To: All faculty
Nov. 18, 2022
Dear Faculty,
We understand that this is a challenging time in light of the uncertainties associated with the strike. We appreciate all you are doing to continue to support student learning.
We know some instructors will want to begin planning for potential course adjustments should the strike persist. Here are a few considerations for your end-of-semester course plans:
- We anticipate final exams and grade submission will occur according to the usual timeline for the semester for both undergraduate and graduate courses.
- If instructors have determined that a student’s work is of passing quality but is incomplete, including graduate level independent study and research units, an incomplete (I) grade is an appropriate option. Policy regarding incomplete grades is provided in the University catalog.
- Instructors may adjust how assignments are structured and how those assignments are graded. If possible, the overall final grade breakdown should stay the same (e.g. if the final is 35% of the grade, it should remain as such, but the instructor might choose to change from an analytical paper to a multiple choice exam).
- To aid in grading, instructors are encouraged to consider auto-graded online exams and assignments, self-assessment, peer review or team assignments.
- Clearly communicate to students any adjustments to your syllabus, grading, assignments or final exam.
- The following resources have tips for teaching large classes that may be helpful as you consider alternatives to grading-intensive assignments and exams:
- https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/teaching-large-classes/
- https://citt.ufl.edu/resources/assessing-student-learning/designing-effective-peer-and-self-assessment/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2019.00087/full
- Help is available for pedagogical or learning technologies by using this link to Request a Consultation.
- The highest priority should be given to ensuring students have the opportunity to meet the key learning outcomes associated with your course. Although students may have missed some labs, discussions or lectures, the main focus in closing out the semester should be on the major skills and content from your course necessary to successfully progress in their future curriculum.
University instruction is already a challenging profession, and current circumstances may exacerbate those challenges. We all hope for a swift settlement of differences, but while we continue to respect the rights of organized labor, we must also continue prioritizing instructional continuity for our students.
Sincerely,
Gregg Camfield, Ph.D.
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
Sarah Frey, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education
Hrant P. Hratchian, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Education
