Flu-Proof Guidelines     

Campus closures or emergencies will be reported by phone, email and on the campus homepage (www.salemstate.edu).

You can check the Helpdesk Status Page for information about current availablilty of IT services

Use this information to create a communication plan that includes these points:

Keeping in touch with students is key whenever you make changes to your classes. It is vital when it is a crisis impacting all or part of the campus.  Early and frequent communication can ease students anxiety and save you dealing with individual questions.  Some things to keep in mind are listed below:

Don't Swamp them with information. Consider sending messages daily at the same time. Tell them how often to check in.  A Discussion or Frequently asked questions might be a useful tool to manage your communications load. For example one daily group message versus individual messages.

Identify plans early and Communicate with your students right away  Even if you don't have a plan in place yet, communicate with your student as soon as possible. Inform them that changes are coming and how you will communicate these plans in the event classes are cancelled.

Include information about how they can contact you for personal questions (email) or class questions( online office hours or online discussions areas). To better manage their expectations, let them know how soon they can expect replies ( by the end of the day, within 24 hours etc).

Make sure you know how to use Canvas to send announcements (https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10405-415250731) 

• Post syllabus in Canvas and update frequently (Canvas:http://tinyurl.com/flu-canvas)  

Don't recreate details about closure. Include the direct links as information may change quickly

For example,

• Make sure you know how to use Canvas to send announcements (https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10405-415250731) 
• Post syllabus in Canvas and update frequently (Canvas:http://tinyurl.com/flu-canvas)  

Check with your department. Your department may issue more details about the situation and guidelines about their class expectations. Check with them before doing too much planning.

Consider realistic goals for continuing instructions

What do you think you can realistically accomplish during this period?

Do you think you can maintain your original syllabus and Schedule

Prepare your students

1.  Set up a test to ensure that students have access to the Canvas from Home using your chosen communication tools  

2.  Review alternative assignments and suggest that students assemble all necessary materials at home.

3.  Encourage students to choose “Pandemic Pals,” someone who will share notes and keep them updated on activities should they miss class.

4.  Introduce students to https://libguides.salemstate.edu.  This site will be used for library information and guides in case of a university declared emergency.