Opportunity to reassess modality for academic staff and additional teaching supports
Joint message from Teri Balser, University of Calgary Provost and Vice-President (Academic), and David Stewart, Faculty Association President, sent to members of the Faculty Association on August 10, 2021.
In the past week, conversations between the University of Calgary administration and TUCFA have taken place to review fall plans and determine what additional measures may be needed to respond to how the COIVD-19 situation has changed over the summer.
TUCFA and the University administration agree that Academic staff members with personal concerns related to COVID-19 should have the option to reconsider the modality of delivery for their courses. Those desiring a different arrangement can choose to do so. In addition, those planning to teach in-person classes can also access additional support should they desire it.
REASSESSING MODALITY
Most students have already registered in courses for the fall term and have made travel plans and living arrangement based on the teaching modality and we do expect most of the UCalgary community will be back on our campuses again this fall. Nevertheless, as the situation around COVID-19 evolves, it is understandable that instructor concerns around teaching in person might evolve as well.
Based on personal concerns related to COVID-19, academic staff members who are scheduled to teach courses in person for the Fall 2021 term may switch their course to online or blended delivery by working with their academic leader who assigns their teaching (Dean, Associate Dean, Department Head or equivalent) no later than August 20, 2021. The academic staff member will inform the academic leader of their decision and outline the COVID-19 related reason for this change in modality, and they will work cooperatively to resolve any issues that may arise as a result of the change in modality. Please note that once an academic staff member chooses to teach a course remotely, no further changes to the mode of course deliver (ie. Back to in-person teaching) will be permitted for the duration of the fall term.
ADDITIONAL TEACHING SUPPORTS
For academic staff members delivering in-person classes, additional Graduate Assistants (Teaching) will be made available to help manage any additional workload associated with teaching this fall term. Further information on how to access additional GAT funds will be sent through your Faculty/School Deans Office in the coming days.
Both the Faculty Association and the University of Calgary encourage you to get vaccinated and wear masks when indoors on campus.
The health and safety of our university community remain our top priorities. We will continue our discussions relating to the delivery of in-person classes. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to your academic leader or the Faculty Association.
Teri Balser
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
David Stewart
President, University of Calgary Faculty Association