Return to Campus: Fall 2020
University Updates
As of Thursday, August 6, 2020, we have had 35 members of the LU Community (6 currently active cases) test positive for COVID-19.
We are in Phase III of our return to campus operations. In this phase, most buildings are open and the majority of staff are working on campus. Students are still attending all classes in an online format during the summer. For the fall semester, classes will be offered online, face-to-face on campus and a hybrid combination of these, depending on the course.
Face coverings are required in all buildings on campus.
Announcements
- Campus Update - (7/31/20)
- Regarding Fees - (7/29/20)
- Campus Update Topic - "If you are sick" - (7/17/20)
- Campus Update - (7/16/20)
College Contacts
Contact one of the following Cardinal Coaches for help with anything related to your classes:
- Engineering: Haley Strahan | 409-880-8714
- Education and Human Development: Teresa Simpson | 409-880-8675
- Business: Kristin Helm | 409-880-7673
- Arts & Sciences: Tina Rich | 409-880-7577
- Communication majors: Andre Favors | 409-880-7135
- Music and Theatre and Dance majors: Debra Greschner
- Art majors: Kurt Dyrhaug | 409-880-8957
- Speech and Hearing majors: Abigail Dueppen
- Deaf Studies majors: Zanthia Smith | 409-880-8952
Contact Your Advisor
Need to contact your advisor with questions about your courses this coming fall semester?
Courses FAQs
- What are my choices on how I want to learn during the fall semester?
You will be able to take classes:
- Online – no face-to-face classroom interaction
- Face-to-Face – traditional classroom instruction on campus
- Hybrid – some face-to-face classes with other classes online/remote
- I don’t understand what the different terms mean for course delivery. Can you explain these to me?
F2F – This course will be held fully face-to-face with social distancing enforced. Please check in LU Learn/Blackboard for any additional information from your instructor.
Asynchronous Online – This course will be offered without a specific meeting time (asynchronously) online. This means that you do not have a scheduled meeting time for your course. Please check in LU Learn/Blackboard for any additional information from your instructor.
Hybrid – A hybrid course replaces over half of the traditional classroom instruction with comparable online activities and assignments. Please check in LU Learn/Blackboard for any additional information from your instructor.
Hybrid ½ – This course will meet in a hyflex or hybrid format. The class will be divided in half, with ½ half the class attending in person and the other half attending online each class period. Both groups will rotate between in person and online. Please check in LU Learn/Blackboard for any additional information from your instructor and the rotation schedule.Hybrid 1/3 – This course will meet in a hyflex or hybrid format. The class will be divided in thirds, with on1/3 attending in person and the other 2/3 attending online each class period. The three groups will rotate between in person and online. Please check in LU Learn/Blackboard for any additional information from your instructor and the rotation schedule.
Synchronous Online – This course will be held at your scheduled class time (synchronously). You should be online and in your Blackboard course at the schedule class meeting time. Please check in LU Learn/Blackboard for any additional information from your instructor.
- How will classrooms and buildings will be managed to promote social distancing?
Buildings will have entrances and exits clearly marked as well as signage on the floor to identify safe distancing. Rooms with two entry doors will have designated entry and exit doors marked with signage. Chairs and desks will be placed six feet apart where possible with some classrooms not used because of a lack of space. Maximum capacity signs will be posted in each classroom and highly visible stickers will be placed at each exact seat location to help ensure compliance with minimum social distancing.
- Will LU provide any personal protection equipment or PPE for classrooms, students, faculty and staff?
Yes, all students, staff and faculty who will be on campus will receive a cloth LU face covering and a personal hand sanitizer as supplies last. Additionally, hand sanitizer stands will be located at building entrances, exits and other high-traffic areas in all buildings along with wipe stands that will be distributed across campus. Although every room will not be provided a dedicated sanitizer stand, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be provided in laboratories and rooms where shared equipment exists. Students are encouraged to wipe their space before class starts and then again at the end of class.
- Due to my loved one’s health status/age, I am concerned about potential exposure and bringing the virus home to them. Are you considering plexiglass between instructors and students?Are you considering plexiglass between instructors and students?
Plexiglass panels will be limited to those areas where six feet of social distancing cannot be maintained or is not possible. Due to material and time constraints, plexiglass barriers cannot be installed in each classroom; however, every classroom that will be used is being prepared to ensure six feet of social distancing is maintained.
- I have decided to take my classes online this fall, how do I prepare for online instruction?
Go to luconnect.lamar.edu and select LU Learn where you can login with your LEA (same information as log into your LU email). All students will be enrolled in a Blackboard shell containing tutorials about how to use various aspects of Blackboard to ensure a smooth transition online.
Additionally, documentation for getting started with Blackboard Collaborate can be found at http://help.blackboard.com/Collaborate/Ultra/Participant and other helpful information at https://luonline.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/execute/tabs/tabAction?tab_tab_group_id=_70_1.
Make sure to check LU Learn often for assignments and activities as the semester and coursework begin.
Keeping you safe and healthy is our top priority. Working hand-in-hand with top medical and safety professionals and following the latest guidance from state health officials, we have designed a fall opening that prioritizes our community’s health while preserving the unique experience of university life.
Student Health Center Center for Disease Control Texas Health & Human Services
Stop the Spread
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds remains one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Mitigation: What You Can Do
Review steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Stop the spread with handwashing
Social distancing at Lamar University
Safety Precautions
- What kind of deep cleaning and cleaning schedules are being planned for campus?
During the summer months, our custodial staff concentrated deep cleaning efforts in buildings throughout the campus. Everything from the floors to the ceilings have been cleaned and sanitized. As classes resume in the fall, we are committed to providing normal daily housekeeping duties, with an emphasis on disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects. All classrooms and educational facilities will be fogged daily with a disinfectant that meets the EPA’s criteria for use against the virus that causes COVID-19.
- What hand sanitizers and other cleaning supplies will be available across campus?
CDC recommended, alcohol-based, hand sanitizer stations will be located in all buildings, primarily at facility entrances, exits, high-traffic areas and other places where hand washing capabilities are not readily available or easily accessible. Disinfectant-wipe stations will be placed at various locations throughout campus along with posters in all bathrooms of hand washing tips and techniques. Additionally, spray disinfectant, paper towels and/or disinfectant wipes for use on shared equipment, such as computer labs and other similar situations, can be requested by submitting a work request at dept_facilities@lamar.edu or by calling Facilities Management at x8470.
- What is being done to assist with ventilation in buildings, classrooms and other areas around campus?
Maintenance personnel have been performing extensive preventative maintenance on our buildings’ heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. We are increasing Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value filter ratings, to the highest levels, depending on HVAC system limitations to enhance central air filtration. In conjunction with the increased filtration, circulation of outside air to building HVAC systems will be increased as much as possible. Temperature and humidity levels will be balanced, and the addition of more fresh air will help dilute airborne bacteria, reducing exposure, and making infection less likely.
We also are exploring opportunities to utilize ultraviolet light technology in campus buildings. These systems have been installed in the HVAC ducts at several facilities and have been used to control bacterial and fungal growth on the cooling coils. Maintenance personnel are currently inspecting these systems and performing repairs as needed.
Social Distancing
- How will I know if I can ride in an elevator if others are in the elevator?
There will be posters by every elevator letting you know how many people can ride that elevator at one time in order to allow for social distancing.
- How will I know where to stand in line or walk in different buildings and sit in class?
There will be stickers to guide you on where to stand if you are in line somewhere on campus, if you are walking down the hall and also where to encourage you to sit in class all to maintain social distancing.
- Will there be certain doors in building designated as entrances and others as exits?
Yes, there will be signs posted with entrances and exits clearly defined.
COVID-19
- What do I do if my family member or someone I have been around a lot tests positive for COVID-19?
According to the CDC, you need to self-quarantine for 14 days after your last contact with the person who has COVID-19 if:
- You were within six feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes.
- You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19.
- You had direct physical contact with the person.
- You shared eating or drinking utensils.
- They sneezed, coughed or somehow got respiratory droplets on you.
- What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea/vomiting or diarrhea are considered symptoms of COVID-19.
- When do I need to seek medical attention if I have tested positive?
According to the CDC, if you have trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in your chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake or bluish lips or face, you need to call 911 or call ahead to your emergency facility, letting them know that you have or may have COVID-19.
- What do I need to do if I test positive for COVID-19?
Besides taking it easy at home, please report your positive result using our online form. This will help to notify the appropriate department at LU for faculty, staff or students who may need additional information during this time.
- What quarantine and communication strategies will be used when students, staff and faculty test positive?
There will be a total number of Lamar University students, faculty and staff who test positive listed at the top of this page as an ongoing total. Contact tracing will be conducted. If you are told by someone that they tested positive, encourage them to go to this page at lamar.edu/return and fill out the form listed near the top of the page. Remind them that they should self-quarantine until they have received their test results. Students need to notify their course instructors so they can keep them involved in class and not receive penalties for absences.
- I was sent home to self-quarantine on the advice of a health care professional but my test was negative. When can I come back to campus?
You must remain home for ten working days, 14 total days, when symptomatic or exposed unless required to work as an asymptomatic critical infrastructure worker. Return to work dates are the same as a positive test result as, per the CDC. A negative test result does not guarantee the person tested will not get sick or continue to spread the virus
- What do I do if I believe a work-related exposure made me ill?
If you believe a work-related exposure made you ill, then you must notify your supervisor, or a higher-level person within your department, of an on-the-job injury, or first clear symptoms of an occupational disease within 30 days of that injury or first clear symptoms.
The supervisor must notify Human Resources and complete the TWCC-121 (Supervisor’s Investigation of Employee Accident/Injury) the same day of the accident/injury/illness) and return it to Human Resources.
Face Coverings
Cloth face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others. Wearing a cloth face covering is required when inside a building or space open to the public, or when in an outdoor public space, wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing.
All students, staff and faculty who will be on campus will receive a cloth LU face covering as supplies last.
Face Covering FAQs
- Are face masks required on Lamar University's campus?
Yes. Face masks are now required on the Lamar University campus.
In early July, Governor Abbott issued an order that requires face masks be worn in counties with more than 20 COVID-19 cases. In compliance with this order, anyone on the LU campus must wear a face mask while on campus, unless one of the following exceptions is met: --Have certain health conditions that prevent wearing a mask --While consuming food or drink --Are outside where six feet of social distancing is possible --Under the age of 10 years old.
The governor’s order states that violators could face up to $250 in fines. Individuals not wearing a face mask when required may receive a written or verbal warning for their first violation. We ask for everyone's support as we implement this new requirement, designed to protect the health of the entire LU community.
- Do I need to wear a mask in my own workspace?
All public spaces require a face covering of some kind. If your workspace is separated by partitions, yes, you need to wear a face mask. If your office is separated by walls, you are not required to wear a mask if you are alone. Everyone must wear a mask in an office or classroom with more than one person present.
- If I cannot wear a face mask due to a health condition, what do I need to do?
An exemption is needed for any student, faculty or staff member who does not wear a mask. You must provide documentation of their health issue from your primary care physician to the Disability Resource Center so options can be discussed to ensure some type of safety measure is in place if you are a student, your supervisor if you are staff or your department chair if faculty. Click here for more information on exemptions - https://jamanetwork.com/channels/health-forum/fullarticle/2768376.
- What is the correct way for me to wear a face covering?
If you are not sure how to wear your face covering, this website from the CDC will explain - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html.
- If I am Deaf and/or read lips, how will I be able to see faculty and interpreter facial information with the face covering requirement?
We will be providing all instructors in the department and others as needed, clear masks and clear face shields.
Student FAQs
- I am not sure if my classes will be in person as originally scheduled. Who should I talk to about any questions or to enroll in other courses?
Contact your advisor at the list below if you are an incoming freshman or sophomore. Contact the Cardinal Coach listed for your college if you are an upperclassman.
- What should I do if I need to check my schedule or make any changes to it?
Students will be able to check their schedule for changes after 1 pm on Friday, July 31, which will allow you two weeks to add, drop or change your sections.
- I have decided to take my classes online this fall, how do I prepare for online instruction?
Go to luconnect.lamar.edu and select LU Learn where you can login with your LEA (the login credentials for LU email). If you are a first-time online learner, you are strongly encouraged to watch Blackboard Video Tutorials on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/BlackboardTV/playlists?flow=grid&view=50&shelf_id=3
Additionally, documentation for getting started with Blackboard Collaborate can be found at http://help.blackboard.com/Collaborate/Ultra/Participant and other helpful information at https://luonline.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/execute/tabs/tabAction?tab_tab_group_id=_70_1.
Make sure to check LU Learn often for assignments and activities as the semester and coursework begin.
- I have labs, clinicals or other hands-on courses this fall but am planning to take classes online. What do I need to do?
Talk to your instructor for the class and see what options may be available to you for the fall semester.
- Can I take classes online and on campus and live in the residence halls?
Anyone interested in living on campus can submit a housing contract via the Housing and Residence Life website. A number of students live on campus and take online classes.
- What safety precautions are being taken in the residence halls?
High touch areas in community lobbies, open areas, public restrooms, and kitchens will be disinfected twice daily, Monday-Friday, per CDC recommendations.
A non-toxic disinfectant will be used for these cleanings when disinfecting, mopping and when wiping down high touch areas such as push bars, door handles and knobs, countertops, elevator buttons, etc. Stoves and ovens in hall kitchens will remain in service and will be disinfected twice daily, Monday-Friday, as well.
- What should I do to stay as safe as possible while living in the residence halls?
Residents are encouraged to conduct a self-assessment each day for symptoms of COVID-19 before starting their day. Upon check-in to your hall a wellness kit and tips on staying safe will be provided to each resident from the LU Student Health Center. Information on when and how to clean your suite is included. A hand sanitizer, personal pocket thermometer, a cloth LU Face covering and a LU bandana face covering is within the wellness kit.
If any symptoms are present, students are encouraged to contact the Student Health Center, 409-880-8466 to schedule a TeleHealth or in-person appointment for evaluation and possible testing.
On-site and live-in full time Residence Life professional staff and Resident Assistants are encouraged to check in with students if there are any health concerns. Our staff have been educated on well-check protocols if you desire or need medical or mental health support.
- Is the cashier’s window open? How do I pay my bills?
The Cashier’s Office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. To increase social distancing, only students who must pay in person (cash payments, international debit cards, etc.) should come to the cashier’s window. The university encourages students to use www.lamar.edu/pay to make all payments. Online payments can be made using a checking account or credit card. If you are paying your bill with a debit card, select electronic check as the form of payment and enter the bank routing and checking account number that corresponds with your debit card.
Students needing additional time to make payments can enroll in the Emergency Deferment Plan or Installment Plan by going to www.lamar.edu/pay. Enrolling in either plan is ONLINE ONLY. No applications will be accepted at Cashier’s window. Please contact the Cashier's Office if you have any questions at cashiering@lamar.edu or 409-880-8390.
- Can I order or pick up my parking permit without coming to campus?
You can order your parking permit online. See Parking for complete instructions. When ordering your permit, please select to have your permit mailed to you.
- Will we have a graduation ceremony/commencement this summer?
It has been Lamar University’s tradition to celebrate August commencements face-to-face with warm handshakes and congratulatory pats on the back. We delayed our plans in hopes a traditional commencement celebration could be realized. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LU will not be able to host a traditional commencement ceremony. A virtual celebration will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.
We will provide more information in the coming weeks.
Commencement is a rite of passage, a celebration of tremendous significance and a symbolic tradition of an incredible life achievement. Lamar University looks forward to bringing back commencement as soon as it is safe. Every student who has graduated without the opportunity to participate in a traditional commencement will be invited to come back to LU and take part in the graduation ceremony.
- How do I submit my financial aid documents or scholarship information?
You may still upload Financial Aid documents through Self-Service Banner or through departmental email, and any scholarship information may be submitted to scholarships@lamar.edu for further review. Scholarship appeals should still be submitted through the online form on the Scholarships web page and updates to documents can be done on the myScholarships application.
- Will I be eligible to apply for financial aid and/or scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year?
Yes, we are continuing financial aid and scholarship awards for the coming school year and providing full service of all financial aid and scholarships functions. Students should review their Self-Service Banner account to ensure they have submitted all necessary documentation.
If you have received scholarship offers through myScholarships, be sure you have accepted them within the online system and completed any post-acceptance requirements. Any outstanding requirements can be found under “My Applications” when you sign in to myScholarships. Continue to monitor your LU email for notification from the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
- How can I submit my Hazlewood Application and supporting documents?
Students can upload the TVC Hazlewood Application and supporting documents online at https://www.lamar.edu/veterans-affairs/forms.html.
- Was there an adjustment to fees for courses that were moved from the face to face to online format after I enrolled?
An adjustment was made to the fee structure for courses that were originally setup in the face to face campus format and changed to online. These are now being charged at a reduced rate per credit hour. Campus services fees and academic infrastructure fees remain unchanged for the 2020-2021 academic year. Please refer to the Fall 2020 tuition and fee policy for additional information or to request a fee adjustment review for adjusted courses www.lamar.edu/fall20feepolicy
- How will my GI Benefits be affected if LU moves to online courses?
At this time, we have been directed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to leave enrollment certifications as is if courses are moved online. This means, that the stipend of Monthly Housing Allowance payments will remain at your current rate. The Department of Veterans Affairs has worked with Congress to pass a bill which gives the VA the authority to continue GI Bill payments uninterrupted through December 2020 in the event of national emergencies. We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available and encourage you to follow the Department of Veterans Affairs Facebook page for active updates.
- What happens if I am in the National Guard and have been activated?
If you are currently receiving Military Tuition Assistance, any current course enrollment that changes from resident to online delivery will not affect your benefit at this time. If you are receiving the GI Bill, current guidance from the Department of Veterans Affairs is to leave enrollment certifications as is. Guidance is forthcoming from the VA and we will continue to update this page as we receive official notification.
Additionally, many activated Guard members have access to the Internet to continue courses online. We encourage students to keep an open line of communication with their instructors in the event that you are activated.
- If I am feeling anxious, overwhelmed and/or stressed, is there somewhere I can go on campus to talk to someone about my worries?
Yes, the Student Health Center has counselors available to serve all your mental health needs. If you don’t feel comfortable having an in-person session, the Student Health Center has telehealth appointments available as well. You can make an appointment by calling (409) 880-8466.
- What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?
If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID-19, you can visit the Student Health Center to get tested. Please call ahead to make an appointment and follow instructions given for the safety of you and those around you. Appointments can be made by calling (409) 880-8466.
Students also can choose to get tested off-campus at a variety of locations. Visit the Student Health Center website at https://www.lamar.edu/students/student-engagement/student-health-center/index.html and click the blue button “About Coronavirus” for a list of community medical facilities testing for coronavirus. Call the chosen facility for instructions and an appointment.
Future Student FAQs
- When will campus visits start again?
Campus tours are scheduled to resume on Aug. 3. To accommodate as many prospective students as possible while maintaining social distancing, we ask that each student only bring one guest. For guests who are more comfortable with a virtual tour, those are offered live followed by Q&A every Tuesday at 11:00am and Thursday at 2:30pm. See the calendar at lamar.edu/visit to schedule.
- Who can help me over the phone or email?
For general information, please call 409-880-8316 or email us at admissions@lamar.edu You can also contact your local admission counselor for assistance or ask our digital assistant, Chirp, located at the bottom-right side of the admissions pages. Chirp can also put you in touch with a live agent.
- How can I contact an admissions counselor if I have questions?
You can contact your admissions counselor through email or phone. Not sure who your admissions counselor is? Find their information here >> https://www.lamar.edu/admissions/find-your-admission-counselor/index.html
- Can I currently submit an admissions application?
Yes, you can submit your admissions application through ApplyTexas. Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 applications are being accepted beginning on Aug. 1, 2020.
- What if I cannot take the SAT/ACT Test?
Lamar University's admission policy does not require a standardized test score to receive an admissions decision. To learn more, please visit lamar.edu/admissions.
- How can I submit application-related documents?
Documents can be mailed to: Office of Admissions, PO BOX 10009, Beaumont, TX 77710 or submitted online at https://www.lamar.edu/forms/beacardinal/admissions-unofficial-document-submission.html.
It is only necessary to submit your unofficial documents ONE TIME. If you submit the same documents more than once, you will greatly reduce the processing time.
*Note: Official transcripts will still be required for all incoming students prior to enrolling in classes.
- What if I am unable to take the TOEFL or IELTS English language proficiency test?
Lamar University also accepts the Duolingo English Test. The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with Lamar University when you send your results. Get more information at https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.
- How can I get the latest information from LU Admissions and Recruitment?
Continue to monitor this page and also follow us on:
Fall semester courses will include face-to-face, online, and hybrid classes. This approach is designed to meet the needs of our students while keeping their health, safety and ultimate success in mind.
We know you have questions and hope to provide the answers you need.
Faculty Instruction FAQs
- Are there negative consequences for faculty having exams and most of the content online?
No, the hope is that you will use everything at your disposal to have the best learning experiences for your students as possible.
- I plan to teach my course as a hybrid with all course materials available to students through Blackboard and classroom instruction as regularly scheduled for any student wishing to meet in a traditional format. How does this work?
There are a few classrooms that can hold all students at once with six feet of social distancing. On campus, most rooms vary from about 25% occupancy to almost 50% depending upon the room’s size and desks versus tables. A survey went out asking faculty about meeting with one-third or one-half of your class in order to determine where to best have your class meet.
- I plan to teach my course as a hybrid with a rotating cohort. However, I'm not sure just what I should do in the in-person meeting times. Is it just a "help" day, lecture and stream the lecture for those not there or something else?
The Center for Teaching and Learning and LU’s instructional designers are available to help you consider what to do in those sessions to get the most out of the time you are with your students. You can contact them and get more information at https://www.lamar.edu/ctle/staff/index.html.
- I hope to use a webcam in my classroom, software to livestream lecture, live chat with remote students and record lectures for posting, but I need to understand how to use the technology. What do I need to do?
The week or two before classes begin, the instructional designers and Center for Teaching and Learning and IT will have sessions on how to use the technology in the classrooms. Additionally, IT is working to have a designated person available to help if you experience any issues. There will also be a contact phone number posted at each instructor workstation so you can call technical support if you experience technical problems in class with the webcam and/or computer. Watch for more information to come in your email and on this website for the instructional designing sessions.
- What equipment is being purchased to help with any in-person lectures and discussions that may need to be recorded or livestreamed given the circumstances?
A large number of webcams, projectors and microphones for classrooms are currently being purchased and installed. Student assistants will be available to troubleshoot if you have any issues. Additionally, you can call technical support at x2222 if needed and the phone number will be posted at each instructor workstation.
- What is a reliable way to communicate with all students? The Blackboard “email all” function is hit or miss as it often sends email to accounts students don't check.
Blackboard sends all messages to the students’ LU email account and, under the student resource tab in Blackboard, it tells students how to send any email from LU to their personal accounts. Please remind your students that it is their responsibility to check for emails.
- I would prefer synchronous teaching where I can use my iPad or tablet to draw diagrams, etc. like I was writing on the board. I am not sure how to do that in Blackboard Collaborate.
LU’s instructional designers can be reached at blackboard@lamar.edu or Qjbellard@lamar.edu and can help you learn how to use technology via Collaborate, Microsoft Teams and/or Adobe Connect. All three programs (Blackboard, Teams and Connect) will be installed on instructor workstations in classrooms prior to the start of the semester.
- If the pandemic worsens and I need to request moving a course online in an interactive, synchronous fashion where all classes are conducted in real time, what do I need to do?
LU’s instructional designers can help with this. Contact them at blackboard@lamar.edu or Qjbellard@lamar.edu. When discussing this with your chair and/or dean, make sure they realize you want your class to be SYNCHRONOUS even if it is taught online.
- If I teach remotely with students in the classroom, who will be responsible for making sure everything is turned on and 'up and running' in the classroom?
One of the reasons for the faculty preference survey was to determine what the needs of our faculty are and how to prioritize these needs across the entire faculty. This has financial implications and may not work for you or your department. If available, a teaching or graduate assistant could help monitor the classroom. The department chair and dean need to be aware of and approve your plans.
- How do I learn how to use Zoom?
We provide full support for Blackboard Collaborate, Adobe Connect and Microsoft Teams. Currently, we are using Zoom only for Deaf Education, as it is preferred for working with sign language interpreters. Go to https://www.lamar.edu/it-services-and-support/microsoft-teams/index.html for more information on how to use Microsoft Teams.
- What does teaching a hybrid (online and face-to-face) course mean?
After receiving approval from your chair and dean, you will need to define when, how often and what size group of students you will meet with. As an example, on a MWF class, you may want to have online content for the Monday class then meet with half of the class on Wednesday and the other half on Friday which results in your class meeting on Monday virtually. Alternatively, your class may be so large that you will have a lecture or video students view on their own and then have one-third of the class come to the classroom on Monday, another third on Wednesday and the final third on Friday.
The Registrar’s Office can help you with this if needed. Additionally, you will want students to know that they cannot move from one cohort to another. You may decide to allow them to swap once if there are two students willing to change from one day to another. We would recommend that you allow this only once at the beginning of the semester.
- Yuja, the new video platform for online learning, is not available except through a course. What do I need to do if I cannot create a video?
Course shells are available one month prior to a term. Within the course shell will be the Yuja link under the course menu.
- What do I do if I need assistance using Blackboard Collaborate for two courses at the same time?
Combining courses online in Blackboard or Collaborate is not allowed under FERPA. For more information https://www.lamar.edu/general-counsel/family-educational-rights-and-privacy-act.html.
Is there a way to have all my classes have access to office hours on Blackboard Collaborate at the same time instead of setting up five different times?
Combining courses online in Blackboard or Collaborate is not allowed under FERPA. For more information https://www.lamar.edu/general-counsel/family-educational-rights-and-privacy-act.html.
- How do I learn to teach a course online?
Resources are available to assist with course design and tools that can be used to facilitate teaching online by clicking on “Faculty Resources” at the top right of LU Learn (Blackboard). Faculty are automatically enrolled in both the Blackboard Training Resources and Quality Matters Lite Courses to help them navigate online learning.
- Are instructors required to wear a face mask in class while teaching?
Yes.
- Will face shields be available instead of or in addition to face masks when teaching?
Plastic face shields will be available upon request for any faculty member that desires one as well. Faculty should submit a request for face shields to Facilities Management at x8470.
Does Lamar University have any travel restrictions?
The following travel guidelines are in effect through December 31, 2020 or until further notice
University-Sponsored Travel
No international travel is allowed at this time.
Domestic travel by personal or rented/chartered vehicle (car, van, bus, etc.) is allowed and will follow LU’s standard travel policies, with the following exceptions:
- Travel should be for essential business reasons only, defined by the Department Head.
- Travel to destinations under travel advisories is not recommended.
- Travel must conform with any CDC COVID advisory or state and local travel restrictions, including review of the need to self-isolate upon return.
Domestic travel by common carrier (plane, train, etc.) may be allowed under the following conditions:
- Travel should be for essential business reasons only, defined by the Department Head.
- Travel to destinations under travel advisories is not recommended.
- Travel must conform with any CDC COVID advisory or state and local travel restrictions, including review of the need to self-isolate upon return.
- Traveler must receive prior approval from his/her Vice President or Dean. To receive approval, traveler must submit a request to the VP or Dean that documents the travel’s purpose and destination. The VP or Dean’s approval must be submitted with the university’s standard travel request forms.
Personal Travel
- In keeping with standard LU policy, an employee’s supervisor must approve vacation requests in advance.
- Domestic travelers are encouraged to take precautions during travel, especially to destinations under travel advisories.
- Domestic travel is subject to any CDC COVID advisory or state and local travel restrictions.
- Domestic travelers should follow safe travel practices, including hand hygiene, social distancing, and wearing masks and other protective gear.
- Any international travel requires 14 days of self-isolation after the traveler returns to his/her domicile and before reporting to campus/work.
- Prior to international travel that requires self-isolation upon return, an employee must secure pre-approval for leave or an approved telecommuting plan during the period of self-isolation.
- The CDC and U.S. Department of State advise against cruise ship travel (Warning – Level 3). Any cruise ship travel requires self-isolation upon return.
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