Virtual Teaching, Undergraduate Research, Monroe County COVID-19 Cases Increase

A few reminders as we hit mid-summer and look forward to fall instruction.

1. Regardless of whether you indicated in-person or hybrid in-person as a teaching modality, we all need to be prepared to pivot to fully virtual, as we had to this past spring. As a reminder, In addition to the resources on online platforms provided by our colleagues (https://iu.app.box.com/folder/107130546232), CITL continues to hold zoom webinars with information on their own online teaching resources (https://citl.indiana.edu/fall2020/index.html). Webinars are gradually being converted into a format that can be viewed on your own time.
2. Undergraduates: The policy for in-person undergraduate research for this fall (e.g., X399, X499, hourly, STARS, etc.) has not been finalized.  However, a guiding principle is that number density in labs must be minimized, and close-contact training cannot be conducted.  As a reminder, for summer, no undergraduates are allowed in labs unless an exception is granted (see section on ‘students’ here: https://research.iu.edu/coronavirus/research-restart-guidelines.html).
3. As the number of cases of COVID-19 in Monroe County continue to creep up, please continue to be mindful of maximum occupancies of spaces.  If there is a space you think should have more restricted occupancy, please contact Jon Karty or report through the anonymous portal (https://www.chem.indiana.edu/safety/covid-19-resources/covid-19-anonymous-feedback/).

As a final reminder, Campus and the College has cut the department’s operating budget by 50% for the coming year in response to revenue disruptions and increased costs related to the pandemic. Consequently, the department will not be able to cover some expenses customarily covered in the past.   I ask in advance that we all be understanding if we have to say no to many requests.  The business office will work with you to explore ways to get your needs met.