Dear Faculty, Chairs and Deans:
While the overall intent and goals of the guidelines provided on Sept. 29 are sound, I am learning that in response to that communication, faculty have concerns about a potential need to disclose personal details when discussing their proposed teaching modality with their chairs and deans. Here, I am writing to affirm that we will follow the process established in the fall semester: the decision regarding teaching modality rests with the individual faculty member. Whether faculty have a health concern themselves or for a family member, we defer to faculty to use their best judgment and make the right call for them.
There is nonetheless a widely shared desire for more in-person classroom experiences next semester among our students and their parents. I urge all faculty to take this into serious consideration when making modality choices, and I appreciate any efforts to enhance the student experience, especially in areas where the volume of in-classroom experiences has been low.
Faculty, we ask that you communicate with your department chair about your spring teaching plans by Oct. 22 (this reflects a one-week extension), so that students are able to rely on the information in the course catalog regarding the format of the courses they choose during registration.
I appreciate your hard work in providing the best education for our students. Our team is here to support you in these unprecedented times.
Sincerely,
John Liu
Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost
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