Cuyahoga Community CollegeFrequently Asked Questions - Faculty
Course & Instruction Information
Q&A related to courses and sections, including labs.
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?
Will online sections for summer be combined to save instructor costs?
When will science lab staff be able to return to campus?
What is the likelihood that fall classes will be held on campus?
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 will return 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 campuses, only when able to implement safe distancing and PPE. Regarding clinical sites, many of our partners are opening 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.
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 will restart 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 will reopen 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?
There are some clinical courses 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 currently 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 will be held online this year. The move affects all classes scheduled from May 26 through Aug. 2. Students who enrolled in face-to-face courses after summer registration opened in March will see those courses changed to online on their schedule. The adjustments will appear by Wednesday, April 15. Tri-C is waiving the $10 per-credit-hour fee typically charged for online courses to minimize student expenses during this transition.
Will online sections for summer be combined to save instructor costs?
Campus deans are watching course caps closely and will add more sections as appropriate to fulfill demand.
How will the College support adjunct faculty members whose summer courses were canceled and turned over to full-time faculty following the switch to online delivery?
We are currently adjusting our summer schedule to accommodate enrollment as appropriate. Though we are hoping for and working toward robust enrollment for summer, some students may not be comfortable enrolling in online courses. We ask for your patience and encourage you to stay in touch with your associate dean as we adjust the summer schedule to meet student needs.
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.
What is the likelihood that fall classes will be held on campus?
We have to be cautious about how things progress through the next few months. We must determine the benefits as well as the risks of each option. Right now, we just don’t know. Our phased approach does allow for flexibility; however, COVID-19 is serious and we need to continue to take it seriously as we move forward. We must ensure we have necessary precautions in place to protect you and your family. We can’t discuss specifics about the fall semester until we determine how well things worked in summer, what the science looks like, and what COVID-19 data shows. Phase I is long, in part, to give us the opportunity to develop plans for Phases II, III and IV.
What is the likelihood that adjunct noncredit instructors will be rehired in fall, since noncredit summer courses have been canceled?
Noncredit classes have not been canceled for summer. Going forward, we’ll be able to deliver more programs in a hybrid learning environment. We’re determining a schedule for those labs and instituting precautions to accommodate students. If you didn’t teach this spring, it doesn’t mean you won’t be called upon to support summer or fall courses.
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 we be able to have synchronous online courses in the fall? Will students be able to access testing centers?
Yes, synchronous meeting times are always a possibility within online courses. We’re considering setting up designated synchronous/asynchronous courses and making that designation visible to students before they register. We hope to have a solution by fall. Looking ahead to Phase II, it’s unclear where we’ll be in terms of guidelines; however, we hope to expand testing options in the fall.
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.
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?
On March 18, the College moved to a temporary virtual service model. Counselors and librarians are 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 remaining on-site College operations — with the exception of Public Safety, Plant Operations and key administrative functions — are being performed remotely. This means that all on-site student services and classes are suspended, and access to Tri-C buildings is limited to staff involved in 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?
Right now, students have no access to the TLC. Access will remain limited in Phase I to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 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 ― all on-site student services and classes are suspended, and access to Tri-C buildings is limited to staff involved in critical areas of operation.
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 is currently an eight-day 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 will be open for service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting June 2.
How will placement tests be handled?
Remote placement testing is now 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?
Yes ― students can use Tri-C’s online tutoring service, Smarthinking, for assistance in a variety of disciplines.
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?
No ― all on-site student services and classes are suspended, and access to Tri-C buildings is limited to staff involved in critical areas of operation. Beginning Tuesday June 2, the Metro Campus reprographics center will open for limited service on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In which phase will face-to-face tutoring and/or office hours be available to students?
Not in Phase I (through end of July). 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.
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.
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?
We’ve seen students congregating in areas where our Wi-Fi extends out into parking lots, but we have no plans to expand that at this time. We anticipate that students will be able to come in to use our TLCs and other areas very soon. There are also many free initiatives available for Wi-Fi access.
I’m still hearing from students who need computers in order to complete their coursework. Will additional tech resources be made available?
CARES Act funds provide another opportunity to support eligible students’ technological needs. We hope they’ll seek out these opportunities. Emergency funds are also still available to help those who are ineligible for CARES funding.
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.
Many students who are paying out of pocket have lost their jobs and are concerned about meeting budget payment plan deadlines. How will this impact their graduation?
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.
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 I be evaluated this semester?
What if I haven’t administered the CCSSE survey yet?
Will full-time faculty and adjuncts be paid if their courses, clinicals or skill labs are cancelled?
Will Convocation and Commencement still happen as planned?
Will face coverings be mandatory when we return to campus?
I submitted my portfolio in January. Is Tri-C suspending the tenure hiring process?
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 I be evaluated this semester?
Due to these unusual circumstances, we have worked with AAUP to determine that all faculty evaluations and observations (for both full-time and adjunct faculty) are suspended for Spring semester. Letters of exemption will be provided to tenure-track faculty for inclusion in their tenure portfolios.
What if I haven’t administered the CCSSE survey?
If you received a request to administer the Community College Survey of Student Experience (CCSSE), please disregard the request. We have suspended the distribution and will not conduct the survey this semester.
Will full-time faculty and adjuncts be paid if their courses, clinicals or skill labs are cancelled?
Adjuncts whose classes are cancelled will receive their final payment on April 3. This pay represents work through April 4.
Full-time faculty and staff will continue to receive their regular pay through the end of spring semester regardless of course cancellation(s).
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 convocation and commencement still happen as planned?
A virtual spring 2020 Convocation program happened on Wednesday, May 13.
The College decided to postpone its in-person commencement ceremony until Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the CSU Wolstein Center. Separate from the Fall Commencement ceremony, this program will celebrate the achievements of our Spring and Summer 2020 graduates.
A Virtual Celebration for Our Graduates occurred Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. for graduates and their families to watch via livestream on their TV or computer.
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).
I submitted my portfolio in January. Is Tri-C suspending the tenure hiring process?
Our tenure hiring process remains on track. You will hear something by the end of May.