuses are engaged in efforts to connect with students via email, phone and text. Please let campus leadership know who you have not been able to reach so they can join in the effort to help connect your student(s) to resources. The TLCs are also now open during Phase I on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for computer access.
Many places, such as libraries, coffee shops and fast food restaurants, have extended their Wi-Fi to their parking lots for public use. Would Tri-C consider extending Wi-Fi to support “parking lot learners,” including students who live in underserved areas?
The College has identified specific outdoor locations at each campus and location for outdoor Wi-Fi. There are also many free initiatives available for Wi-Fi access.
What if a student is ill and can’t complete assignments?
We ask that our faculty, when appropriate, consider offering additional attendance flexibility for student illnesses given the CDC recommendation that all persons who suspect they have the flu should self-quarantine and seek medical attention. A joint faculty/staff committee has developed the following suggested syllabi statements:
Illness Due to Flu: COVID-19 may affect class attendance. If any of us develop flu-like symptoms, we are advised to stay home until any fever has subsided for 24 hours. If you become ill and are unable to complete coursework, please notify me of your status prior to assignment due dates or as soon as possible through the preferred communication method I have established. We will continue to communicate and work together to help ensure that course instruction and work is completed for the semester. It remains the student’s responsibility to make up all work missed due to illness.
- Students are responsible for adhering to all College health and safety guidance, including that which relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Public health requirements and standards are changing rapidly, and the College is adapting its guidance accordingly. Please check your Tri-C email and visit tri-c.edu/coronavirus regularly for updates.
- All students must adhere to the following general guidelines, until further notice:
- Remain at home if you are ill or experiencing symptoms of illness. Do not attend any in-person class or gathering.
- Notify your instructor(s) if you are ill, have tested positive for COVID-19, or were exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 and they will report the information to the Tri-C Compliance & Risk Management team and you may be contacted for follow-up information.
- Wear a mask or face covering at all times, including, but not limited to: upon entering and exiting any Tri-C facility, in class, and in all common areas.
- Maintain a distance of at least six feet between yourself and others at all times and if you must pass near an individual do it quickly and do not linger.
- Provide the College with relevant information about your current health status and participate in any required on-site checks (e.g., temperature checks, current contact information, symptom profile, etc.).
- Use only designated areas of Tri-C facilities, including entrances and exits. Sign in and out of Tri-C facilities as directed.
The general guidelines listed above do not encompass all coronavirus-related guidance. These guidelines are subject to change at the discretion of the College and under the direction of public health authorities. Students who fail to adhere to this guidance may be subject to disciplinary action under the College’s Student Code of Conduct and the Student Judicial Code.
Many students who are paying out of pocket have lost their jobs and are concerned about meeting budget payment plan deadlines.
The College is working with students who are concerned about making payments on time. The Student Emergency Fund is an option for students who need funding. It includes tuition payments, books, equipment and food. If a student needs assistance, have them contact Financial Aid.
Can students who decided to drop a course due to the COVID-19 pandemic receive a refund or tuition credit?
Students may withdraw from course(s) through the end of the withdrawal period. Any refund or adjustment will be based on the official drop/withdrawal date listed in Tri-C's tuition refund guidelines.
Students who are unable to complete the current semester for reasons beyond their control, such as an emergency medical condition or other extenuating circumstances, may petition for a late withdrawal by completing a Petition for Withdrawal Exception and submitting supporting documentation to the Enrollment Center.
If a student receives financial aid, they must contact a campus Financial Aid office to determine how a withdrawal will affect their aid eligibility.
How is Tri-C communicating all of these changes to students?
To ensure the sharing of information throughout the College, all emails to students are posted on my Tri-C space under the Faculty tab for you to review. To access, simply log in to my Tri-C space, click “Faculty” at the right side of the page, then click the link to student emails. The messages are also posted under Student Resources on the College’s coronavirus webpage.
Has the College considered changing the policy that requires students to pay for courses within 24 hours of enrolling?
Starting this past spring semester, students must declare a tuition payment option at the time of registration (pay in full, set up payment plan with $25 plan fee, confirm financial aid or confirm third-party payer). After the payment deadline (Aug. 14 for Fall 2020), plan fees and the first installment are due at the time of registration. Our hope is that this policy effectively supports students by providing payment flexibility.
Technology Questions - Teaching
Q&A related to technology for instruction/teaching.
How do I choose the best delivery method for my course?
How will faculty be trained for online coursework and testing?
I’ve never used Blackboard. Do I have to complete Bb Boot Camp?
Where can I find information on Webex and Webex Teams?
Are there computers available for faculty/staff to use while working from home?
Does Tri-C have a pro account with Zoom?
How do I reach the Help Desk?
Call 216-987-HELP (4357), email helpdesk@tri-c.edu or chat live with the Tri-C Help Desk.
How do I choose the best delivery method for my course?
Each faculty member must decide which method to use based on content, student needs, pedagogical strengths and other constraints. Alternative delivery methods may include transitioning to a Blackboard (Bb) course site, using Webex (video/phone conferencing) or providing additional assignments, readings, etc. Consider speaking with colleagues in your discipline or your faculty coordinator or associate dean to discuss opportunities.
You may also want to review the Faculty Academic Continuity Resource Guide. The guide is posted online in two locations: in my Tri-C space, on the Faculty tab under the COVID-19 update; and on the College’s coronavirus webpage under Faculty Resources. A student guide is available on that same page under Student Resources.
Do I have to use Blackboard?
You may choose to use Blackboard or a different delivery method.
How will faculty be trained for online coursework and testing?
Course templates are available for faculty who choose to use Blackboard. Blackboard Boot Camps (faculty training) continue to run remotely. See TEC for registration.
OLAT, the CLEs, adjunct services and campus deans continue to develop training materials and supports for you and your students. Additional information will be communicated as it becomes available. Please refer to the Academic Continuity Guide for all training and support materials and links.
I’ve never used Blackboard. Do I have to complete Bb Boot Camp?
The Blackboard training requirement (Bb Boot Camp) has been lifted temporarily. The new course template includes many embedded instructions, and many resources are available on the Online Learning and Academic Technology webpage. Additional training sessions and 1x1 help will be available at each campus.
OLAT, the CLEs, adjunct services and your campus deans continue to work on developing training materials and supports for you and your students. We will continue to provide you with additional information as it becomes available.
Where can I find information on Webex and Webex Teams?
Webex information can be found in the ITS Service Catalog. Anyone with specific technical questions should contact the ITS Customer Care Tech Support at helpdesk@tri-c.edu. Webex Teams is available to all faculty, staff and students and can be installed through the Cisco website.
Does Webex have captioning?
No, Webex does not have a closed captioning feature. ITS is researching other available options, such as third-party providers. We recommend that students and faculty contact Student Accessibility Services for assistance.
Are there computers available for faculty/staff to use while working from home?
Faculty can use professional development funds up to $800 to purchase equipment. Adjunct and non-faculty staff should work with their campus president or College VP to identify resources available.
Does Tri-C have a pro account with Zoom?
We don’t have a pro Zoom license ― Webex is the preferred option for College use. It offers many of the same tools as Zoom. Webex training is available to help you locate and use the features you need.
Other
Q&A that just don't fit in an above category.
What if I don’t feel well and can’t facilitate class?
Will face coverings be mandatory when we return to campus?
Will Convocation take place in August?
What if I don’t feel well and can’t facilitate class?
If you become ill or are unable to facilitate any class, please follow normal procedures for contacting your associate dean’s office. It is important that your students are notified.
Will tenure-track faculty who are nearing the application deadline receive an additional year to build their portfolios?
We are discussing this possibility, though no decisions have been made yet. We did make one exception by suspending evaluations. More accommodations may still be made for faculty going through this process.
Will face coverings be mandatory when we return to campus?
Yes. Employees will be required to wear face coverings (e.g., cloth mask, bandanna, face shield, scarf).
LabCorp now offers a COVID-19 antibody test for $10. Would you recommend this for instructors who must teach on campus and in close proximity to students?
The College is following advice from the governor’s office on antibody testing. You may choose to take the test on your own, but as of right now it is neither required nor explicitly recommended to do so.
Will Convocation take place in August?
Yes, there is a virtual Convocation planned for Aug. 18.