COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As Hamline adjusts to life in the time of COVID-19, we recognize that our community members may have questions. We've compiled some answers to frequently asked questions about teaching, classroom technology, future plans, and other topics below.
For detailed information about Hamline's health and safety protocols, see the full Campus Preparedness Plan.
Health protocols
Teaching and learning
Classroom technology
Shift Plan
University goals
Answers
Do visitors (e.g. guest speakers) need to use the CampusClear app?
No, but all visitors are asked to check in with Hamline Public Safety upon arrival on campus and answer a short screening survey. Public Safety will archive the answers in aggregate for purposes of data.
How will traffic flow in buildings be handled?
Floor stickers will be used to direct traffic flow in areas such as Bishop's Bistro and the library. Elevators will be limited to two occupants at any given time, and some may be reserved for use by those who really need them. Some buildings, like the library, will have designated entry and exit points, but in general most buildings will not, since those spaces are not generally where people gather. Our priority is to minimize activity in high-traffic areas and make sure people in those areas are masked and distanced, or both.
What spaces are available to commuters to participate in online classes from campus?
Students are welcome to use any open spaces — Peterson Commuter Lounge in West Hall, Bush Library lower level (limited space on second floor), Anderson Forum, Klas Center Ground Floor (Subway is closed this semester), or computer labs. At this point, they have been modified for appropriate distancing (students should not move furniture and should remain masked at all times).
What if a faculty member gets sick?
Proceed as with any other illness per stipulations in the Faculty Handbook. If a faculty member has mild symptoms and can continue teaching, that faculty member should continue teaching remotely (shifting to remote if baseline modality is face-to-face or hybrid). If a faculty member is not able to teach, they should contact their chair and the dean's office to find a suitable substitute.
Can instructors distribute handouts/exams in class?
While surface transmission of COVID-19 is still possible, the Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are not as concerned with surface transmission as long as people are washing their hands and not touching their faces. Their emphasis is on preventing transmission via respiratory droplets.
Faculty members should feel comfortable distributing handouts and exams. You may consider using hand sanitizer before handing out materials/exams with bare hands or wearing gloves to distribute materials. Avoid having objects, papers, etc. passed around the room by students. It is preferable that exams/handouts go from the instructor to the student and from the student to the instructor.
For courses where it is absolutely necessary for items to be shared by several students (e.g., inspecting a particular kind of rock in a geology class), keep students in pods, make sure they wear gloves, pass the item only within that small pod, and ensure gloves are removed and disposed of immediately after the activity is completed. We recommend this kind of activity be kept to an absolute minimum.
Can students present in class?
Yes, individual students and student teams may present in class. If the classroom has a podium with a microphone, students may use the microphone one at a time. If a student uses a microphone, then the student should use a face shield instead of their mask while presenting, because the face shield will protect the microphone better than the mask. Face shields will be available from the campus COVID coordinator or a staff member in the academic unit for faculty members to take to that class period so that each student has a face shield. They should be returned after use to be sanitized. The microphones on the webcams, which are on the monitors, are good enough to record people from at least 10 feet away.
How do I prevent cheating in online exams?
There is no way to 100% ensure that students don't cheat on online exams. Hamline does have a limited number of seats available for an online proctoring tool. Contact your associate dean or Amelia Jerde in ITS for more details.
How will faculty teaching be evaluated?
Faculty evaluation will take the COVID-19 situation into consideration, recognizing that this year necessitates extraordinary efforts that may not always deliver positive results. That said, we'll be looking for evidence that a faculty member proactively connected with students, supported their learning, and responded to student work/requests in a timely fashion. Faculty health circumstances will be taken into consideration.
Will there be a P/N grading option?
This is being discussed, but no decision has been made thus far.
Can students use the library? Are librarians available to help?
Access to the physical collection will be fairly restricted for the foreseeable future. Please take this into account as you create assignments for your students (and your own) research projects. The ebook collection is extensive and available 24/7, but may not have everything a student needs. The library will continue to focus on digital access for all new purchase requests to facilitate ease of access.
Librarians stand by to assist faculty and students with any library research or reading list support. Contact your librarian as soon as questions or requests arise, in case extra time is needed to fulfill your needs. The library continues to offer virtual reference appointments for students and faculty via Google Meet and/or phone. Chat help and email reference are also available 24/7. See the library's frequently asked questions page for details.
How often should online synchronous classes meet?
Online synchronous classes should meet according to the schedule shared with students in Piperline. Students are seeking consistency during this challenging time so sticking as closely to the proposed timing/modality of the course will support their routine. Faculty are discouraged from requiring synchronous meeting attendance during times outside the scheduled class times without alternatives for students who are unavailable during those additional times.
Who do I turn to with specific questions about online teaching?
Nicole Nelson and Caroline Hilk. Technical questions about the Canvas platform should be referred to Canvas support: (833) 326-8142 or online.
Are food and drink allowed in Hamline classrooms?
Food is not allowed. Drinks must have either a lid or utilize a straw, so that they can be consumed either wearing a mask or with the mask immediately replaced after drinking. Faculty may bar drinks in class as well at their discretion. Students should check with their instructors if this is a concern.
How will meetings be conducted?
Small group meetings that adhere to masking and social distancing are allowed per MDH guidelines. We encourage people to connect virtually.
Does Google Meet have breakout rooms?
Technically, no. Current timeline expects them to be released in October 2020. There are workarounds to creating breakout rooms with some pre-planning (such as designating multiple online meeting URLs through Google Meet prior to class).
Do all classrooms have cameras and microphones?
We will have webcams in all the classrooms being used this fall along with document cameras in most of the rooms that will be compatible with Google Meet. Larger event rooms such as Anderson 111, 112, 304/305, KFR, Bush Ballroom, Bush Hub, GLC 100E, and DSC 118 will have voice reinforcement.
Do I have access to classroom tech on off-hybrid days?
Potentially, yes. Check room scheduling (or with Andy Rundquist). Facilities Management has worked diligently to maximize room use, so it is possible that the room is being used by a different class on your off day.
Will Hamline use Zoom?
Not at this time. Hamline resources should not be used in the Zoom platform (emails, funds, etc.).
Is technology available for students without access to reliable internet/devices?
Limited amounts of technology are available. Students will receive information about how/where to pick up relevant tech in the event it is needed. New students are being surveyed about their tech needs by Admission.
Where can I get answers to other questions about technology resources and remote learning?
See the library and Central Service Desk's frequently asked questions page for detailed information about remote learning resources, library availability, space use guidelines, etc.
Under what circumstances would Hamline shift to fully online instruction?
Hamline has devised a Shift Plan that will help COVID coordinator Mel Heikinnen make appropriate recommendations to the administration on any potential change in modality. It is part of the Hamline University COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, which can be found at hamline.edu/covid-19.
How long will it take to pivot the campus to fully online teaching/learning if we get to that point?
Upon entering the Red Stage of the Shift Plan, if mitigation efforts are not effective, Hamline may suspend undergraduate instruction long enough for students to relocate as needed.
When will we learn plans for winter/spring/May terms?
J-term, in the new calendar structure, will be completely online. Plans for spring and the following terms will be made later this fall. Students will be able to register for the new May term on March 1, at the same time registration for summer opens.
Can a faculty member switch to being fully online later in the semester?
This will be governed by the Shift Plan.
What if most of my students are not in class (e.g. in quarantine)?
Use your best judgment and the Shift Plan to make determinations. The general rule of thumb is to keep teaching in person, unless informed otherwise by the contact tracing team. Flag any situation with the campus COVID-19 coordinator if you have 50% or more of your students not coming to face-to-face class.
Are we adjusting the Strategic Plan and/or its implementation?
Yes. Lynn Farmer, associate vice president of Marketing and Communications, has been tasked with talking to each head of the plan about the feasibility of achieving the portions of the plan during COVID. The results of this assessment will be presented to the trustees in February.
What are the plans for student success and retention?
The Enrollment and Student Success committee has been asked to prepare an updated Undergraduate Retention Plan during fall 2020. The Center for Academic and Student Achievement will continue to provide outreach to students, manage leave requests, and provide advising services and referrals to other offices (financial aid, student accounts, counseling and health services) to support our current students.
Will Hamline offer tuition reductions for the 2020-21 academic year?
At this time, Hamline does not intend to offer a tuition reduction as a result of the change in modalities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fall semester classes are offered in a variety of modalities, and all meet Hamline's rigorous academic standards. Final decisions on the modality of coursework for spring semester have not yet been made and will depend in large part on the latest guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health. The faculty have worked diligently to ensure that in-person, hybrid, and online classes provide a high-quality experience for students. While many assume that offering hybrid or online courses has resulted in a decrease in costs, the reality is that Hamline has increased costs from the pandemic associated with additional cleaning and additional types of course offerings and health services. A student's tuition dollars continue to support Hamline's academic mission in all modalities.