[VPAAEtal] Academic Affairs Weekly Update

[Academic Affairs]

Academic Affairs Fall COVID Update
August 7, 2020

Each week until we are underway, the Provost’s Office will post about progress toward preparing for Fall 2020 instruction.  Updates are based on the latest, best information.


·       This week representatives of COSE and CASNR met to discuss relocation and technological needs of their courses requesting a face-to-face component.  Some room changes resulted.  Day/times remained the same in all cases.  Room changes sought to bring the current and projected enrollments better in line with COVID room capacities.  This concludes this phase of schedule planning for Fall 2020.  Room changes were communicated by deans’ offices in each case.

·       Any future room changes or modality changes that result in more face-to-face or blended sections must be approved through the VPAA’s office.

·       OAT is offering four important sessions to help with course preparation for Fall.  Gradebook setup, accessibility for PDFs and captioning for video are critical for all courses utilizing D2L.  At this point, that ought to be everyone.  Training is also available for Epson Interactive Tools for classrooms.  Registration is through the DevelopU page<http://appsprod.tamuc.edu/td/coursecalendar.aspx> .  Mike Smith & Co. are ready to help.

·       Faculty should be engaged in the communication plan sent to department heads July 24.  Students should receive at least two email communications from faculty by August 14.

·       Funding for Proctorio has been approved, and funds will be apportioned within the coming week.  A terms of use document will be submitted to the proctoring faculty working group for their consideration/comment/revision this next week.  Use of Proctorio will require training, and also, will require the use of specific language in syllabi and as introduction to proctored assessments.

·       Mr. Jeremy Gamez has indicated that CITE is engaged in implementing technology upgrades and that process will continue into the remaining weeks before semester’s start.  Larger classrooms are being equipped with fixed PTZ cameras and high-quality mics.  Lab environment planning and technology has proceeded with close cooperation between faculty and CITE.
If you have specific questions, please feel free to email Ricky.Dobbs at tamuc.edu<mailto:Ricky.Dobbs at tamuc.edu> .
We are grateful for your cooperation and look forward to the coming semester.

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