Today@Sam Article
University Works To Map Out Fall Semester
May 12, 2020
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti
Since the health crisis emptied college campuses across the globe, universities have had to closely examine what the future of higher education will look like. Sam Houston State University has announced its commitment to resume classes for the fall 2020 semester while keeping the health and safety of all students, faculty and staff a top priority. The university is working through several plans of action for reinstating campus operations under the guidance of federal, state and local health recommendations.
A number of return-to-campus work committees (members listed below) have been put into place to determine the safest and most efficient means of operation in accordance with governmental guidelines. Groups of faculty and staff are currently considering how to modify classroom setups, laboratory guidelines, common area access, residential living and event protocols.
Recommendations from the work groups will be used to build a strategic framework for the fall that spans a spectrum of scenarios.
According to university President Dana Hoyt, the six primary areas of focus for the committees are classroom environments, specialized class activities (labs, etc.), academic support services, student support services, events/performances and emergency operations.
“There is a range of possibilities in response to changes in the environment. Plans being considered may include hybrid learning, with some instructional elements continuing online while others resume on campus and in smaller class sizes,” Hoyt said.
In Facilities Management, SHSU has already implemented enhanced cleaning protocols — including the use of disinfectants, specialized equipment and adjusting when and how commonly used surfaces are sterilized in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
SHSU is scheduled to start fall 2020 on-campus classes on August 17. The university will continue to provide updates as the new school year approaches.
Tiered Planning for Fall 2020
Option A
“New” Normal Fall Semester
What are the adaptations to normal operations that the workgroup recommends?
Option B
Social Distancing Fall Semester
Is there a viable option between Options A and C? If so, what are those recommendations?
Option C
Remote Fall Semester (similar to Spring)
If SHSU is required to move to remote instruction, what changes from the Spring approach would the workgroup recommend?
Workgroups
Classroom Environment
Charge: Discuss and make recommendations for possible adaptations to course schedules, type of instruction, etc., in relation to any necessary adaptations to the Fall 2020 semester as a result of COVID-19.
- Brian Loft (Chair)
- Todd Primm
- Bill Angrove
- Glenn Sanford
- Juan Nunez
- Mary Holland
- Teresa Ringo
- Terry Blaylock
- Faculty Senate Rep - Damon Hay
- Emily Binetti
Specialized Class Activities
Charge: Discuss and make recommendations for possible adaptations to specialized courses such as labs, including computer, clinicals, performance, and study away in relation to any necessary adaptations to the Fall 2020 semester as a result of COVID-19.
- Anne Gaillard (Chair)
- Wayne Barrett
- Darren Williams
- Ryan Zapalac
- Jorge Varela
- Sandra Stewart
- Maria Busby
- Terry Blaylock
- Faculty Senate Rep - Carolyn Moore
- Emily Binetti
Academic Support Services
Charge: Discuss and make recommendations for possible adaptations to academic support services such as library, advising, ASC, honors, etc., in relation to any necessary adaptations to the Fall 2020 semester as a result of COVID-19.
- Ann Theodori (Chair)
- MC Breen
- Eric Owen
- Maria Holmes
- Terry Blaylock
- Faculty Senate Rep - Jaime Duran
- Stephanie Knific
Events and Performances
Charge: Discuss and make recommendations for possible adaptations to campus events in relation to any necessary adaptations to the Fall 2020 semester as a result of COVID-19.
- Ron Shields (Chair)
- Scott Plugge
- Keith Jenkins
- Charlie Vienne
- Brandon Cooper
- Charlene McWilliams
- Greg Hinze
- Russell Martinez
- Leah Mulligan
- Terry Blaylock
- Faculty Senate Rep - Debbie Hatton
- Amanda Coleman
- Charles Hensons
Student Support Services
Charge: Discuss and make recommendations for possible adaptations to student support services, as well as recomending a testing and quarantine plan for students, in relation to COVID-19 for the Fall 2020 semester.
- Drew Miller (Chair)
- Joellen Tipton
- Kristy Vienne
- Keith Jenkins
- Dustin LeNorman
- Erica Bumpurs
- Terry Blaylock
- Faculty Senate Rep - Nancy Stockall
- Stephanie Knific
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