PROVOST TOWNHALL - FALL 2021 - Q&A - The ...
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PROVOST TOWNHALL - FALL 2021 - Q&A
Date: August 20, 2021
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Q: Are we following CDC guidelines on what is considered acceptable masks? In the past year, I saw a lot
of students, staff, and faculty wearing mesh masks while inside. Are those acceptable masks? If they are
not, what procedure should be followed if someone is inside a building wearing a mesh mask?
A: The University is not requiring a specific type of mask.
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Q: How are we so convinced that fewer safety protocols combined with a 266% more infectious variant
will be adequate to keep us safe? In particular—why do we not have:
1) Open windows in all units?
A: Opening windows in most of our buildings is not possible due to the windows being of a fixed
nature. It is also not good in extreme weather conditions to do the same as, again, it creates a situation
in the building where the HVAC system gets overcome; for example, by air that is too humid (per Jason
Toth in Facilities).
2) Clear statements of how many air exchanges per hour are happening in each building?
A: Filters and pre-filters have been changed throughout campus. We typically do so at least twice per
year and utilize MERV8 filters in most units. Due to the design of most units, we cannot increase to a
higher level of MERV-rated filters as the static pressure within the units will increase beyond the point
where the HVAC system will function properly. Automation controls are monitored daily. All controls
systems have been reviewed and are working properly. We operate our systems for 6 ACH in offices,
classrooms, common spaces, and 12+ ACH in clinical spaces and labs. Labs and clinical settings typically
use larger quantities of outside air (up to 100%, if conditions allow). In our clinical and lab spaces, much
of them are 100% exhaust air as well. The HVAC systems in these areas typically have MERV13 filters.
3) Clear guidance about what qualifies as a mask, instead of allowing utterly ineffectual gaiters and
other cloth masks to be permitted?
A: Any face covering is acceptable.
4) Social distancing in the classrooms?
A: We are not requiring social distancing.
5) Mandatory disclosure of positive tests?
A: New policy is currently being written now that the vaccine has been approved by the FDA.
6) Bans on food and drink in classrooms to encourage continuous masking?
A: Upon further consideration, the University is reinstituting a no food/drink requirement in the
classroom while classes are in session. As a compromise, for any class more than 90 minutes in length,
we are asking instructors to offer at least one short break midway through so that students may take a
quick break to step outside of the classroom to eat/drink.
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Q: Any chance that asymptomatic testing appointments can be on the HSC too? We want to support the
initiative but traveling back and forth between the campuses isn't convenient.
A: Dr. Thompson is looking into this as an option.
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Q: I understand the university gives accommodations based on employees’ medical conditions. Can the
university please consider giving accommodations to faculty/staff/students if they have people at home
like young children who cannot yet be vaccinated? Thanks!
A: ADA Law is written to accommodate individual employee needs.
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30-August-21Q: Why can't we ask students if they've received the COVID vaccination when hospitals are asking for
proof of this?
A: We are unable to ask per university legal counsel.
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Q: If/when the COVID vaccine becomes FDA approved, will UToledo require students, staff, and faculty
receive the vaccine, much like the new Flu shot policy?
A: A policy is currently under discussion.
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Q: I'm not a mask expert, but it is my understanding that clear plastic "masks" are not effective in
preventing virus spread. Is it appropriate that the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources is
asking some instructors to wear clear plastic masks? I understand why this type of mask is helpful, but I
am concerned about wearing one in the current environment, especially in a large class.
A: These masks are being used to assist students who need to read lips.
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Q: What is UToledo’s policy on events with food?
A: Currently, there is no policy regarding food at events; however, this may be revisited/reassessed as
things change.
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Q: BGSU has a ~40% self-reported vaccination rate among students. What is our rate?
A: The vaccination portal will assist us in determining that. Currently, we do not know our student
vaccination rate status.
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Q: Are drinks being banned from classrooms? I cannot get through a 100-minute lecture without a water
bottle....
A: The institution is reinstituting a no food/drink policy in the classroom; a closed container with a straw
that can be used under a mask in long classes may be permissible.
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Q: I feel obligated to help my vaccinated and compliant students feel comfortable and safe in their
learning environment. What can instructors do to keep those students who are purposely NOT
compliant from interfering with learning?
A: Report them to the student conduct office.
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Q: So, just to be clear, students are now allowed to eat and drink in the classrooms? If so, how are we
going to make sure students are masked in classrooms?
A: No. Upon further consideration, the University is reinstituting a no food/drink requirement and asking
faculty to give students a break in classes 90+ minutes in length (see page 1).
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Q: What is the purpose of the vaccine registry?
A: To try to give some overall insight into the vaccination rate on campus.
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Q: The UToledo Restart Packet (as of Tuesday) posted for download online is for last year. Will that be
updated?
A: Due to the rapidly changing nature of information needing to be reported, please refer to the
Coronavirus website for the most up-to-date information: https://www.utoledo.edu/coronavirus.
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Q: Have there been any accreditors (PA, Nursing, etc.) that are requiring mandatory vaccinations?
Page 2 of 6
30-August-21A: No department/college has reported to the Office of Accreditation and Program Review having such a
requirement.
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Q: If someone is in a library not wearing a mask and refusing to wear a mask, and refuses to leave, what
procedure should be followed?
A: It would be the same as a classroom violation (give the student the card; ask the student to wear a
mask, if student refuses, ask the student’s name, and report them to the student conduct office.
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Q: So, the class is cancelled if the student refuses to leave and still doesn't wear a mask?
A: No, classes should not be cancelled.
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Q: Is there a process for reporting faculty members with no masks?
A: Report a Concern: https://www.utoledo.edu/report/
And should we assume that the university also has no intention of questioning the type of "mask" a
faculty member wears?
A: The University is not requiring any specific type of mask.
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Q: The majority of the clinical instructors that teach in the Health and Human Service building get
reports about students' vaccination status - why shouldn't we be able to ask about their COVID
vaccination status?
A: We are unable to ask per university legal counsel.
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Q: Are faculty allowed to have disposable masks available for student use?
A: Yes, and the Student Affairs office will also have masks available.
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Q: There are signs posted in some classes (Field House) saying "no food or drink" that can be upheld.
A: Yes; and as previously mentioned, after further review, the University is implementing a no food or
drink in the classroom policy (see page 1).
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Q: Speaking of food - if transmission can take place in a minute, what are students supposed to do about
dining in the dining halls?
A: Please refer to dining services.
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Q: The UT-AAUP most recent newsletter addresses the required flu shot. UToledo employees are also
being required to take flu shots under a new UToledo Policy 3364-5-16, up for review. In an earlier UT-
AAUP newsletter dated July 30, 2021, the UT-AAUP Executive Board encouraged faculty to post
comments. What's the latest stage of the review? Do we faculty need to have this shot mandatorily?
A: For employees under a CBA (including AAUP), this will need to be bargained for before it can be
required.
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Q: Is there someplace to get information about the composition of flu shots; for example, are they made
without dead or live virus?
A: See the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/lot-release/influenza-virus-
vaccine-composition-and-lot-release.
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Q: How will students, faculty, and staff who have previously contracted COVID-19 and have been
advised by their health care provider not to be vaccinated be handled?
A: A policy is currently under discussion.
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30-August-21_____________________________________________________________________________________
Q: Is there any guidance for meeting with students in person when social distancing is not possible (ex:
small faculty/staff offices)?
A: Faculty, advisors, and others are welcome to meet with students in alternate larger spaces, such as
conference rooms, hallways, or even outdoors.
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Q: Do we need to keep a seating chart in the classroom?
Q: Yes, faculty need to maintain seating charts in their classes.
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Q: Do you have any recommendations for masks that faculty can wear when teaching that are easier for
students to understand when we are talking?
A: No, although the Office of Accessibility may have some recommendations.
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Q: Those over 60 who received their second COVID vaccine in February or March - an 8-month booster
will hit in October or November and the normal flu shot schedule on campus is October – November.
Caution says that vaccines should be spaced several weeks apart. Can we get the flu shots started in
September?
A: Unfortunately, the flu shot was ordered a year ago and the distribution date cannot be changed.
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Q: Has UToledo considered the possibility of going back online if things get worse during the semester?
A: Not at this time; although, the COVID Operations Team, Medical Experts, the President, the Provost,
and other key administrators are monitoring the situation very closely and are in continuous contact
with the IUC and Governor.
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Q: On the issue of recording in-class lectures, would it be possible for IT to provide a list of classrooms
where this can be done?
A: Recording can be done in any room (all classroom computers are equipped with Echo360); however,
the full experience of the classroom will not be captured in all rooms, but recording is available in all
rooms. For a list of rooms with the full experience recording capability of Echo360, please visit the
Classroom Support Services webpage: https://www.utoledo.edu/depts/academicsupport/.
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Q: Are the current plans to go forward with all face-to-face classes, or have there been any changes due
to the increased prevalence of the Delta variant?
A: We are moving forward with classes as scheduled, but we are requiring face coverings.
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Q: Wait, faculty can ask students to leave a classroom if the student refuses to wear a mask? I thought
we could only card them.
A: Yes, you can ask students to leave class to get a mask, or if they refuse to wear a mask.
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Q: What percentage of our classes are in-person for the fall semester?
A: As of now, 78% of our courses are face-to-face this semester.
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Q: Could the panelists clarify/advise how we as faculty can help enforce the mask policy within
classrooms if the students are also allowed to have food and drink?
A: Upon further consideration, the University is reinstituting a no food/drink (see page 1).
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Q: Will normal course evaluations of instructor’s resume, or will they be different as they were last fall
and spring?
Page 4 of 6
30-August-21A: Yes, the course evaluation process will return to the normal process.
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Q: Will we be notified if we have students who are infected with COVID-19? If so, do we notify other
students? Should we be keeping a seating chart in order to inform students?
A: No, this is protected information; the Lucas County Health Department will manage contact tracing
and notification. Yes, faculty need to maintain seating charts in their classes.
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Q: Is there a specific policy published for mandatory student flu vaccinations, as there is for faculty?
A: No, not for students.
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Q: How does one create/establish a seating chart for the classroom, especially for a 200-student
lecture?
A: Use a template like the one found here:
https://www.templateroller.com/template/102106/classroom-seating-chart-template.html, assign
numbers to each seat or space on a long table with movable chairs and take attendance and ask each
students what number they are sitting at. Some large lecture halls already have numbered seats;
facilities is looking into the option of purchasing stickers for use in other classrooms although this option
will take some time to procure/implement; and may not be feasible. Please do not use sharpies or
markers of any kind on furniture. Faculty could also take a picture of their classroom (be sure to ask
student permission) and label it with each student’s name. Students would have to commit to remain in
the same seat once the picture is taken and labeled.
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Q: Are there cleaning protocols (i.e., sanitizing) that Facilities will perform in high-traffic areas and in
offices?
A: Cleaning protocols can be found on the website here: https://www.utoledo.edu/coronavirus/.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Q: Any discussion regarding travel restriction?
A: Travel restrictions for university-sponsored travel are lifted effective August 24; however, no
university-sponsored travel to level-4 countries is permitted. Please refer to the recent communication
sent out, which is posted on the Provost website: https://www.utoledo.edu/coronavirus/keeping-
campus-safe/#travelrestrictions.
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Q: What does the Office of Student Conduct do if a student refuses to wear a mask? What is the process
and the "speed" of that?
A: Per the Student Conduct Office:
For students who are really non-compliant and cause a scene, they will likely face conduct charges for
violating the Student Code of Conduct policies including, but not limited to:
• (E)(1)(b) Behavior that endangers the physical and/or mental health, or safety of a reasonable
person
• (E)(10)(b) Actions that interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes, and functions
in the classroom, or other instructional setting
• (E)(10)(f) Failure to comply with a directive of a university official or law enforcement officer
acting within the scope of their duties
The outcomes are done on a case-by-case basis and could include probationary status, ban from in-
person classes, ban from a specific location, reflection paper, educational workshop, apology letter, etc.
Page 5 of 6
30-August-21In the less egregious, more common situations where a student is not wearing a mask but is compliant
in retrieving one or leaving, we use the approach of starting with either a warning letter or an
educational conversation. Any type of COVID non-compliance should be reported
at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofToledo&layout_id=8. (Please note, last year, the
conduct office had very few issues, and those that did occur were not egregious and were primarily in
the residence halls, so the hope is that it will be similar this year.)
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Q: How will an instructor know if a student that hasn't voluntarily reported proof of vaccination and
ends up skipping an appointment in the mandatory weekly asymptomatic testing program?
A: Instructors will not be notified.
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Q: Will students be forced to not attend class if another student in their class becomes sick?
A: No, classes will continue. The health department will manage contact tracing.
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Q: We are aware that the USA is a level-4 country for travel, right?
A: Currently, there are no restrictions on domestic travel; although, administration is monitoring the
situation closely and may revisit.
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Q: I understand that we can't police mask types (gator vs. disposable), but what if someone is wearing a
mask under their chin or with holes cut out?
A: You can and should ask students, faculty, and staff who are not wearing masks correctly to do so.
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Q: What is the process for international students who want online classes only for fall?
A: For late-arriving undergraduate international students, needing online accommodations, faculty will
be sent a notification from the Office of Student Advocacy, which will include the students expected
arrival date. If you have questions or concerns about your students, please contact Sara Clark, Director
of the Center for International Studies and Programs (Sara.clark2@utoledo.edu or 419-530-
4039). NOTE: Graduate students are not currently tracked in the same way as undergraduates;
therefore, a detailed report of late-arriving graduate students is currently not available.
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