St. Kate’s is making every effort to ensure as safe and healthy an environment as possible for faculty, staff, and students.
Return to Campus Plans
All departments are back to regular, in-person operations and employees are back on campus in their usual capacity. We also will continue to be 100 percent compliant with any/all CDC and MDH guidelines, making adjustments when and where needed.
Technology
IT has implemented enhancements to support faculty, staff, and students during this time, and a variety of assets are available for checkout to assist with instructing or taking a course. Equipment and support should be requested through the Coronavirus Technology Request Form. Ongoing updates and information can be found by visiting ServiceNow from the Faculty and Staff page on the website.
Google Voice has now rolled out to all community members. Additional details can be found in ServiceNow.
Google Hangouts Meet is used for most meeting and class purposes. Visit Google Hangouts Meet for a cheat sheet on the primary capabilities, including setting up a meeting, joining a meeting, recording a meeting, and managing the sound. Hangouts Meet is integrated into your Google calendar and can be added by selecting “Add conferencing” when you create a new meeting invite.
Chat is a great tool for working with a team. Similar to being in a virtual office, you can connect with one or more people and quickly jump on a video call. Review the Google Chat quick reference guide for information on how to setup and use chat and its features.
Video requires a lot of bandwidth, which may result in connectivity issues. If this occurs:
- Be empathetic.
- Allow extra time at the start of meetings to allow time to work through issues.
- Put materials on Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides. Participants can call into the meeting and view them online.
- Keep meetings precise and use alternative tools such as email or chat to stay connected.
- Remind students they can request a laptop through the Coronavirus Technology Form if they do not have one or are having issues.
- While an iPad or phone can connect to a classroom, a laptop provides more functionality and is the only option when presenting or facilitating a meeting.
Information for Employees
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Supply Ordering
Medical masks and face shields will be available to any faculty or staff member who would like them, and we will work with supervisors to distribute supplies.
Accommodations
Employees who are in a high-risk group for COVID-19, as identified by the CDC, should talk with their supervisor and contact Human Resources (HR) to discuss a request for reasonable accommodation as needed. HR will engage in an interactive process with the employee and their supervisors to determine the appropriate accommodation. (See the University's ADA, ADAA, and Pregnancy Accommodation Policy)
- HR will work with faculty and staff who are at higher risk for severe illness (including older adults and people of all ages with certain underlying medical conditions) to determine what accommodations may be made to limit their exposure risk (e.g., telework and modified job responsibilities).
- HR will, in accordance with the ADA, ADAA, and Pregnancy Accommodation Policy, maintain all accommodation information in a separate confidential medical file.
- St. Kate’s will consider all accommodation requests for individuals who, due to medical reasons, cannot wear a mask. Students should contact Student Accessibility and Accommodations. Faculty and staff should contact HR.
Supervisor Expectations
Supervisors also play an important role in safeguarding health and wellness, maintaining confidentiality, and protecting the privacy of employee health information.
Specific details can be found in the Preparedness Plan, and supervisors can contact HR with any questions.
Information for Faculty
The COVID-19 pandemic challenges faculty and staff to re-imagine where and how teaching and learning take place, but it does not shake our shared devotion to engaged, inclusive, rigorous, and interactive education. The Faculty Guide was created to consolidate and clarify information to help faculty develop and prepare for courses and academic work.