COVID-19

Visit the University's COVID-19 FAQ page which is continually being updated.

Last modified: 03/17/2020

Useful information about how to think about and manage slower internet https://kb.uwlax.edu/99645.

Last modified: 03/31/2020

Please make sure to provide students with a set time when they know they will be able to reach you virtually - these times/days of the week should be known to students no later than March 30. See CATL’s information on potential modalities for interacting with students: https://www.uwlax.edu/catl/keep-teaching/#tm-communicating-with-students  

Last modified: 03/24/2020

DOCUMENTATION: Academic Advising Center/Career Service's excellent information about virtual one-on-one meetings with students through Teams with best practices for high quality advising, tips for the use of shared screens, directing students to resources, and the use of notes in Navigate.

VIDEOS: The document includes links to two associated videos. A 2-minute video tutorial regarding use of Teams and another 4-minute video that shows best practices for an advising session by displaying a mock advising session between an AACCS staff member and one of UWL's peer advisors.  

Last modified: 03/26/2020

Step-by-step instructions for texting students through Navigate.

Please note the helpful information below for sending text messages to students.

• You only have 160 characters, so be precise.
• You need to identify yourself, because students will not know who is texting them.
• If a student replies, it will come to your email inbox.
  1. If you text more than 100 students they will not be able to respond.
• You can reply to the email and it will go back as a text to the student.
• An example: This is Dr. Lopez (Bio105). You haven’t logged into Canvas yet. You need to engage with materials on Canvas to successfully complete this course. Please reply.

Last modified: 03/26/2020

Finals during Spring 2020.

Study Days - no assignments or exams should be due on the weekend between the end of classes and finals week.

Final Exam Times - An instructor may wish to open a final exam earlier than the scheduled time; however, students should not have to complete a final prior to the scheduled time. The schedule exists so that students don't have their exams bunched up as often and have more time to study. This holds true with online education as well. If all the students elect to take a final earlier, that is fine as long as no student has to do so.

If an instructor is going to open a final "only" during a specified time, it needs to be the assigned final exam time. 

Last modified: 03/30/2020

As of Friday, March 20, 2020 all building access has been suspended for all employees except those identified as essential. Should you need access for materials essential to your ability to teach your courses or conduct your scholarship, you will be asked to work with your dean who will recommend to the Provost. If granted, the Provost will notify Protective Services. A date and time will need to be suggested and the individual will need to call protective services to be let into the building at the pre-arranged time.

Last modified: 03/24/2020

Instructors do not need to physically be on campus in the La Crosse area. All instructional and service work should be conducted remotely. 

The university has shifted to requiring only essential personnel to report to campus only when on site duties are required. Essential personnel have been determined by the vice chancellors and deans and know their status.  Alternatives, modifications, or delays to scholarly pursuits that require on campus access should be discussed with department chairs. Personnel reviews for IAS and Faculty will reflect the COVID-19 crisis.

Last modified: 03/24/2020

For teaching technology options associated with collaboration with students please follow CATL recommendations.

For technology associated with business meetings with colleagues - please follow ITS recommendations. 

Last modified: 03/24/2020

Group instruction is being moved online or to another modality. Individual interactions with students should continue virtually. Instructors are encouraged to have frequent and meaningful interactions with students via the many options for technology platforms. Advising can/will take place virtually.

Last modified: 03/24/2020

GAs are UWL employees and are expected to complete their work hours remotely as arranged with a supervisor. Student workers who cannot work remotely (due to lack of access to technology and/or types of duties) should discuss with their supervisors and HR. Supervisors are encouraged to be as flexible as possible. 

Graduate Assistant (GA) specific information  - GAs (who are not able to telecommute) are eligible for UW System COVID-19 Leave.

Last modified: 03/24/2020

Students with documented disabilities associated with an online format such as screen time or hearing should work with the ACCESS center who will work with instructors. Asynchronous materials will help students with screen time concerns. 

Last modified: 03/24/2020

No. The semester will conclude at the scheduled time.  Instructors need to decide what material can be dropped and/or how to manage course goals with the remaining time and structure. 

Last modified: 03/24/2020

The last day to drop a class with a grade of W has been changed (extended) to April 3, 2020. There are no other changes to academic deadlines at this time.

Last modified: 03/24/2020

If you are already teaching an online course that spans the week after Spring Break, please change any deadlines that would have occurred the week of March 23, 2020 to the following week(s) so that students can have as consistent of an experience this semester.

Last modified: 03/24/2020

Generally speaking, the placement site should be the driving factor in determining hours, followed by any accrediting body.  

Student teachers – should continue to follow the hours and expectations of the school district in which they are teaching.  The School of Education (SOE) has/will messaged student teachers, field students, cooperating teachers, and principals. 

Hours associated with accredited programs – please follow accrediting guidelines which often provide individual programs with significant latitude.  

Traditional internship hours – instructors should provide as much latitude as possible to students to complete hours and/or substitute experiences. Incomplete grades are not recommended unless the goal of the experience cannot be obtained. 

Career Services has communicated to supervisors/sites and to students. See communications below.

• Student Interns 
• Employer Partners 

Last modified: 03/24/2020