Frequently Asked Questions - Faculty
Course & Instruction Information
Q&A related to courses and sections, including labs.
Will fall classes will be held on campus?
What is the College doing to preserve its stable of adjunct faculty now that most or all of the course offerings are being assigned to tenured full-timers?
If a full-time faculty member can’t teach on-ground in but can teach online, should they contact HR to request online courses only? If the request is granted, would it be just for one semester or the entire academic year?
Can students access testing centers?
How much flexibility will faculty have in teaching online classes with set times?
How many health careers students will be permitted in each classroom?
Will fall classes will be held on campus?
At the moment our fall schedule reflects approximately 40% on-ground or hybrid courses. Most on-ground courses 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 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.
More details on the continued phased reopening of College campuses and sites will be made available as they are confirmed. Adjustments may be made if deemed appropriate by public health officials.
Some campuses have on-ground classes scheduled for the fall semester, while others have only online classes. Will this change before classes begin?
Yes. Risk Management has reviewed classrooms and labs to reflect the upcoming change from 6-foot distancing to 3-foot distancing, which will allow for additional capacity. Changes are being made to the course schedule now, and enrollment is being monitored.
What is the College doing to preserve its stable of adjunct faculty now that most or all of the course offerings are being assigned to tenured full-timers?
Our adjunct faculty remain important and valued partners who bring critical experience to the classroom. As enrollment declined in fall 2020, we hired fewer adjuncts due to our commitment to provide full-time teaching loads to our full-time faculty. Of all credit classes College-wide, 59% were taught by adjuncts, showing a strong use of adjunct faculty. As enrollment continues to grow, adjunct hiring will increase.
If a full-time faculty member can’t teach on-ground but can teach online, should they contact HR to request online courses only? If the request is granted, would it be just for one semester or the entire academic year?
Faculty with medical conditions that qualify them for FMLA or reasonable accommodation under the ADA can contact HR for the request process.
Can students access testing centers?
At this time, they are not able to access testing centers. We are still determining plans for fall.
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.
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. Numbers vary, but most course caps decreased by 50%. Campus schedulers are updating course caps, though the situation remains fluid.
Return to On-Ground Teaching
Q&A related to returning to on-ground teaching.
How do I access masks and/or cleaning supplies for classrooms and labs?
Will classrooms/labs be cleaned/disinfected between classes?
Are clear masks that show facial expressions provided and permissible?
What do I do if a student does not have a mask?
What do I do if a student refuses to wear a mask?
Is the College taking everyone’s temperature daily?
Are students required to complete the daily health assessment?
Am I required to hold on-ground office hours?
What should I do if my office is too small to meet with students and maintain social distancing?
How will librarians and counselors work on-campus?
What are the hours of the campus copy centers?
How do I access masks and/or cleaning supplies for classrooms and labs?
Cleaning supplies such as wipes and hand sanitizers are available in classrooms/labs.* Masks are available in various campus locations such as welcome desks, enrollment centers and deans’ offices.
*Metro Campus provides these resources in locked hallway cabinets. The code was shared with all FT and adjunct faculty. Contact your dean or campus administration office if you need the code.
Will classrooms/labs be cleaned/disinfected between classes?
The cleaning staff will disinfect classroom surfaces nightly. For classes in the same rooms during the day, students and faculty are asked to use cleaning supplies provided to self-clean personal work spaces.
Are clear masks that show facial expressions provided and permissible?
Clear masks are permissible but, based on some on-campus trials, they may fog. Reach out to your deans' and/or campus president’s offices to learn if they have clear masks to share.
What do I do if a student needs a mask?
Masks are available in various campus locations such as welcome desks, enrollment centers and deans’ offices. You may also choose to carry extra College-issued masks with you in case this occurs in your classroom.
What do I do if a student has declared they are not fully vaccinated and refuses to wear a mask?
If a student, despite reminders, has declared they are not fully vaccinated and refuses to wear a mask, you may ask the student to leave your classroom immediately. Immediately after class or as soon as possible, submit a conduct report so Student Affairs so they can follow-up directly with the student. If a student refuses to leave, contact Campus Police (216-987-4325 or ext. 4325).
Is the College taking everyone’s temperature daily?
No. All students and staff are required to complete the daily health assessment and statement of personal responsibility.
Are students required to complete the daily health assessment?
Yes. Students, employees and visitors are required to complete the statement of personal responsibility, which includes a self-administered, daily health assessment.
Am I required to hold on-ground office hours?
Yes. All instructional faculty who teach fully online may continue to offer virtual office hours. Faculty that have a hybrid or fully on-ground schedule should offer at least two office hours each day they teach on campus. Other office hours may be conducted virtually.
What should I do if my office is too small to meet with students and maintain social distancing?
Move to a space that allows for social distancing. We recommend reaching out to your dean to learn if there are scheduled spaces available.
How will librarians and counselors work on-campus?
Beginning June 3, all counseling and librarian faculty with scheduled pro-rata hours on Mondays and Thursdays are expected to be on-campus. The counseling and library areas will be open to serve student on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Extended hours may be scheduled as needed.
Beginning Aug. 2, counseling and library areas will be open to serve students Monday
through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Extended hours may be scheduled as needed. Non-instructional faculty with scheduled summer pro-rata hours are expected to be on-campus as scheduled.
Will the testing centers provide proctoring? What about SAS approved accommodations such as time and a half?
The testing centers are not open at this time for placement or proctoring services. It is the faculty’s responsibility to provide any SAS-approved accommodations, such as time and a half, to appropriate students. If you are unable to provide, please contact your campus SAS office and/or dean to assist.
How do I use my classroom technology equipment to connect with students online while conducting the class on-ground?
It is possible in most ATC classrooms to connect with students online while conducting your class on-ground. Reach out to your campus CLE and/or TLC to arrange any training that may be necessary. Campuses also plan to hold these sessions during fall convocation.
What are the hours of the campus copy centers?
East, Metro and West Campus reprographics centers are open for limited service as follows:
Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Days and hours may be adjusted.
Services
Q&A related to support services for students, including testing and tutoring.
What is the requirement for office hours during this time?
How will counselors and librarians continue to work?
Can students go to the Testing Center?
Some programs require monitored testing. Is secure testing available?
How will placement tests be handled?
Are accessibility services available at this time?
Are the campus copy centers open?
What is the requirement for office hours during this time?
As we are offering some in-person classes, students will likely expect that their faculty also are available on campus for limited office hours. We ask that each faculty member work with their dean to determine appropriate on-campus office hours based on the faculty member’s teaching load.
Furthermore, if a faculty member is teaching all their courses online, it would be appropriate for all office hours to be offered virtually with no on-campus hours. As each situation is different, please reach out to your dean to establish what is appropriate for your teaching load this fall.
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.
Instructional Faculty — Summer (June 3 - Aug. 1)
- Faculty with a fully online class schedule may continue to offer virtual office hours.
- Faculty with a hybrid or fully on-ground schedule will offer at least two office hours each day
they teach on campus. - Aug. 2-8: Faculty with a fully online class schedule may continue to offer
virtual office hours. Faculty with a hybrid or fully on-ground schedule will
offer at least two office hours each day they teach on campus
Counseling and Library Faculty — Summer
- June 3 - Aug. 1: Counseling and library areas will be open to serve students on Mondays and Thursdays from
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Extended hours may be scheduled as needed. Non-instructional faculty
with scheduled summer pro-rata hours on Mondays and Thursdays are expected to be on-campus. - Begining Aug. 2: Counseling and library areas will be open to serve students Monday
through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Extended hours may be scheduled
as needed. Non-instructional faculty with scheduled summer pro-rata hours are expected to be on-campus as scheduled.
How will counselors and librarians continue to work?
Counselors and librarians continue to work remotely, offering virtual, email and phone appointments and student support.
- Counseling and Library Faculty — June 3 to July 29
- Counseling and library areas will be open to serve students on Mondays and Thursdays from
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Extended hours may be scheduled as needed. Non-instructional faculty
with scheduled summer pro-rata hours on Mondays and Thursdays are expected to be on-campus.
- Counseling and library areas will be open to serve students on Mondays and Thursdays from
- Counseling and Library Faculty — beginning Aug. 2
- Counseling and library areas will be open to serve students Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Extended hours may be scheduled as needed. Non-instructional faculty with scheduled summer pro-rata hours are expected to be on-campus as scheduled.
Can students go to the Testing Center?
No ― the testing centers are not open.
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.
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.
How are 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?
Virtual tutoring is available and students can also use Tri-C’s online tutoring service, Smarthinking, for assistance in a variety of disciplines. Limited on-ground tutoring is available this summer (limited hours).
We understand that some students prefer face-to-face tutoring sessions, and campuses continue to consider expanding on-ground services to include tutoring. The safety of our students and tutoring staff are of the utmost importance. Meanwhile, students may continue to schedule virtual appointments with College tutors (1x1 and group) or use other virtual services such as the Writing Center and Smarthinking. Some on-ground tutoring will be available starting this summer (with limited hours).
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?
East, Metro and West Campus reprographics centers are open for limited service as follows:
Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Days and hours may be adjusted.
Student Information
Q&A related to information to share with students.
What if a student is ill and can’t complete assignments?
What allowances are being made for students who must remain at home due to COVID-19?
If a student is suspended for not wearing a mask, can they make up their lab components remotely?
How is Tri-C communicating changes to students?
Are there any updates on the return of fall athletics?
A student received her second COVID-19 vaccine today. She experienced some side effects after the first one and is worried about finishing her work this week and studying for finals next week. Any advice?
Students should communicate with faculty to make arrangements for finishing required work. If a student needs an extension beyond what is reasonable, they can apply for an Incomplete.
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.
- Tri-C’s Student Laptop Program allows eligible students to purchase a laptop at a special discount of $240. Students may be able to use financial aid to cover their portion of the cost. The program applies to students enrolled in at least six credits or in a workforce program that offers a certificate or credential. Refer to the Student Laptop Program page for eligibility requirements.
- The FCC also announced the Emergency Broadband Benefit program to help households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. Eligible households can enroll in the program to receive a discount of up to $50 per month off the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers if they contribute between $11 and $49 toward the purchase price. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. Enroll through an approved provider or at getemergencybroadband.org. Check out the Broadband Benefit Consumer FAQ for more information, and continue to check the FCC website for program updates.
- Additionally, several companies are providing discounted internet services. Please review the Community Resources webpage to find what each provider is doing to help their customers. Innovate Ohio has compiled a list of public hotspot locations as well.
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.
What allowances are being made for students who must remain at home due to COVID-19?
Given that close to 60% of classes are online, many students are working at home already. If they’re experiencing illness and are unable to work at home, or are unable to attend on-site classes, they should let their instructor know. Students who must quarantine will be permitted to work from home if possible, and if not, we will work with them to find a necessary resolution — whether that means an incomplete grade or withdrawal.
If a student is suspended for not wearing a mask, can they make up their lab components remotely?
This decision would be made on a case-by-case basis.
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.
How is Tri-C communicating changes to students?
To ensure the sharing of information throughout the College, all emails to students are posted on the Student Resources page of the Tri-C coronavirus website.
What is the status of fall athletics?
The College has decided to postpone athletic programs for the 2021-2022 academic year. The safety of the Tri-C community continues to be our highest priority
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 $1,200 to purchase equipment. If you previously submitted a request that was limited to $800 of reimbursement, you may now resubmit those purchases to be reimbursed up to an additional $400. To receive additional reimbursement for prior technology purchases, please work with your associate dean to fill out the faculty development Excel form and ADD a comment that this is for the remaining balance. You must scan your original receipt again in resubmitting. Associate deans are asked to confirm travel balances and confirm the original amount. If you have any questions with these reimbursements, please contact Karen Mrak in accounts payable.
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.
Questions related to Human Resources and the WFVSIP can be found on the Staff FAQ page.
What if I don’t feel well and can’t facilitate class?
Will Professional Improvement Leave be available for AY 2021-2022?
Can part-time faculty and staff take advantage of Full Tuition Assistance program?
Are face coverings mandatory when we return to campus?
What is the protocol for those who refuse to wear masks on campus?
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 Professional Improvement Leave be available for AY 2021-2022?
Yes, it will.
Can part-time faculty and staff take advantage of Full Tuition Assistance program?
Our focus on the Full Tuition Assistance program is on individuals who have suffered loss of income or employment as a result of COVID-19. Individuals who are eligible for tuition remission are not eligible for the Full Tuition Assistance program.
Are face coverings mandatory when we return to campus?
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated must wear a face covering that completely cover the nose and mouth at all times, including during all classes and labs and while within 6 feet of another individual.
What is the protocol for those who are not fully vaccinated and refuse to wear masks on campus?
Faculty members should ask students who have publicly declared they are not fully vaccinated to wear masks, and supervisors should ask employees who have publicly declared they are not fully vaccinated to wear masks. Repeat offenders will be suspended from visiting campus for 90 days. Campus Police will assist in enforcing those suspensions.