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COVID-19 Information

Fall 2020 Academics

This page contains academic information and resources for returning to campus. Please check back frequently for updated content.

What's on this page

Visit the University's COVID-19 response website for more information about how the University is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring the health of all students and employees.

Changes to Fall 2020 Schedule/Academic Calendar

The Fall 2020 semester will begin Aug. 17. The last day of classes is Nov. 20. The last day of finals is Nov. 25. There will be no fall break.

By canceling fall break and ending the traditional semester before Thanksgiving, we hope to limit the number of people traveling off campus and returning, helping decrease potential for exposures to COVID-19.

NOTE: All first-time freshmen must enroll in UNIV 100 and can begin accessing their UNIV 100 course (including New Student Convocation and Cajun Connection) on Moodle beginning Aug. 13 at 8 a.m.  All other classes will begin Aug. 17.

Link to new academic calendar

Fall 2020 Course Offerings

The University has completed extensive risk analysis across all functions of campus. Our goal is to blend in-person and online learning in a way that preserves valuable on-campus experiences and reduces the potential for exposure to coronavirus.

The University will offer classes with the following delivery modes this fall.

On-Campus: Standard classes that are taught 100 percent face-to-face; if conditions permit.
     Catalog Description: Fully On-Campus Section

Remote: Standard classes that are now taught virtually; students may meet via video conference during class time; schedules will be communicated by faculty.
     Catalog description: Fully Online Section

HyFlex (HF): Some class sessions may meet on campus and some via video conference during class time; schedules will be communicated by faculty. Students concerned about their health, or the health of a family member, can contact their instructor to discuss accommodations.
     Catalog description: Combination On-Campus & Remote

Online: 100 percent online course. Taught by online-certified faculty using advanced online learning technology.
     Catalog description: Fully Online Section, an additional fee

Hybrid: Online course with face-to-face component. Taught by online-certified faculty using advanced online learning technology.
     Catalog description: Combination On-Campus & Online Section, an additional fee

NOTE: Students registered in full-term courses have until Aug. 21 to add and drop classes. Students with Fall 2020 Term A courses can drop and add Term A course through Aug. 19. Students with Term B courses can drop and add Term B courses through Oct. 14 .

Course Delivery Method Code Definition Instructor is online certified Scheduled Time Slot Room Assignment Student Pays Distance Learning Course Fee Exam Proctoring Services
On-Campus OC Face-to-face on-campus delivery No Yes Yes No No
Remote RE 100% online delivery No Yes No No Yes
There may be an additional fee per proctored exam
HyFlex HF Combination of face-to-face meetings and remote delivery No Yes Yes No No

Online

 OL 100% online delivery Yes No No

$30/credit hour undergrad

$50/credit hour grad

 Yes
Student pays fee per exam
Hybrid HY 50-90% online delivery Yes Yes Yes

$30/credit hour undergrad

$50/credit hour grad

 Yes
Student pays fee per exam

 

 

Student Resources and Support

Wi-Fi has been extended into designated areas so students and faculty can drive up and access University internet services.

Masks will be available in all face-to-face classrooms, though you are encouraged to wear your own if you have one.

Remote advising will be available to all students.

Testing centers will be designated in large rooms/arenas to reduce the risk of exposure for students when taking exams in-person.

Faculty Resources and Support

All faculty have access to Zoom Pro for remote teaching duties.

Wi-Fi has been extended into designated areas so that students and faculty can drive up and access University internet services.

Masks will be available in all face-to-face classrooms, though you are encouraged to wear their own if they have one. Transparent face masks are available for use in face-to-face scenarios to ensure maximum clarity, particularly for students who rely heavily on visual communication.

Lavalier (lapel) microphones are available for faculty with face-to-face teaching duties who request them to allow recording of lectures, and in larger lecture halls, to ensure all students can hear instruction and social distancing is maintained.

The Office of Distance Learning is providing workshops and resources for faculty who are teaching remotely and are not experienced/certified in distance learning.

Class Sizes and Protocols

Class sizes have been designed to maintain at least 6 feet between all students and faculty. In some instances, seats and desks may be blocked off to ensure social distancing.

The capacity of lecture and lab rooms has been determined by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. Deans and department heads should work with Taz Winger to ensure classes meet the proper 6 feet of social distancing. Deans and department heads are responsible for ensuring capacity is not exceeded during the semester. Departments can request “no seat” signs through the Office of Facilities Management. These signs can be picked up at Central Receiving.

For courses that regularly interact with the public, deans and department heads should develop plans for how such interactions can occur in a safe manner. If this cannot occur, the courses should be redesigned or cancelled for the fall semester.

Field trips are limited to sites within Lafayette Parish or one of the parishes immediately adjacent to it. Longer field trips must be optional. Students must drive or will have to arrange for their transportation to and from the site. An appropriate alternative activity must be provided to students who cannot attend the trip.

Remote advising options must be available to all students.

Testing centers will be designated in large rooms/arenas to reduce the risk of exposure for students when taking exams in-person.

Testing Center

The University established a testing center at Blackham Coliseum for students taking exams for HyFlex courses, per the recommendation of the Ragin' Cajun Resiliency Plan Task Force subcommittee on Teaching and Learning.

The testing center will be under the direction of Student Success Initiatives and staffed with graduate assistants who will provide proctoring and other clerical services. A faculty member or a designee must be present to administer the exam.

Faculty must reserve space at the testing center at least 72 hours in advance. The reservation process has two steps:

The center will reduce the cost of remote proctoring services and provide a space conducive to administering exams while maintaining social distancing. It will also adhere to local orders and ordinances of the City of Lafayette and the State of Louisiana’s Phased Reopening Model, and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Louisiana Department of Public Health.

Email questions to Jami Rush at jami.rush@louisiana.edu.

View the Testing Center FAQs

View the Testing Center entry and parking map

Masks are required on campus

All students, faculty, staff, and visitors must wear masks in public areas.

Masks will be available in all face-to-face classrooms, though students are encouraged to wear their own if they have one.

Instructors will be provided with transparent face masks in face-to-face scenarios to ensure maximum clarity, particularly for students who rely heavily on visual communication.

Disinfecting and Cleaning

The University is taking safety measures to maintain the cleanliness of our campus to mitigate any spread of a possible infection.

What we're doing

Our custodial staff meets daily to discuss and follow up on all safety requirements, updates, and changes regarding the COVID-19 virus. Academic building inspections are taking place multiple times a day across our campus. The staff is using approved disinfecting agents to kill all bacterial, viral, and infection droplets on all surfaces, door handles, stair rails, restroom facilities, and water fountains. All hand sanitizing dispensers are checked multiple times daily.

How you can help

Disinfecting supplies will be available in classrooms so that faculty and students can wipe down desks, podiums, and equipment between classes and labs.

Hand sanitizer will be available in all buildings and classrooms. Be sure to wear a mask and keep your hands clean.

Social Distancing

Social distancing means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people. The University will follow all CDC guidelines, which require maintaining 6 feet between people in all environments.

Class sizes have been designed to maintain at least 6 feet between all students and faculty. In some instances, seats and desks may be blocked off to ensure social distancing.

Signage in halls and common areas directs traffic flow and reminds viewers of appropriate behaviors, such as social distancing, proper hygiene and PPE protocols, and maximum room occupancies.

 

Telehealth counseling sessions available

The University's Counseling and Testing Center is offering telehealth sessions. Emergency in-person appointments are available.

To schedule a telehealth session, please (337) 482-6480 or email counseling@louisiana.edu. Sessions and services are free to University faculty, staff, and currently registered students.

Learn more on the Counseling and Testing website, including the center's plans for the fall semester and a list of resources to help you manage stress and emotional health.