These sample syllabus statements were in effect in Fall 2020 and should continue for Spring 2021:

FACE COVERINGS

As the Blazer Creed articulates, members of the VSU community are expected to live by the high standards of civility, integrity, and citizenship and embrace their responsibility as a member of the Blazer community. In recognition of this responsibility, and in response to the best available science and current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health, every student must wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth at all times while in any campus building, including in this classroom. This requirement is intended to protect the health and safety of all VSU students, the instructor, and the entire university community. Anyone attending class without a face covering will be asked to put one on or leave. Students should also be sure they maintain a distance of at least six feet away from their fellow students and instructor and are seated in a seat that is designated to ensure that distance. >>Add other appropriate language specific to the class here.<< Students who refuse to wear face coverings appropriately or adhere to other stated requirements may face disciplinary action for Code of Conduct violations.

VIRTUAL PROCTORED EXAMS

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be built into your computer or externally attached through a USB cable. Watch this short video (http://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml) for an introductory understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. A Quick Start Guide for Students (http://www.respondus.com/products/monitor/guides.shtml) is also available.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

VSU cares about student success both on and offline, and a variety of resources are available to help students academically and personally during the Spring 2021 semester.

One of the best resources is VSU’s Coronavirus FAQ page located at https://www.valdosta.edu/health-advisory/faq.php. Information is available there about a variety of topics in VSU’s return-to-campus plan. A website devoted to the health and wellness of VSU students can be seen at https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/campus-wellness/student-resources.php.

ADDITIONAL SAMPLE SYLLABUS STATEMENTS FOR SPRING 2021

From experiences this fall, we have learned that students may need some clearer statements on syllabi about the following items: (1) Modality, (2) Technology Requirements, and (3) Attendance and Participation. Below are some sample syllabus statements for classes in Spring 2021. These statements are only intended as guides and can be modified to meet the specific circumstances of individual classes. Sections in >>  << are what you will need to modify for your specific class.

  • MODALITY

For face-to-face classes:

FULLY F2F: This course is offered as a face-to-face class. Although we continue to practice social distancing and everyone must wear a face covering while in class, the physical size of the classroom is large enough to accommodate all students registered for the class at the same time. Therefore, this class will meet regularly in person on the schedule as listed in Banner >>Insert days, time, and place here<<. If students must be absent due to a quarantine or isolation requirement for COVID-19, they must report this situation via the COVID Self Reporting Link in MyVSU and through the Dean of Students Office to report any other absences as well.  For those circumstances, or if students have been granted an accommodation by the VSU Access Office, they may be allowed to access the class remotely.

HYFLEX: This class is offered as a HyFlex (hybrid-flexible) face-to-face class. Because of social distancing requirements, the physical size of the classroom cannot accommodate the number of students registered for this class. Therefore, on some days, you will be assigned to be present and participating in our classroom while on other days, you will be assigned to be present and participating remotely via >>Insert platform name here<< unless you have received an accommodation from the VSU Access Office to attend class remotely. I will provide you with your assigned schedule for which days you will be in the classroom and which days you will be remote (this is not a matter of choice). The class will be offered synchronously during the times listed on the Banner schedule. Attend and actively participate in class as scheduled. If you must be absent due to a quarantine or isolation requirement for COVID-19, you must report this situation via the COVID Self Reporting Link in MyVSU and through the Dean of Students Office to report any other absences as well.

HYBRID: This class is offered as a hybrid class, which means that some of the instruction will be offered in the classroom while other instruction will be offered online. The detailed schedule on the syllabus will outline which days you will need to be present in the classroom. All other material will be delivered >>synchronously/asynchronously online<<. If you must be absent due to a quarantine or isolation requirement for COVID-19, you must report this situation via the COVID Self Reporting Link in MyVSU and through the Dean of Students Office to report any other absences as well.

For online classes:

ASYNCHRONOUSLY: This class meets fully online. All work for this class will be completed asynchronously, which means that although we will follow a schedule as outlined in your syllabus, the entire class is not scheduled to meet at any designated dates or times.

SYNCHRONOUSLY: This class meets fully online. However, there will be dates and times when we are scheduled to meet online as a class.  Please consult your schedule to make sure you are present online on those dates.

  • TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

Suggested technology syllabus statement:

In this class, students will regularly use the following applications >>list those applications that your class will use and what they will be used for<<:

  • Office 365 for access to VSU email and to Microsoft applications that we will use regularly (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
  • >>BlazeVIEW, Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, and/or Microsoft Teams<< to access course materials and to participate remotely.
  • >>Others as needed (be sure to give clear instructions about how to access and identify if this application is not supported by the university)<<
To use these applications, students must have access to a laptop or computer, preferably with a webcam and mic.  While it is possible for students to complete some work on their smartphones, this will not be sufficient in all instances, given the limitations of mobile devices. Hence, access to a computer is essential. Note that the University maintains a number of computer labs, which are available for student use. Laptops and/or MiFi devices are also available for check-out on a first-come, first-served basis from the New Media Center in Odum Library.

You may also choose to list these further resources:

IT also provides a list of recommended technologies at https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/it/helpdesk/personal-devices/recommended-technologies.php

As a VSU student, you may download and install Microsoft Office Suite on up to 5 personal devices (https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/it/helpdesk/employee-resources/employee-services/work-at-home-tech-guide.php)

List of Resources for Technology

  • ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

Suggested syllabus language:

Regular attendance and participation are essential for success in class. Therefore, students are expected to attend class as scheduled >>(either in person or remotely)<< and must complete assignments as outlined in the syllabus. If students are absent, they should follow the course’s attendance policy. If students must be absent due to a quarantine or isolation requirement for COVID-19, they must report this situation via the COVID Self Reporting Link in MyVSU and through the Dean of Students Office to report any other absences as well. Instructors will not alter the schedule for individual students unless arrangements have been made in advance.


SPRING 2021 REVISED CALENDAR SYLLABUS STATEMENT (for face-to-face programs; fully online programs may continue to follow the original calendar, at the option of the program):

In order to mitigate the health risk of an extended break to the Blazer community, Valdosta State University will eliminate its 2021 weeklong spring break (originally scheduled for March 15-19). However, classes will still begin as originally scheduled on Monday, January 11, and final exams will conclude on Friday, May 7. To allow both students and faculty some needed break time during the course of the semester, VSU will instead use the five days allotted for spring break at various points during the semester as wellness days. These dates are as follows:

  • Tuesday, February 16
  • Wednesday, March 17
  • Friday, April 2
  • Thursday, April 15
  • Monday, May 3 (Reading Day)

On those days, the university will be open but no classes will be held and no assignments or assessments should be due, in order to ensure that students get some actual break days. There is one additional holiday day: Monday, January 18, when the university will be closed in honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday.

ONE MORE RESOURCE YOU MAY WANT TO INCLUDE FOR STUDENTS

  • Offices Here to Help You on Campus

Research (and experience!) shows that students are more successful when they seek out help and support when they face challenges.  VSU offers a full range of services---tutoring, supplemental instruction, counseling, and more—which is available both in person and online. 

List of Resources