Zach Gilbert
NEWS EDITOR
In an effort to reduce the “density” of people on campus and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 this semester, UNO is offering many of its larger classes through alternate and combined modalities for delivery.
According to an announcement released by Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold and the UNO leadership team, courses for the Fall 2020 semester will be offered in four modalities: in-person instruction, remote instruction, hybrid instruction and online instruction.
Courses taught using in-person instruction will be designated by the section number “001,” and they will involve “instructors and students attending synchronous classes on campus” or “at community locations,” in regards to “practica, field work, internships, service learning or flight training.”
Courses taught with remote instruction will be designated by the section number “820,” and they will involve “instructors and students meeting synchronously using digital technology (eg: Zoom) at the scheduled times according to the Registrar’s calendar.”
Courses taught with hybrid instruction will be designated by the section number “860,” and they will involve “a mix of in-person instruction and either remote or online instruction, with reduced contact time on campus.”
Finally, courses taught with online instruction will be designated by the section number “850,” and they will involve “asynchronous instructor-student interactions using digital technology, with students able to interact with each other and the instructor at flexible hours.”
Furthermore, Gold and his team assure that course accommodations will still be offered to students who have specific health concerns and/or require additional assistance.
Aside from these adjustments to course instruction, UNO is requiring students to wear “personal protective equipment” (such as masks) at all times while on campus. Students will also be asked to complete a daily self-screening using the 1-Check COVID app, which asks a series of questions and assesses an individual’s current risk of infection. Social distancing will be enforced.
“We remain committed to your safety and will adapt our plans as public health conditions merit, either relaxing or tightening these procedures as warranted,” Gold said. “Future announcements will provide more detail in each of the areas described above.”
While the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving, for the time being, we can take solace in the clear preparation and do our best to adhere to all established guidelines.
