Policies, Guidelines, and Documents

Academic Integrity and Assessments

• Use of Webcams - Factors to consider regarding the use of webcams in courses offered through remote learning technologies.

Course Policies and Syllabus

• Class Recording Guidelines - These University guidelines should be followed when recording class lectures, presentations, and demonstrations.
• Contingency Planning for Academic Unit Heads (PDF) - This document provides assistance to academic unit heads for contingency planning in the event of a faculty member's extended absence, or multiple student absences in a class, related to COVID-19.
• Contingency Planning for Instructors - Use the Contingency Planning resource for guidance on how to handle class meeting disruptions when absences occur or emergencies arise.
• Enforcing Mask Compliance in Instructional Spaces: Guidance for Instructors (DOC) - Based on guidance from the University, this document offers recommendations for instructors to respond to incidences of noncompliance to mask policy.
• Guidance for Live Streaming vs. Recording Lectures (DOC) - This document gives instructors guidance for when to live stream lectures and when to record lectures, including the value of each and when each are appropriate.
• Information for University Park Instructors Regarding Interim Suspensions - This is a letter to University Park instructors detailing the process for student interim suspension due to non-compliance with COVID protocols.
• Procedures for Instruction during Campus Closures (DOC) - Use these procedures when there is a change in normal campus operations due to weather, power outages, or other emergencies.
• Suggested Teaching Strategies in Residential Courses for Temporary Instructor or Student Absence (DOC) - This guide is meant to assist instructors in continuing course delivery in case of necessary student or instructor absence in alignment with Senate policy 42-27, Class Attendance.

Engaging Students

• Use of Webcams - Factors to consider regarding the use of webcams in courses offered through remote learning technologies.

Health and Safety

• Acoustics Testing for Penn State’s “Teaching and PPE Committee” (PDF) - Last fall, the Graduate Program in Acoustics collaborated with the Department of EHS to perform acoustical and audio testing on how instructors with face masks will be perceived by students.
• COVID-19 Universal Masking — Cloth Mask Guidance (PDF) - This document provides general guidance on the use and care of cloth masks.
• Enforcing Mask Compliance in Instructional Spaces: Guidance for Instructors (DOC) - Based on guidance from the University, this document offers recommendations for instructors to respond to incidences of noncompliance to mask policy.
• Guidance for Live Streaming vs. Recording Lectures (DOC) - This document gives instructors guidance for when to live stream lectures and when to record lectures, including the value of each and when each are appropriate.
• Suggested Teaching Strategies in Residential Courses for Temporary Instructor or Student Absence (DOC) - This guide is meant to assist instructors in continuing course delivery in case of necessary student or instructor absence in alignment with Senate policy 42-27, Class Attendance.

Inclusion and Student Well-being

• Virtual Study Groups – Guidance for Instructors (DOC) - Guidance and resources for the use of study groups to foster student connections and student success in learning.

Instruction and Pedagogy

• Canvas Setup — Keep It Simple - Guidelines to help instructors set up Canvas.
• Class Recording Guidelines - These University guidelines should be followed when recording class lectures, presentations, and demonstrations.
• Guidance for Live Streaming vs. Recording Lectures (DOC) - This document gives instructors guidance for when to live stream lectures and when to record lectures, including the value of each and when each are appropriate.
• Instructional Materials for Students Studying Outside the U.S. (DOC) - Common issues and recommendations for instructors and students.
• Office Hours – Guidance for Instructors (DOC) - Guidelines and considerations for instructors to use when engaging with their students in office hours.
• Suggested Teaching Strategies in Residential Courses for Temporary Instructor or Student Absence (DOC) - This guide is meant to assist instructors in continuing course delivery in case of necessary student or instructor absence in alignment with Senate policy 42-27, Class Attendance.
• Use of Webcams - Factors to consider regarding the use of webcams in courses offered through remote learning technologies.

Technology

• Canvas Setup — Keep It Simple - Guidelines to help instructors set up Canvas.
• Class Recording Guidelines - These University guidelines should be followed when recording class lectures, presentations, and demonstrations.
• Use of Webcams - Factors to consider regarding the use of webcams in courses offered through remote learning technologies.