Faculty COVID-19 FAQs

Colleagues:

The following FAQ items are responses to faculty concerns and questions that we have received through a variety of input formats.  If you have shared specific questions with us, but do not see them addressed on this page, it is because there has often been considerable overlap among comments/concerns/questions that we have received. We have tried to address all of them in substance. We will continue to update this site as new questions and answers come to us.

We definitely understand the concerns and the anxieties that this semester is causing us. We are monitoring the situation closely and taking guidance from a variety of health and public health professionals. We are seeking a balance between minimizing risk and maximizing student connection with the University with the hopes that we can retain sufficient student interest in attending the institution while doing our best to safeguard the health and safety of employees and students. The health professionals on the CRT are assuring us that we have robust planning and protocols in place.

Testing:

There were six questions submitted about testing that included whether we would do blanket testing of all students, staff, and faculty, where tests are available, and why we aren’t testing students and employees at the beginning of the year.

The representative from the Clark County Combined Health District (CCCHD), as well as the four physicians who took part in the call, referenced the CDC, the Ohio Department of Health, and the Cleveland Clinic in making the argument against a blanket testing policy at this time, for the following reasons:

1) Point of time testing is deceptive since infections can occur immediately after a negative test and since results have been nationally slow to come back.

2) Negative results have a 70% accuracy rate, which means that any number of individuals could take false comfort in a negative result.

3) Doing blanket testing of asymptomatic individuals would draw resources desperately needed to verify COVID-19 in symptomatic individuals. Rocking Horse receives its tests from the county, so, for example, asking Rocking Horse to use those tests for our students draws resources away from the county and could lead to ethical consequences if Wittenberg is perceived to be drawing those resources away from the community to test asymptomatic individuals.

Also, testing is probably our least effective mitigation strategy. The most effective strategies are wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining appropriate physical distance. Following these guidelines will reduce the transference of the illness on campus most effectively.

Will testing be available for students on campus?

Yes. As noted on our website (https://www.wittenberg.edu/sites/default/files/media/student_development/WittenbergHealthResponseProtocol-2020-Rev3.pdf), we have a robust protocol for students to follow if they believe they have contracted the illness. If a student is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, they should contact the Wittenberg Health Clinic at (937) 327-7811 or Mercy Health Walk-in Care Clinic at (937) 523-9050 after hours.

Please reassure your students that getting tested is important for their health AND the health of those around them.  Should a student test positive, remind them to respond to follow up inquiries from contact tracers.If students have concern for self or others, they can complete the COVID-19 Report a Concern Form or email covid@wittenberg.edu.

We will also continue to monitor developments in more rapid testing options such as saliva tests (RT-Lamp) or other reliable, more cost-effective testing methods.

Question on testing prices: If tests are available on campus or at a local hospital or clinic what is the cost of tests for faculty, staff, and students?

Cost will vary by an individual’s situation. More information about testing is available on the State of Ohio’s coronavirus website. It recommends calling the health centers to learn where the nearest testing location. Faculty and staff can, of course, also consult with their primary care physician.

Question on reopening plan: Will there be a fully developed reopening plan shared with the faculty? It seems unsafe to bring students back without requiring some level of testing or quarantine; particularly given the number of faculty and students who are in or live with people in at-risk populations.

The WITT: We’re in it Together site represents just such a comprehensive plan. It is just separated into subcategories so that interested folks can check those areas that are important to them.

In case of positive results:

There are protocols for both employees and students should they begin to experience symptoms of the illness.

The student protocol has already been mentioned.

The protocol for employees (including faculty) can be found here:  https://www.wittenberg.edu/together/protocols-testing under the heading: “Protocol if an Employee, Contractor, or Volunteer Has Been Exposed to a Confirmed Case of COVID-19”

Seating charts, assigned seating, and taking attendance: The Fall Implementation Team (see Faculty Resources) recommends taking attendance either through Moodle or Self Service and using an assigned seating chart for class.  That way, if a student in a class does test positive, the contact tracers from the county, working with campus representatives, will be able to determine which individuals in any given class might have to self-isolate. If appropriate physical distance and masking are followed, very few individuals would likely require isolation or quarantine.

Surveillance and enforcement issues:

Question on non-compliance with masking guidelines: Faculty submitted concerns about how to manage a situation in which a student in class refuses to wear a mask or maintain appropriate physical distancing.  

If students do not comply with campus regulations, they will be subject to the student conduct process as outlined in the Student Handbook . The first step would, of course, be to ask the student to wear a mask and maintain appropriate distancing guidelines. If the student still does not comply, the faculty member should ask the student to leave the classroom.  If the student refuses to leave the room, faculty have the option of calling Campus Police, but doing so should be a last resort. The primary goal is educating students on compliant behaviors.

Student Development and Student Senate are working together to develop effective education and communication strategies to convey to students the importance of following guidelines. However, should a community member have a concern, they can complete the COVID-19 Report a Concern Form or email covid@wittenberg.edu.

There is a face covering policy in the section on the WITT We’re In It Together site under “Community Expectations.

Classroom set ups, behavioral protocols and cleaning protocols:

Question: Will there be boilerplate language provided for syllabi on classroom policies related to COVID-19?

There will not be boilerplate language for all syllabi, but the FIT has provided classroom protocols that can be shared with students as well as a helpful graphic mnemonic that could be added to syllabi.

Question about Hand Sanitizers:

The CDC does not recommend benzalkonium chloride - based hand sanitizers. I'm concerned that we're going against this recommendation. We may not want to put >70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol - based sanitizers by entrances, but shouldn't they be available in classrooms and offices?

There is some controversy among health professionals about what various hand sanitizers actually do. General guidelines from the CDC, however, do indicate that an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is currently recognized as best practice. Alpha and Omega have provided more in-depth information about the hand sanitizer in our dispensers on campus on The WITT: We’re in it Together: https://www.wittenberg.edu/together/cleaning-supplies. We are currently working with Alpha and Omega to change our hand sanitizer dispensers according to CDC guidelines.

Questions about classroom set ups/spacing:

A few faculty expressed concerns that the initial reorganization of classroom furniture might not have addressed all of the problems.  

FIT faculty and Physical Plant employees are working to review these spaces again now that the moving company has transported out much of the excess furniture that was in certain classrooms. We would strongly encourage faculty to check out their scheduled rooms and share any concerns with the Registrar; we can make necessary changes if we know they are needed.

Question about cleaning supplies and availability:

Cleaning supplies are currently being placed in areas around different buildings and classrooms. The “cleaning supplies” will be disinfectant spray bottles and paper towels (and gloves provided but people should consider wearing their face shields too when applying the solution).

Question about Alpha and Omega cleaning offices:

At this point in time, because of enhanced need in cleaning common spaces, A&O will not be cleaning faculty offices. We are looking to designating key staff members as “building ambassadors” who will be the information resources for physical plant issues in academic buildings. Brandee Bates will work with building ambassadors to make sure vacuums are available if desired. Otherwise, people will be responsible for their own individual space as we try to focus A&O on the common areas. Updates on trash removal will follow.

Question about classroom cleaning before and after class:

Some faculty have expressed concerns about being able to get from one classroom to another with enough time to clean the instructor work station.

If the distance between classrooms makes doing so difficult, instructors do have the leeway to let a class go early and/or start the next a few minutes late in order to feel sure that they have the time to clean their work station and that students who wish to do so can also clean their table or tablet armchair.

Question about computer keyboards: Is there a protocol from IT for cleaning the instructor computer stations yet?

The following are the steps recommended by IT:

  1. Turn Off computer
  2. Get 1 wipe out of the bottle
  3. Gently wipe down computer screen
  4. Gently wipe down mouse (top and sides)
  5. Gently wipe down keyboard
  6. Gently wipe down desk area
  7. Turn on the computer
  8. Throw away the Clorox wipe
     
  • Use 1 wipe for each computer/area, do not use the same wipe on multiple computers.
  • Please do not squeeze or ring out the Clorox wipe.
  • Please make sure to wash your hands before eating or touching your face.

Again, ideally, the person before has turned off the machine, saving some time in this process.

Question about ventilation:

With an increasing number of scientists raising the possibility that airborne transmission of the virus is significant, I'm concerned about classrooms and other places where people will gather for hours at a time (potentially 3-4 hours, in the case of laboratories). What steps are we taking to ensure that these rooms are properly ventilated (especially in older buildings, and in rooms without windows)?

Physical Plant employees are now doing an inspection of every academic building on campus to determine how best to optimize air conditions in the buildings. We expect more details soon and will post them on the Faculty Resources site.

Question: What are the procedures for accepting paper work that needs to be turned in? Do papers need to be left untouched for a period of time before we can handle them safely?

The classroom protocol prepared by FIT includes advice on handling paper: “It is recommended that any materials for student use should be sent electronically before the beginning of class. Handing out papers or folders in class is discouraged, but if necessary, only the faculty should handle the papers. Given the expectation of assigned seating, faculty could possibly hand out the papers/folders to each assigned seat prior to the students entering the classroom.”(#5 on p. 3)

Question about labs and handling of special materials: For some classes or labs, the use of live animals (both vertebrate and invertebrate) is historically required. Such use is meant to minimize the harm to animals. It often means having multiple students utilize the same individual animals. Given protocols for decontamination of laboratory "equipment", and the inability to appropriately sterilize living animals, does the wearing of latex gloves, as is standard practice, allow for the use of animals in an appropriately distanced lab setting?

Yes, insofar as everyone is aware that gloves protect only the wearer’s hands. The gloves can pass the virus onto other surfaces. Students handling the same materials should always avoid touching their faces after handling common instruments, and any laboratory equipment other than the animals should be thoroughly cleaned.

Question about pair work in class: Can students do group or pair work in class or must 6ft distance be maintained the entire time? It is my understanding that masks should be worn when distancing is not possible. (I appreciate the caution of doing both, distancing and masks, just wondering if students could be closer than 6 feet for short periods of time if they are masked.)

Yes, they can do pair work for brief periods of time if properly masked. A blog post by the University of Massachusetts biology professor Erin Bromage provides very thorough information about exposure risks.

Having said that, group or pair work in class could be difficult when students are wearing masks. Faculty members would be advised to consider alternatives – perhaps online pair or group work through Teams or google hang outs. There may be other creative options depending on the building and classroom configuration where you teach.

Instructional delivery:

Question about planning to deliver courses online: Should we require all faculty to plan to offer a synchronous remote option for students who will inevitably contract the virus, even if they don’t happen to have any students with accommodations for remote delivery at the start of the semester? Having such a requirement in place would make it much easier for everyone when infected or exposed students or faculty have to suddenly quarantine. I think many faculty may assume if their classes are fully face-to-face or split into two halves they won’t have to deal with that. But once exposed students are quarantined, faculty will have to move quickly to accommodate them. For students who end up being hospitalized, recording also may be necessary.

The Provost has consistently encouraged faculty to put as much of their course materials on Moodle so that students who might be quarantined can still make progress in their courses and so that any mandated return to remote learning will not cause unnecessary disruptions. FIT members are recommending a hybrid instructional model in which students do most of their work asynchronously online, but gather in smaller groups in person for activities that are best held in person and/or synchronously. For a helpful online reminder of how to approach these questions, click here.

Miscellaneous:

Question about students coming from other states: With the Governor’s recommendation for persons traveling to Ohio from particular states to self-quarantine, will there be any such protocol for students (or others) coming to campus from those places? A single infected first-year student could put everyone in their orientation group, dorm, classes, etc. at risk, even with perfectly consistent mask-wearing and hand-washing (which is unlikely). The example of how one person who rode in an elevator briefly managed to spread the virus to 71 other people without any direct contact is a helpful reminder of how easily and quickly it can spread.

All students have been asked to self-isolate for two weeks prior to coming to campus as are faculty. The language that follows is the message students received:

“Students should observe self-quarantine at their homes for 10-14 days prior to traveling to campus. If this is not possible or their travel necessitates interactions with others outside of their household (i.e. airports, bus or train stations, gas stations, etc.), we ask that they observe self-quarantine in their campus residence or an off-campus location if they cannot self-quarantine in their campus residence. Self-quarantine expectations include limiting all contact with individuals outside of their household (of home residence, not campus residence), utilizing meal delivery options available on campus instead of going to campus dining venues, and ensuring that they are sanitizing any common spaces use needed (shared restrooms or kitchens) after each use. They should also avoid any use of shared spaces, especially when other occupants are present. During self-quarantine, students are expected to monitor for signs of COVID-19 symptoms daily and report any emergence of symptoms to the University immediately, via the Health Center or the COVID-19 concern form online. Emergence of symptoms will necessitate a move to designated isolation housing.

Students that are symptomatic before traveling to campus should delay their return to campus until they are able to be tested and confirm they do not have COVID-19 or until they are fully recovered.”

Question about Ohio risk levels: Will the new Ohio county alert system have any bearing on decisions to keep campus open? What additional precautions or procedures are being followed if Clark County is classified as a Level 3?

At level 4, stay-at-home orders would be in effect that would necessitate a move to remote learning. However, these levels are reassessed weekly and may not necessitate going remote for the rest of the semester.

Question on face shields: I understood that the university was planning to provide face shields for faculty, especially those teaching labs and other courses where close contact with students is likely to occur, or for cases where students need to read lips (e.g. students with hearing disabilities). Is this still the plan?

Yes, Associate Provost Mike Mattison sent department chairs a message about the availability of the face shields and instructions for how to put them together on July 28, 2020.

Question on PPE: Can faculty buy KN95 masks, hand held thermometers, air purifiers, etc and be reimbursed?

Not unless they are approved by the Business Office. Everyone was asked to submit requests to Karen Lotz, who has passed along whether or not requested items were approved. KN95 masks are a kind of mask produced in China. The KN95 designation is part of their categorization. There have been significant concerns raised about the reliability of their quality, although we add that here solely for information value. We have provided or are providing 2 tubes and a face shield to every employee. As indicated under the response about face coverings, we anticipate that many people (faculty, staff, and students) will already have acquired a number of face coverings with which they feel comfortable. Hand held thermometers measure only a specific point in time and it would be difficult to deploy them effectively on campus. Everyone else will be self-reporting through Worksafe, and all students received a thermometer in their welcome bag.

Question about Wittenberg-supplied face coverings: I'm concerned with the style of face coverings (neck gaiter) being provided by Wittenberg to faculty, staff, and students. These coverings are not as effective as more traditional styles with ear loops, and in fact are not acceptable even for guests at Disney World. While I as a faculty member can wear my own better style masks, I'm concerned that a roomful of students wearing these inferior face coverings will not be safe.

We have researched many guidelines about face coverings including the CDC guidelines and those published by Johns Hopkins. While the latter considers “stretchy knit fabrics” to be the least desirable of materials for masks, the gaiters that were provided can be folded over to add more protection. We also do not anticipate that students will wait until they arrive on campus and pick up their Wittenberg gaiters to supply themselves with masks.

The primary function of face coverings is to contain as many of the respiratory droplets that carry the virus as possible. Any kind of face covering is helpful, even the tubes, as they block droplets and aerosol. Having said that, we do recommend folding the gaiters to increase the number of fabric layers.

Question about water fountains and common food storage and preparation areas.

All water fountains will be marked as out of use, although those with bottle filling capacity will maintain that functionality. Any food preparation areas that are accessible to the entire community will be marked as out of use. Food preparation and storage areas that are not accessible to the general public may still be used, but only with clear guidelines about shared food preparation and consumption activities. In other words, one of the prime concerns in this issue area is that people often tend to unmask to eat and socialize over food.  Doing so is discouraged in the current conditions.

Question about mental health concerns among employees and students: I am worried about faculty, staff, and students who have mental health problems; I have a few colleagues who struggle with anxiety and they seem to be having a really hard time with the idea of a return to campus. Are we able to provide mental health services to all on campus who might need it?

For students, please refer anyone to the counseling center.

Wittenberg has two professionally licensed counselors that are certified to provide teletherapy to our students. Additionally, we are excited to welcome two graduate students as interns to the office. These individuals will be able to provide teletherapy to our students.

Faculty and staff have access to the Employee Assistance Program. For more information about this benefit, please visit the HR website.

Question about travel to off campus field sites: There was a question about travel to off campus field sites.

The Travel and Study Abroad guidelines suggest that all travel must be approved by the relevant Vice President/Provost.

To limit virus transfer, Wittenberg-sponsored off-campus travel should be limited to Clark County. Any local travel will need to be approved.

On whether students may use their own vehicles, the institution does not recommend the use of personal vehicles for student organization travel. If individuals choose to drive their personal vehicles, they take full liability for themselves and all passengers during the trip. In addition, the vehicle owner’s personal insurance policy will be the primary coverage policy in the event of an accident or incident. Wittenberg University does not provide any coverage for personal vehicles and occupants.

If you feel you need to travel to off campus sites, please consult with the Provost about how best to organize the travel needs.

Motor Pool vehicles will not be available in the fall.

Question about outdoor teaching options: Will we have outdoor spaces and furniture in which to teach?

The Business office is researching options in this regard. We will update this site as new information becomes available.

Students have been advised to bring a lawn chair and blanket with them for use outdoors. This could make it much easier to take individual classes outdoors weather permitting.

Do students have to wear masks outdoors if appropriate physical distancing is possible?

No. The Ohio statewide Mask Order mandates that people must wear facial coverings in public at all times when:

  • At an indoor location that is not a residence
  • Outdoors, but unable to maintain six-foot social distance from people who are not household members
  • Waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation, such as a taxi, a car service, or a private car used for ride-sharing.
Question about restrooms: What guidelines/rules will there be about the use of restrooms in campus buildings?

The sanitation committee is completing guidelines about the cleaning and use of campus restrooms and will update the Cleaning and Supplies tab on the website when it is complete. They will be following the CDC recommendations for cleaning campus restrooms.

Question about the campus directional guidance measures and whether a map might be available to indicate the direction of in- and egress from buildings.

We are exploring what such a resource would look like.

A similar question arose about changing signage that has already been posted: Is it acceptable for departments to change the signage (i.e., direct students differently)? .

No, but only to centralize oversight. If they want to offer a change, then it needs to be requested through Brandee Bates. She can then share w/ the group that laid everything out originally. We apparently have already had a few requests that made sense and have tweaked a few things, so we are happy to consider but may not honor all requests.

There was a question about whether any 24hour computer labs will be available? 

We are looking into the most suitable areas on campus for such 24-hour access.

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