Instructor FAQ

About this FAQ - This FAQ applied to Spring 2022 only. For current campus Coronavirus updates and policies, see coronavirus.berkeley.edu

This FAQ applied to Spring 2022 only. For current campus Coronavirus updates and policies, see coronavirus.berkeley.edu.

The following answers reflect the most current planning on our campus for Spring 2022 instruction. Although subsequent developments in public health guidance may necessitate changes, these answers are intended to provide the best and most up-to-date basis for instructional planning.

This document will be supplemented and updated as...

Where can I find out about remote proctoring my exams?

Go to https://teaching.berkeley.edu/remote-proctoring-faq

I am teaching a class that has enrolled students who have not physically returned to Berkeley and are requesting remote exam accommodation. Should I provide the option for a remote exam?

As outlined in Spring 2022 Semester - Academic Resources and Accommodations, the expectation is for students to be in Berkeley this semester for all classes and sections that are delivered according to their COCI-approved modality listed in the schedule of classes. If your course is listed as in-person format, you are not obliged to accommodate requests for remote exams unless the students have a DSP letter...

Is it acceptable to have office hours online rather than in person?

The key here is communication with your students and ensuring that the mode of delivery of office hours supports their learning. Currently, it is acceptable to hold some office hours online rather than in person. In addition, keep in mind that senate faculty are expected to be in residence (physically on campus). Instructors who are teaching entirely remotely and don't have permanent/regular office space on campus will be allowed to hold all of their office hours remotely if they wish.

What plans are in place for Spring 2022 instruction?

As outlined in the Spring 2022 instruction update, we will begin the semester with a two-stage process. Most courses will be offered fully remote for the first two weeks (January 18th-28th). Starting January 31st and beyond, the mode of instruction for each class will default to the mode approved by the Committee on Courses of Instruction (COCI) for that course. For most courses, that is in-person instruction.

I am vaccinated and have a breakthrough case of COVID with mild or no symptoms. During my quarantine period, should I pivot to remote instruction?

Yes. You should not be on campus if you cannot get a green badge from the symptom screener. If you feel healthy enough and able to continue teaching, you can pivot to remote instruction. It is best to be sure, in advance of this situation, that all of your students have access to the necessary technology to participate in remote learning.

How should I approach the teaching of my course if the Air Quality Index from wildfire smoke forces campus to close?

As we did in Fall 2019, if campus is forced to close because of fires, you should conduct your class remotely.

How can I best prepare my course and my students for a power outage, particularly one which disrupts a scheduled exam?

Do your best to plan ahead and provide clear messages about how you will handle power outages and related disruptions. Let students know how you plan to communicate with them in the event of a disruption, with a method that is as robust to power outages and disruptions as possible, keeping in mind that there may be inevitable delays in sending and receiving these communications. Let students know how you expect them to handle assignments, exams, and access to course materials in the event of a disruption. Include these plans in your syllabus. Announce them verbally on Day 1...

Can I expect a “normal” semester of classroom instruction?

No—along with public health guidance regarding safe use of shared spaces, it will be important to bear in mind that you will need to retain a plan for moving back to remote instruction at any time if developments relating to public health (or other emergencies) render it necessary. For example, if classroom buildings are closed for a period due to smoke from a wildfire, you may be able to shift your class to remote instruction for one or two meetings.

Teaching my course remotely worked out well for the students. If I prefer to teach online rather than in person in the future, what do I need to submit to COCI and by when in order to get the course approved as an online course?

When you submit your course modification proposal in CMS, you will need to provide information about what is expected of students in the online version of your course. COCI has provided guidelines that should be considered when proposing an online course in COCI Handbook 2.5 Web-based and Online Courses. The schedule for COCI review can be found here