You are here

Home

COVID-19 Information

Fall 2021 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.

Course Offerings & Delivery Methods

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.

Some planned face-to-face courses may be temporarily modified from Monday, Aug. 23, through Tuesday, Sept. 7. That may include remote or virtual instruction, HyFlex, or other modifications.

No permanent changes are being made to any course's delivery mode at this time. As always, the University continues to monitor the health situation and will adjust as necessary.

Instructors will alert students about any course delivery changes for this time period. Faculty members should discuss potential plans to alter course delivery methods with their department heads. If a change is approved, courses will remain listed in the catalog as originally scheduled.

Student Resources and Support

Wi-Fi has been extended into designated areas so students 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 may be available.

Faculty Resources and Support

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

Wi-Fi has been extended into designated areas.

The University’s Interim Face Covering Policy has been revised to require all individuals, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, to wear face coverings over their mouths and noses in all indoor spaces while on University property. This requirement applies to all University campuses and inside University buildings, including classrooms, public restrooms, lobbies, cafeterias, conference rooms, open office and common spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, libraries, theaters, and other indoor spaces.

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.

Cameras and 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

Social distancing measures will be in place in most classes, with the exception of some labs and studios.

The capacity of buildings has been determined by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. Deans and department heads should work with Taz Winger to ensure classes meet capacity requirements to ensure social distancing. Deans and department heads are responsible for ensuring capacity is not exceeded during the semester.

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.

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. A suitable alternative activity will be provided to students who cannot attend the trip.

Masks Required on Campus

All individuals are required to wear face coverings over their mouths and noses in all indoor spaces while on University property unless alone in their private offices or workspaces.  View the University's policy >

It is recommended that individuals wear masks outdoors while on University property.

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 it's recommended that you stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people. The University will follow all CDC guidelines, which recommend maintaining 6 feet between people where possible.

 

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.