Guidelines

Instruction

  1. Academic units should capitalize on the innovative instructional practices developed by their instructors to achieve learning outcomes, while maintaining in-person contact time between faculty and students at pre-COVID levels.
  2. Courses will no longer be exclusively delivered remotely through video conference systems, unless they have been previously offered fully online (i.e., Spring 2020 schedule of classes or earlier). Limited use of video conference systems in classrooms may supplement classroom instruction, such as guest speakers, office hours, event live streaming, etc. 
  3. All instructors must have a contingency plan and be ready to pivot to online instruction should the Prince George’s County Health Department or the University alter guidelines for social distancing.
  4. Classroom furnishings will begin to be restored no later than July 5.
  5. The preferred format for advising and faculty office hours is in-person, but depending on circumstances or student requests, advisors and faculty may make use of virtual formats.
  6. Doctoral dissertation examinations should follow the Graduate School guidelines regarding in-person participation.
  7. Most summer 2021 courses will be online. A small number of summer courses have been scheduled for in-person delivery, following campus and Prince George’s County Health Department protocols.
  8. Study Abroad may open to destinations that meet CDC, State Department, and destination country risk and safety guidelines.
  9. International students who are able to obtain visas and make travel arrangements will be required to arrive on (or return to) campus to begin or continue their studies.
  10. Students who may be eligible for COVID-19 accommodations should work with the Accessibility and Disability Service (ADS) office to ensure that they have the necessary resources to participate in University life as safely as possible. Instructors will work with the student and ADS to implement reasonable accommodations as identified by the ADS office.
  11. Staff in the Teaching and Learning Transformation Center, the Division of IT’s Academic Technology and Innovations group, and departmental and college instructional support offices continue to be available to assist instructors as needed. They can provide coaching on the integration of newly developed learning tools and innovative teaching practices as we collectively reimagine student engagement in the classroom. They can also provide support in delivering an inclusive and equitable learning experience for our students.

People and Operations

  1. Many faculty and staff have been physically present on campus this past year. Those who have not been on campus should return to in-person work prior to the Fall 2021 semester (see the attached phasing document). Staff should return over the summer, gradually increasing days on campus in accordance with county and state guidance. By no later than August 2, all offices that serve students, faculty or other customers should be open weekdays during core business hours, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Students may not be used to staff an office area or suite alone, unless that was the practice prior to COVID-19.
  2. Department/unit leaders are responsible for equitable and appropriate space/staff distributions, for ensuring sufficient staff are present for phone and walk-in interactions, and for informing staff of the unit plans for phasing in on-campus work according to the attached phasing document. 
  3. Employees should talk with their supervisor about their interest in establishing new telework arrangements. If your position is eligible for telework based on your job description and assigned duties and your supervisor supports telework, a new Telework Agreement must be formalized and approved by following the University Human Resources Guidelines for Telework and should be in place by August 2. 
  4. Faculty and staff who may be eligible for reasonable employment accommodations should work with University Human Resources and the Office of Faculty Affairs. Individuals will be asked to provide documentation and details about their work-related needs during the confidential intake process.
  5. University-sponsored travel requires approval in consultation with CDC/state/county/State Department guidelines. See UMD Travel Guidance for COVID-19.
  6. Visitors, consultants, and guests will be permitted on campus, provided UMD protocols are followed. Department/unit heads are responsible for ensuring that   visitors/consultants/guests follow safety and capacity requirements.  
  7. We expect to begin hosting prospective student visitors in the fall. The size of groups that will be accommodated will depend on Prince George’s County guidance.
  8. Many student programs, services, and resources that were virtual or online will return to in-person in the fall semester, with careful attention to safety and capacity issues and with judicious use of virtual engagement when appropriate.
  9. Department/unit heads are encouraged to continue exploring ways in which technology can continue to support providing excellent service.