COVID-19 FAQs for Academic Operations

These FAQs are offered as a resource to academic departments, instructors, and academic staff navigating the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Provost's Office will continue to update this list as needed, in partnership with the many University offices involved in academic operations.

Last Updated: 3/15/2023

Instruction and Classroom Management

Can I ask students to wear a mask in my classroom or instructional space?

University Guidelines on masking can be found here. Masking is strongly recommended.

Instructors can encourage students to mask while in their classroom or instructional space, but cannot require masking. Example language to request students to mask while in an instructional space is below:

The CDC has designated several counties in Connecticut as at “High” COVID Community Levels. As a state institution, UConn is following the Department of Administration Services’ guidance to highly encourage all individuals entering university facilities at any UConn campus to wear a well-fitting mask that completely covers the nose and mouth. While we are in this university instructional space together, I encourage us all to wear our masks."

Updated 1/13/2023

What are the options for modalities in the Spring 2023 semester?

I want to teach my course online. Where do I get approval?

COVID-19 Exposure

What happens if a student in my classroom has tested positive for COVID-19?

Notification: Students who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be advised to notify their instructors directly when they are unable to attend class due to illness and to contact the Dean of Students Office, dos.uconn.edu (Storrs students), or appropriate Regional Student Services Office (regional campus students); however, they are not required to disclose the nature of their illness. Test results are considered protected health information and cannot be disclosed without consent. Students may choose to self-disclose their test results, but should not be compelled to do so. Instructors are not responsible for nor authorized to disclose that information with other students. Further information on student testing can be found via Student Health and Wellness (SHaW): https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/updates-events/coronavirus/.
Coursework: Instructors should include language in their syllabi with guidance for students on how to communicate absence from instruction based on any illness and refer to SHaW (Storrs) for instruction on the requirements of self-isolation and self-quarantine: https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/updates-events/coronavirus/. Faculty are strongly advised not to penalize students for missing class because of illness. The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning has compiled a variety of syllabus resources, including language to use in syllabi specific to unique situations for this academic year, which is available in the downloadable CETL Syllabus Template.

Updated 8/25/2022

What if I receive a request for accommodation for a student in quarantine?

If a student is in self-isolation or has been placed in medical quarantine, they will be directed to reach out by email to their instructors to request to continue their in-person courses remotely. The Dean of Students office (students in Storrs) or the Regional Student Services staff (students on regional campuses) may reach out to instructors on behalf of a student in quarantine. The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning has created a set of FAQs with strategies for instructors who receive such a request: https://ecampus.uconn.edu/dean-letter-faq/.

Updated, 8/25/2022

What should I do as an instructor if I have tested positive for COVID-19?

An instructor who has tested positive for COVID-19 (or any major illness) or is in quarantine because of potential exposure should notify their supervisor as soon as possible that they must isolate at home. Instructors should also coordinate with their department head and CETL on strategies to cover their classes.

Additionally, employees who feel unwell or were potentially exposed to COVID should consult the COVID-19 guidance from Human Resources: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-covid-guidance/.

Updated 8/25/2022

If a member of my household is sick with COVID, is it ok for me to teach class in person?

COVID-19 Resources

WHAT RESOURCES AND SUPPORT ARE IN PLACE TO ADDRESS THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 TO FACULTY PROGRESSION?

The Provost’s Office and other university partners are actively reviewing and developing options to support faculty in their career progression. In particular, we have worked with leadership in AAUP, University Senate, and the schools and colleges to encourage usage of COVID Impact Statements. Current guidance can be found at the links below.

Guidance for COVID Impact Statements: https://provost.uconn.edu/academic-faqs/covid-impact-statements-guidance/

Guidance for Review of COVID Impact Statements https://provost.uconn.edu/academic-faqs/covid-impact-statements-guidance-review/

Updated 8/25/2022

What travel restrictions are in place for domestic and international travel for research purposes?

Travel Services maintains current guidance on domestic and international travel for business purposes. COVID-related approvals are not required for travel (pre-approval for travel in Concur is required). A waiver is required for travel to any State Department designated level 3 or 4 country. Please visit the Travel Services website for more detailed information. In addition to guidance from Travel Services, Human Resources has provided guidance on returning to campus post-travel.

Updated 8/25/2022

Where can I find COVID-19 signage for download and printing?

What kind of personal protective equipment (masks, etc.) is available or expected for the UConn community?

Environmental Health and Safety maintains current guidance on personal protective equipment and other safety measures, including information on how to obtain supplies. Please visit their website for the most recent guidance.

Clear face masks that cover the nose and mouth are available for instructors to use while teaching. Please use this link to make a request through CETL: https://cetl.uconn.edu/request-for-clear-masks-for-teaching/.

The University has also ordered supplies of surgical-style and KN95 masks for faculty and staff for everyday use. The surgical-style and KN95 masks are available through this form (requires NetID login): https://warehouse.uconn.edu/face-mask-requests/. Environmental Health and Safety has a resource guide available on their website with more information on the differences among various masks and their recommended usages.

Updated 8/25/2022

IS COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYEES?

Will the vaccination status of employees or students be shared with managers or instructors? Can I ask for vaccination status?

Managers and instructors are prohibited from asking team members or students about their vaccination or exemption status. Faculty, staff, and students may disclose their status at their personal discretion. HR will not provide managers with information on employee vaccination or exemption status, nor will student or academic offices provide information regarding student vaccination status.

Updated 8/25/2022

Additional University COVID-19 Information

Linked below are additional resources regarding COVID-19 guidance, procedures, and updates. Please refer to these pages for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19. If you are not able to find an answer to your question, contact provost@uconn.edu and we will direct you.

University COVID-19 home page: https://covid.uconn.edu/
University COVID-19 campus guidance: https://covid.uconn.edu/campus-guidelines/
Environmental Health & Safety guidance: https://ehs.uconn.edu/ehs-covid-resources/
Information for faculty & staff: https://covid.uconn.edu/resources/faculty-staff/
Information for students: https://covid.uconn.edu/resources/students/