Research Hibernation, Remote Teaching, Resources

Apologies - this update will be a little longer than previous updates. It’s broken into A. Research, B. Teaching, and C. Other sections.

Research

1. As you undoubtedly have already seen, V.P. Cate announced last evening at 9pm that all non-essential research must be “hibernated” by Friday, 27 March, with hibernation continuing through (as of now) 15 May. Exceptions can be made for research falling under the “essential” category, but you will need to complete an online which should be available sometime today, here: https://research.iu.edu/coronavirus/. Guidance on what qualifies as essential is given on that page and in V.P. Cate’s email. Again, remotely conducted research is absolutely encouraged.
2. We will be sending recent additions to essential personnel to the College by noon today. Thanks to all who have sent additional names of personnel required to ensure chemical safety, equipment non-failure, cryogens, cell lines, etc. A more detailed document on utilization of essential personnel will be provided later this week.
3. The loading dock will remain open during the hibernation period to receive liquid nitrogen and helium.
4. Chemical waste will be collected Thursday. Please take this opportunity to transfer ALL hazardous waste to EHS for disposal, to reduce the risk of fire or chemical incidents during the hibernation period.

Teaching

1. Yesterday, all course instructors received an email from Dean Van Kooten (11:22 am) giving guidance on grading. I know a number of you feel strongly that only S/F grades for large courses and lab classes are reasonable for a number of reasons. Please let me know by 5pm today if you would like your course to be converted from a letter graded course to S/F (note that students can request a letter grade, nonetheless). As detailed in the email, you need to include a description of why an exception should be made for the course. I will forward all petitions to the Dean.
2. If you choose to stay with letter grades, any student will be allowed the option to request S/F. The College will be sending guidelines to the academic advisors on grade options for the students.
3. The College will be sending out recommendations for how to stress test the system in a day or so. This means you may be asked to message your students to all go online at a certain time. Just a heads-up.
4. From the College: Do not cram the full remaining course content into the shortened remaining period of instruction. Please simply cut a week out of the course content.
5. Related to (3), From Cate: If your student have slow or no internet access (estimates put it at 25% of students), please advise them to email vpsa@indiana.edu, the division of student affairs. They apparently have some mobile hotspots to distribute.
6. More guidance on conducting exams is expected, soon.

Other

1. From Brian: You can use your Skype for Business to set up a simultaneous ring to your mobile. Microsoft Help can be found here.
2. Since a lot of us will be working on proposals while staying home, please remember to give Kerry Fuentes a heads up at least TWO WEEKS before submission deadline, so she can coordinate with ORA.
3. There are small emergency funds for students in need- undergrads can contact advocate@indiana.edu; grad students can contact collgrad@indiana.edu to find out more.
4. CAPS is still running online. Starting Monday, March 23, CAPS will be offering limited services by phone/video only. During this time only a limited number of counselors will be available. Due to this reduction in staff, we will offer 30-minute visits by phone/video. Schedule by calling 812-855-7688. The after-hours crisis line is available now through Friday, March 20 from 5 p.m. until 8 a.m. by calling 812-855-5711 and choosing option 1. Starting Friday, March 20 at 5 p.m., students can reach the crisis line 24/7.

Thanks for your patience during this time of stress, uncertainty, and exceptional information overload. Please take care of yourselves.