CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES
COVID-19 Announcements & Planning
The UIC campus has established the following website as a central source for updated information. This is the best place to seek information regarding campus planning.
UIC INFORMATION: CORONAVIRUS 2019
LAS Site
Additionally, LAS has created this site as a central source for updated College planning and announcements.
LAS FIRST-YEAR AND CONTINUING STUDENTS: CORONAVIRUS UPDATES, ONLINE LEARNING, ADVISING, TUTORING, AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS
LAS students should continue to monitor their UIC email and follow UIC campus and guidance on COVID-19 Policies. The campus website in the link above is the first and main place you should be consulting for information regarding this dynamic situation.
If you have symptoms that are concerning you about possible coronavirus infection (COVID-19) or believe that you may have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, please call our student health center at 312-996-2901. It is important that you call ahead of time so that clinic staff can talk to you about your concerns and what the best next steps are right for you.
Campus notes that given the unprecedented nature of and changing situation during the pandemic, plans are likely to evolve as time goes on. New updates and communications will continue to be posted on a regular basis at: https://today.uic.edu/coronavirus.
Students should schedule appointments to consult course selection and registration with their academic advisors via online appointments.
Additionally, please stay in communication with your instructors and departments for course-specific information. Active communication with your faculty is the key to success!
Dean’s Message to LAS Undergraduate Students:
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Student Resources
Visit the new website of CURRENT STUDENT RESOURCES dedicated to student success at UIC. This website is a One-Stop Shop with loads of information and resources for YOU, including:
- Tutoring for your classes
- Coaching to help you navigate UIC
- Student Life
- Mental Health
- Technology
- Financial Aid
- Health and Safety
- Getting Around Campus
- and more . . .
Please explore the site and learn about all of the ways UIC can support you and your academic success!
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Reporting COVID
A single reporting tool is available for the campus community and was announced in a December 15, 2020 UIC Today article.
Using this tool, students and employees will be asked a few questions, and will then be directed to the appropriate resource. This new tool is meant to streamline and simplify COVID-related reporting. -
Circle Back to Campus Plan
UIC is taking a phased approach to reopening the university in light of COVID-19. The Circle Back to Campus Plan, which aligns with federal, state and city guidelines related to COVID-19, provides comprehensive information to prepare you for your return to campus. It covers everything you need to know including personal health and safety, academics and instruction, technology and related resources, research, campus life and more. Because of the continued uncertainty around COVID-19, we know that plans may have to change due to the progression of the virus and/or government guidelines. We will continue to keep you updated via the web, email and other communications. The most updated information can be found on the Road to Recovery webpage.
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Student Focused Technology Basics for Academic Continuity
As many courses are now being offered online, please consult Technology Solutions, formerly known as ACCC, to find the resources and support that you need. Student Focused support can be found in their Academic Continuity Student section.
Laptop and Equipment Lending: The Technology Solutions center provides short-term loans of various equipment to support the academic needs of students and faculty. If you do not have access to a computer at home, Technology Solutions may have a laptop to lend you. Technology Solutions is happy to announce the reopening of the laptop and hotspot loaner program. Please use the form at the link to submit your request, which will be reviewed and fulfilled beginning November 2nd. Additionally, please visit Technology Solutions’ Student Learning Fall 2020, Basic Requirements for more information, and you can also visit go.uic.edu/academic-continuity-students to review other equipment lending opportunities that may be available to you.
Additional Teaching and Learning Resources:
“Drive-Up WiFi Map” provides the geographic location for public drive-up WiFI hotspots in Illinois. These hotspots are intended for remote learning during the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The interactive map provides drive-up WIFi hotspots with specific guest log-in instructions by site for educators and students engaged with PreK-12 and higher education.
Remote Learning: The Tools & Resources You Need
First at LAS: Adjusting to Online Courses
Tips for Adjusting to Online Learning
Tips for students using Blackboard Collaborate: created in the College of Engineering-Computer Science
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LAS Academic Advising
LAS academic advising is available online and appointments can be scheduled via student.las.uic.edu. Currently, LAS academic advising is facilitated through the web-based application Webex. You may find it help to familiarize yourself with this application; information is available on ACCC’s website:https://accc.uic.edu/services/communication-collaboration/conferencing/webex-meetings/. For further information please visit LAS Advising.
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Course Format Resources
Students can use use XE Registration to search for how classes will be offered: Course Format Resources.
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LAS Math & Science Learning Center (MSLC), Writing Center, and Foreign Language Peer Tutoring Center
The Math and Science Learning Center (MSLC), the Writing Center , and the Foreign Language Peer Tutoring Center are open and available for tutoring in an online format.
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First-at-LAS Academic Success Program
The First-at-LAS Academic Success Program focuses on supporting first-generation LAS students and offers tips for adjusting to online learning. Please visit the website for important resources and programs, including a faculty-mentorship program.
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LAS Career Development, Major Exploration, and Internship Program
The LAS Career Development Office supports students through self-guided online resources, career and internship advising, and larger programs and workshops to help students find a fit with their major and explore career paths. All events are being held online for fall 2020.
SUPPORT FOR THE UIC COMMUNITY: COVID-19
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UIC Today: Support for the UIC Community
If you have family or friends in the areas that are directly impacted by COVID-19 and you need support or assistance, there are a variety of resources for students and employees at the following campus link: UIC Today: Support for the UIC community (COVID-19) resources for Students and Employees
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U & I Care
The U & I Care Program is an initiative of the Dean of Students to identify resources and provide assistance to students dealing with personal hardship. The program educates the campus community about services and programs on and off campus.
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Student Resources
The Dean of Students and Office of Diversity have developed this UIC Resources for Students- COVID-19 page to help support you during this time.
Office of Diversity Testimonials and Virtual Communities
The Office of Diversity has created “Singing from Balconies” a space where UIC students, faculty and staff can submit their testimonials on how they are experience the COVID019 quarantine.
Centers for Cultural Understanding & Change: Virtual Communities
Join and connect with the Virtual Communities hosted by the Centers for Cultural Understanding & Change.
Online Event Accessibility Guide from DCC and DRC
The Disability Resource Center and the Disability Cultural Center have partnered to create an Online Events Accessibility Guide! Focusing on virtual events, this guide offers a consolidated resource for event planners as they facilitate accommodations, and it details ways to build accessibility into events from the start. Check out the guide at go.uic.edu/AccessibleOnlineEvents
COVID-19 Resources for Undocumented Students
For our undocumented immigrant community, we want to make sure you are aware of our internal and external resources available to support you during this time. -
Coping with COVID-19
The impact that COVID-19 is having on our health, finances, and daily life is enormous, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences would like to share some advice and resources from Dr. Jenna Rowen, director of the Office of Applied Psychological Services at UIC.
You can download a colorful, printer-friendly version of Dr. Rowen’s recommendations here.
LAS FACULTY & STAFF CORONAVIRUS UPDATES & PLANNING
Please check back frequently as updates will be added as circumstances change.
All faculty and instructional staff need to consider how best to proceed as UIC moves many classes to an online environment. We highly recommend visiting the LAS Remote Teaching Resources page in the link below and possibly participating in one of the webinars designed to support instructors transitioning to remote teaching during this time.
Dean’s Message to the LAS Faculty:
Spring 2021 Remote Online Teaching Resources
Faculty Information
Please check back soon as the information below is updated frequently.
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Circle Back to Campus
UIC is taking a phased approach to reopening the university in light of COVID-19. The Circle Back to Campus Plan, which aligns with federal, state and city guidelines related to COVID-19, provides comprehensive information to prepare you for your return to campus. It covers everything you need to know including personal health and safety, academics and instruction, technology and related resources, research, campus life and more. Because of the continued uncertainty around COVID-19, we know that plans may have to change due to the progression of the virus and/or government guidelines. We will continue to keep you updated via the web, email and other communications. Information can also be found on the Road to Recovery webpage.
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Reporting Covid
A single reporting tool is available for the campus community and was announced in a December 15, 2020 UIC Today article.
Using this tool, students and employees will be asked a few questions, and will then be directed to the appropriate resource. This new tool is meant to streamline and simplify COVID-related reporting. -
Academic Policy Revisions & Provost Communications
Check here for COVID-19 Policy Updates and Communications from the Provost
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LAS Online Course Support for Instructors
LAS Online Course Support: In order to provide assistance for any fall 2020 online course, LAS has a pool of LAS graduate students who have been trained to assist instructors with any issues related to asynchronous or synchronous online Blackboard courses. Questions for this trained group of LAS graduate students can range from quick trouble shooting issues, to setting up course components such as quizzes or assignments, to providing suggestions for content delivery. Instructors are invited to submit a request for assistance by sending an email to lassupport@uic.edu or filling out our request form. -
Policy on Research Restricted from LAS Research Laboratories & Offices During Phase 4
Research laboratories and offices in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS) will allow only UIC faculty, staff, postdoctoral researchers, undergraduate, and graduate student workers for as long as Illinois remains in Phase 4 of the coronavirus recovery plan. The following categories of individuals will be restricted from entry to research laboratories, offices, and LAS-assigned spaces within campus buildings:
- Emeritus faculty, except for those who are paid investigators on federal or state research grants as well as those who are currently paid as instructors of courses being held on campus in current semester.
- Any high school or middle school students.
- Any undergraduate or graduate students who are not officially enrolled as UIC students.
- Automatic exceptions will be made to any individuals who are employed by UIC on grant or state funds.
- Executive Officers (EO) are authorized to make exceptions for visitors on a case-by-case basis, without further consultation with the College. Faculty who head laboratories must make any such requests in writing to their EO.
This policy will be effective September 1, 2020 and will continue for as long as Illinois remains in Phase 4.
This policy has been put into effect to limit the possibility of coronavirus spread and the threat that it poses both to all members of the university and funded research projects in LAS.
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ACCC Teaching Online Summer/ Fall 2020
ACCC has designed an online teaching tutorial to guide instructors through the use of best practices, resources, tools, and technologies to build online courses..
“Drive-Up WiFi Map” provides the geographic location for public drive-up WiFI hotspots in Illinois. These hotspots are intended for remote learning during the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The interactive map provides drive-up WIFi hotspots with specific guest log-in instructions by site for educators and students engaged with PreK-12 and higher education.
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Online Event Accessibility Guide from DCC and DRC
The Disability Resource Center and the Disability Cultural Center have partnered to create an Online Events Accessibility Guide! Focusing on virtual events, this guide offers a consolidated resource for event planners as they facilitate accommodations, and it details ways to build accessibility into events from the start. Check out the guide at go.uic.edu/AccessibleOnlineEvents
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Travel
Please note there currently are travel restrictions for UIC employees due to COVID-19. Travel needs to be pre-approved by the Provost’s Office. Please see the travel tab at https://hr.uic.edu/covid-19-roadtorecovery/ for further instructions including the process and criteria for approval. Requests should be emailed to our Director of Fiscal and Business Affairs, Sarah Tapper at sdombr3@uic.edu.
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Feedback gathered from Members of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board.
- Course Design and Communication:
- Students appreciate emails at the beginning of each week, letting them know what to expect that particular week: goals, assignments, deadlines, etc.
- Students appreciate being asked during the semester for feedback on how the course is going.
- Students appreciate being able to see their grades posted in Blackboard as soon as possible after an assignment is graded.
- Students like synchronous class sessions that are a combination of lecture format with other modes of instruction (i.e., they have an easier time following the material if not all synchronous sessions are in a lecture format.)
- We know that you are receiving many more emails from students than ever before. At the same time, students have a hard time asking clarifying questions regarding course content and would like to receive more feedback.
TIP: Help your students remain organized by communicating frequently! In order to manage the volume of questions, consider having a Q&A discussion board in your Blackboard course and encourage students to answer each other’s questions. Rethink some of your communication strategies and course design following this list of best practices!
- Student Engagement within and beyond the Classroom Setting:
- Students miss the opportunity to formally and informally interact with their peers and to meet each other.
- Students commented on how much they appreciate it when their instructor cared about them as a person (checking in if the student has not logged in, etc.) and offered an opportunity to tell them their story.
TIP: Create engaging discussion board assignments that allow students connect with each other. Use the student performance analytics available in Blackboard to follow up with students who are falling behind. In synchronous settings, create breakout rooms with clear roles and assignments for small group discussions or group assignments.
Every course – regardless of whether it is taught asynchronously or synchronously – needs to have student drop-in hours so students can virtually meet with their instructor when they need guidance and a one-on-one connection.
Encourage your department to hold virtual (fun!) events to create an extended sense of community. See a full list of best practices and tips for effective and engaging communication with your students!
- Technology:
- Students appreciate the course template in Blackboard as it helps them stay organize across all of their courses.
- Students appreciate it when synchronous sessions are recorded and made available via Blackboard.
- Students are facing technology issues and feel penalized if they miss parts of class because of connectivity issues (especially if material on exams is only covered in the lecture and the lecture is not recorded) or if they have issues during exams.
- Students would like you to be aware that poor video quality of faculty prepared materials can make learning more difficult.
- Student do not like it when platforms (such as google docs) are used instead of working exclusively in Blackboard. It makes it harder for them to remain organized for their various courses.
TIP: Continue using the Blackboard course template made available by ACCC. Create flexibility for students who have technology issues. Seek assistance from the LAS course supporters for technology or general Blackboard assistance.
- Assessment:
- Timed exams in Blackboard and exams using Respondus can be stress-inducing, especially for students with technology challenges.
- Students recommend designing exams in Blackboard that list all questions on one page so that students have the option of going back to previous questions.
TIP: Develop low-stakes practice exams for students in the selected testing environment. Consider methods of assessment beyond traditional quizzes and exams. The Center for Teaching Excellence has created a report on assessment guidelines. Consider implementing transparency in your assessment design.
Further Recommendations: LAS Remote Teaching Resources
- Course Design and Communication: