January 2022 Instruction, Research, and Services in the Division of Academic Affairs

Dr. Gene Bourgeois, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs | January 4, 2022

I hope everyone enjoyed a winter break that brought renewal and rejuvenation for the year ahead.  While we fervently hoped for a healthy start to 2022, the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is coinciding with Texas State University’s return for the spring 2022 semester. 
 
This message provides guidance on how the division of Academic Affairs is responding to President Trauth’s January 3, 2022 message regarding Texas State operations, spring 2022 course delivery, and student support services.  The following information applies to Texas State instruction, research, and activities and services within Academic Affairs. 
 
Spring 2022 Courses – Online/Remote through January 30, 2022
To make spring 2022 courses at Texas State as accessible as possible while ensuring the continued safety of our university community, we will temporarily move class sections and class activities to online/remote delivery beginning Tuesday, January 18, 2022 through Sunday, January 30, 2022.  
 
Face-to-face instruction for all Texas State class sections coded as face-to-face will resume on Monday, January 31, 2022.  For courses coded as online, hybrid, or other instructional method, faculty will implement the first two weeks remotely/online, then transition to the planned instructional method and course delivery schedule on January 31, 2022.  
 
The first two weeks of online/remote delivery will not count against the face-to-face contact hours required for certain course instructional methods per the University Registrar’s Schedule of Classes documentation. 
 
Spring 2022 Courses – Exceptions to Online/Remote Delivery
Deans, department chairs/school directors, and faculty will consult on and communicate with students about courses that may need to remain face-to-face during this two-week period due to licensure requirements or specific academic imperatives.  While most classes will be taught online/remotely for the first two weeks of the semester, students are urged to check their university email accounts and Canvas course sites for updates on any exceptions to the online/remote delivery provision.  
 
Research, Creative, and Scholarly Activities
Laboratories and other spaces dedicated to research, creative, and scholarly activities may remain open with reasonable mitigation measures for health and safety. 
 
Academic Services and Offices
To reduce density, the university is encouraging remote work and flexible scheduling for employees through January 30, 2022 when it makes sense and ensures the effective and efficient provision of services.  If remote or flexible arrangements are pursued, supervisors should first consult their respective college dean or associate vice president and then develop a plan for operational continuity, work priorities, and performance expectations through the end of January.  Office websites, voicemail greetings, and employee emails should communicate modified office arrangements as appropriate.  Remote Work Guidance is available from the Office of Human Resources. 
 
Events and Activities
In-person events and activities in Academic Affairs may be suspended or moved to an online/virtual format.  Sponsors and coordinators of in-person events and activities in January 2022 are asked to consult with supervisors to evaluate the situation and determine if it is better to postpone, cancel, or transition to an online/virtual format.   
 
Health and Safety 
While the university cannot mandate actions, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to be vigilant about wearing a mask, social distancing as much as possible, testing regularly, and getting vaccinated and boosted.  It is up to each member of our community to follow CDC isolation/quarantine guidelines and take necessary precautions if exposed to or testing positive for COVID-19.  Chief Medical Officer Dr. Emilio Carranco will continue to provide updates on important precautions and CDC guidelines.
 
I greatly appreciate your understanding, flexibility, and cooperation as we navigate this challenging public health situation together.