COLLEGE OF MUSIC
SPRING, 2021 INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE
The following questions and answers are intended to help faculty with their planning for the fall semester. The answers below are current as of 8/11/20 and will be updated as needed.
SPRING, 2021 INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE
The following questions and answers are intended to help faculty with their planning for the fall semester. The answers below are current as of 8/11/20 and will be updated as needed.
UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
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Where can I obtain information on the University’s plan to return to campus?
UNT has a central website with this information: https://healthalerts.unt.edu/return
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What is a good resource to learn about UNT’s response to COVID-19?
The UNT System website is https://www.untsystem.edu/covid-19
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Are facemasks required on campus and in classes?
Yes. On June 25, 2020 the UNT community was notified of the new requirement to wear face masks at all of our campus locations. Masks are required for applied lessons, performing ensemble rehearsals and concerts, with exceptions for students performing on wind instruments. Information on the face mask policy may be found at: https://www.unt.edu/notices/requiring-masks-help-keep-our-community-safe... There is also currently an Executive Order from the Texas Governor regarding the requirement to wear masks. See: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-establishes-statewide-fa...
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What do I do if a student refuses to wear a face mask?
Tips for Addressing Noncompliance of Face Covering Requirements may be found at: https://healthalerts.unt.edu/return/non-compliance. Please keep in mind that some students may be exempt from wearing a face mask due to health or disability reasons.
CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
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Where can I go to get Coronavirus updates?
UNT has established a central website for this purpose. Go to: https://healthalerts.unt.edu
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What do I tell a student who reports that they have tested positive for COVID-19?
Students and faculty who test positive for COVID-19 should email Emergency.management@unt.edu or call the COVID hotline at (940) 369-6152.
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May I ask my students if they have shown signs of COVID-19 symptoms?
Yes. Faculty may ask students and/or visitors verbally if they have shown symptoms or been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. Instructors may not put anything in writing, as that creates a medical record, which requires privacy and security measures that university departments are not equipped to manage.
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What procedures should I follow if I or one of my students is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19? What are the procedures for my class(es)?
Go to the COVID-19 Scenario Guide for UNT Faculty and Staff: https://healthalerts.unt.edu/symptoms-monitoring#fs. Training and directions will come later this month as part of the test/trace process. Additionally, UNT established a COVID Hotline to help community members report and understand COVID-19 symptoms, testing information and/or results, as well as receive guidance on actions they may need to take following potential exposure. Individuals also can obtain information related to COVID-19 at: Phone: (844) 366-5892; Email: COVID@unt.edu; For Contract Tracing contact Meg Cochran at (940) 369-6154 or Margaret.Cochran@unt.edu. For more information about contract tracing please visit https://healthalerts.unt.edu/return/tracing/terms
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Where can I go to get tested for the COVID-19 virus?
Denton County Public Health is providing Denton County community members free COVID-19 testing. Information may be found at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/99c08bf4e29e46e2bdfac707e9bb9dc6
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Where can I get health alerts regarding COVID-19 on the UNT campus?
The best resource is the UNT Health and Wellness Center website on Coronavirus Updates: https://healthalerts.unt.edu/
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Will UNT track COVID-19 cases during the academic year and share this information?
Yes. The information that can be shared publicly will be posted on the UNT health alert website
FACILITIES INFORMATION
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Where can I learn about the plans for cleaning the building and equipment?
UNT has a central website for this information: https://facilities.unt.edu/covid-faq
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How often will the music buildings be cleaned?
The music buildings will be cleaned deeply each evening, including classrooms and studios. Each classroom and studio will be equipped with sanitizers that will allow individuals to clean surfaces before and after use. Because classrooms will be used throughout the day, students are encouraged to carry their own personal supply of hand sanitizers and cleaning wipes for extra safety.
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What has been done to improve ventilation?
The Music Building air filters have been upgraded to MERV-13 filters (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), which are considered to be the highest and most efficient filters that the building’s air handlers can manage.
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How often will the restrooms be cleaned?
Restrooms will be cleaned every evening as part of the deep cleaning process. Custodians will be coming in twice per day to check and clean as needed.
TEACHING INFORMATION
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For my classes, will there be guidance on procedures for partially remote and face-to face teaching?
Yes. Each instructor should watch UNT’s “Guidance for In-Person Teaching,” which was offered on July 28, 2020. You can view the webinar at Guidance for In-Person Training - https://healthalerts.unt.edu/return#training - on the UNT Bridge App. Teaching Fellows and Teaching Assistants had their own session on August 3. Each instructor should watch Part 2 Guidance for In-Person Training on August 14 at 2:00 p.m.: https://unt.zoom.us/j/99022744697?pwd=MFFHVmFUcDNlazg3U0xpMk1mWGlGZz09 (passcode 895067).
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Will UNT provide masks for faculty, TF/TAs, Adjuncts and Staff?
Yes. Disposable and cloth masks are available in the main office (or Ricco Dean’s Suite?).
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How do I acquire a face shield?
Face shields are intended primarily for voice faculty and voice students (including choirs). However, they are available for other faculty, staff, TA/TFs and Adjuncts upon request and as supplies last. Please contact Felix Olschofka if you would like to request a face shield.
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If I am teaching face-to-face or partially remote, should I have a back-up plan if the university goes fully remote?
Yes. While our plans continue to offer a mix of online, remote, partially remote and face-to-face classes, everyone should be prepared to teach fully remotely should that decision be made in the coming weeks or months. The Provost continues to offer a payment of $500 for faculty and TFs to take the online training course offered through CLEAR.
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Will the fall semester use the same policies that were put in place in the Spring, 2020 semester for students and faculty, specifically for Pass/Fail, Annual Review, and Tenure Stop-the-Clock?
Some of these policies and procedures were put in place only for the spring semester. Faculty and TFs have been provided opportunities for online training and are expected to be fully prepared to deliver their instruction effectively in a remote or partially remote environment. Students will not have the option for Pass/Fail this fall. Tenure “stop-the-clock” will still be available for current faculty in their probationary period and for new probationary faculty who are starting their position in Fall, 2020. SPOT evaluations from the Fall, 2020 semester will be assessed as part of the Annual Review process.
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Are there additional statements that should be included in my syllabus this fall?
Yes. The Faculty Senate has approved language that should be included in all course syllabi. This has been distributed to all faculty, staff, adjuncts, and TA/TFs along with all other standard information for course syllabi. Warren Henry sent this information to all faculty, staff, adjuncts, and TA/TFs in late July and sent it again on August 10th.
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Are there special considerations regarding registration and online courses for international students?
Yes. Contact Warren Henry, Colleen Conlon, or Carol Pollard with any questions regarding international student registration.
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Am I required to have an assigned seating chart in my classes/rehearsals?
Seating charts are required for all classes and attendance should be taken at each class period for contact tracing purposes. Canvas provides instructions on how to create a seating chart. (https://clear.unt.edu/sites/default/files/canvas_seating_chart.pdf). For those teaching applied lessons or chamber music, a seating chart is not required, but the instructor should keep a log of who was in attendance and at what time.
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Is there an established protocol for contact tracing?
Yes, and this is why assigned seating charts are so important. Go to: https://healthalerts.unt.edu/return/tracing
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Are attendance policies different this fall for each type of instruction
(online/remote/partially remote/face-to-face)?
Yes. See syllabus information sent to all faculty, staff, adjuncts, and TA/TFs.
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I am a Teaching Fellow/Teaching Assistant and share my office space with several others. Is that allowed?
Any shared TA/TF spaces must not have more than two persons in the office at one time with 6’ social distancing. Those who teach applied lessons in the shared spaces must plan their lesson schedules accordingly. Office hours for TA/TFs should be scheduled so that there are no more than two persons in the office at one time, or office hours should be conducted remotely. Lessons should be scheduled to allow at least 30 minutes between each lesson.
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If I get sick or test positive for COVID-19, what happens to my class?
The Division Chairs have been asked to have back-up plans for instruction in the event a teacher gets sick.
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What do I tell my students about accessing the Music Practice Buildings?
The Music Practice Buildings now require a reservation. To make a reservation during the summer, email: PracticeRoom@unt.edu. Starting on August 17, students should make online reservations at: https://practice.music.unt.edu/
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What do I do if students do not have reliable internet service and my classes/lessons
are delivered online, remote, or partially remote?
Contact your Division Chair, and they will work with Warren Henry to try to find a workable solution.
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What are the procedures for final exams this fall?
In general, faculty are asked to recognize this and be as flexible and as accommodating as they can be. Here are some modifications that will help reduce the number of conflicts.
Courses that are either partially remote or partially online may schedule on-site midterm exams before the Thanksgiving break, subject to room availability. On-site exams may not be scheduled for after the Thanksgiving break, including final exams.
Partially remote or partially online courses that meet synchronously: Instructors should use the table here https://registrar.unt.edu/exams before for scheduling midterm exams. For example, an instructor of a MWF 9:00 course would only be able to schedule on-site exams on Wednesdays 5:00-6:20 pm. Before the semester starts, the instructor would select exam dates in that time frame (say, September 30, October 21, and November 18) and ask the Registrar’s Office for room assignments. Once assigned a room, these specific dates will appear in the Schedule of Classes. Instructors are not obligated to use the entire time block, but the length of the exam may not exceed the given time block. Instructors will not be able to change the date of the room reservations for exams after the semester starts. Should circumstances require a change in the date of an exam, the rescheduled exam must be held remotely.
Partially remote or partially online courses that meet asynchronously: Instructors can schedule on-site exams on Saturdays at any time of the instructor’s choosing, subject to room availability. Before the semester starts, the instructor would select exam dates and times and ask the Registrar’s Office for room assignments. Once assigned a room, these specific dates will appear in the Schedule of Classes. Instructors will not be able to change the date of the room reservations for exams after the semester starts. Should circumstances require a change in the date of an exam, the rescheduled exam must be held remotely.
If you are teaching a fully remote or online course, and the class meets asynchronously (that is, not at a regularly scheduled time), if there is a period during which you wish students to take a final exam, please adhere to the greatest extent possible to this schedule:
Conflicts for individual students are inevitable, even under normal circumstances. Faculty are encouraged to be as flexible and accommodating as possible during this challenging time.Instructor’s last name begins with… Your final exam period should include… A –G Monday Dec. 7 or Tuesday Dec. 8 H – M Tuesday Dec. 8 or Wednesday Dec. 9 N – S Wednesday Dec. 9 or Thursday Dec. 10 T – Z Thursday Dec. 10 or Friday Dec. 11 - Graduate recital procedures related to Covid
CLASSROOM TEACHING INFORMATION
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Will the classrooms be arranged to meet social distancing requirements?
All classrooms have been marked for 6’ social distancing (blue tape) and 9’ social distancing (white tape).
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How do we handle exiting and entering classes, particularly when there are back-to back classes?
Each instructor should make plans for students to enter and exit the rooms in a manner that avoids congestion. This may include letting students out 10-minutes early, particularly in cases of back-to-back classes. The College has minimized back-to-back classes and, wherever possible, we have allowed for 15 – 60 minutes of empty space. Classroom spaces that have two access doors will have signs that identify the door for entering and the door for exiting. Some classes that are currently face-to-face may be moved to a remote format, which will free space to move other face-to-face classes into rooms that allow for at least 60 minutes of empty space.
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What procedures do I follow for cleaning the classroom prior to and after class?
Written procedures were sent to all faculty, staff, adjuncts and TA/TFs on August 7th. The procedures will be posted in each classroom. Each classroom is equipped with a spray bottle and paper towels to clean desktops and other surfaces. Custodial services will clean the classrooms deeply each evening and will replenish supplies as needed. If you arrive in your classroom and do not have cleaning supplies, contact Jordan Batson at (214) 500-5618. Or, your classroom computer should have a “Report a Problem” icon, which can be used to request more cleaning supplies.
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Will I have an opportunity to evaluate my classroom before the semester begins to express concerns or needs?
Yes. You may visit your classroom at any time. Any questions or concerns can be directed to your Division Chair, Felix Olschofka, or Warren Henry.
APPLIED TEACHING INFORMATION
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Will my applied studio be supplied with cleaning supplies or air filters?
Yes. We have purchased 149 air purifiers with True HEPA H13 filters for faculty studios. True HEPA air purifiers capture up to 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns. HEPA H13-H14 are within the highest tier of HEPA and are considered medical grade quality. All studios will be equipped with air purifiers and cleaning spray for surfaces and piano keys. Cleaning should be done prior to and after each lesson. Faculty are responsible for cleaning surfaces before and after each lesson. Faculty who teach instruments that produce condensation must have safety plans in place for disposing the condensation.
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Are there specific procedures for collaborative pianists and rehearsals for applied lessons/recitals?
Yes. There is a Collaborative Piano policy that has been developed and will be distributed. For your planning, any rehearsal with a pianist and teacher should be done in a large classroom space that allows for 6’-9’ social distancing. These rooms can be reserved through Roomview.
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What if my current studio does not have enough space for safe social distancing?
You should first notify your Division Chair, who will contact Felix Olschofka, the Associate Dean for Operations. We will try to find alternative spaces that would provide a safe teaching environment. If we cannot, the only alternative is to teach applied lessons in a remote or partially remote format. All studios have been measured, and all but one provides at least 9’ of social distancing.
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Where do I teach my studio class and departmentals?
This should be settled for all areas. Rooms and times have been assigned, and each faculty member should have plans in place to ensure safety through distancing, rotations, or partially remote instruction. See your Division Chair if you have any questions.
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Is there a policy on how to space out scheduled lesson times?
At this time there is not a firm policy. However, you should plan your lessons to allow at least 30 minutes between lessons whenever possible, particularly for voice and wind instruments.
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Will we still have degree recitals?
Yes. However, audiences are not allowed. The students’ committee members are allowed to attend the recital, safely distanced apart. Detailed directions will be posted in Roomview, and Laura Fuller will be sending directions directly to students when they book recital times.
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Are students and accompanists required to wear masks on stage?
Yes. The accompanist and performer (non-wind instruments) are required to wear a mask. Page turners are also expected to wear face masks. Wind instrument performers and singers must be safely distanced (9’), and there may not be more than six performers on the stage for any performance. Masks must be worn prior to and after the performance.
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Are juries still scheduled?
Yes. However, juries will now start on Thursday, November 19 and end on Wednesday morning, November 25. As a reminder, all instruction will be fully remote for everyone after Thanksgiving.
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Can we use external pianists for recitals and juries?
Yes. This has been approved by the university. All scheduling for recitals and juries should be done through Laura Fuller and Roomview.
MULB/MUEN/MUCM INFORMATION
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Will my MULB/MUEN/MUCM continue in some form of face-to-face meeting this fall?
This will vary among each group and will depend on space. Nearly all MULB/MUEN/MUCM rehearsals will be limited to 30-minutes in order to ensure safety.
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I am a TF or Adjunct who is assigned to direct an MULB or MUEN. What should I expect for the fall semester?
The faculty have been excellent about communicating with their lab/ensemble directors. If you have questions about scheduling or instructional delivery, contact your primary faculty member with whom you work or contact your Division Chair.
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Should I create a schedule that creates empty space between rehearsals?
Yes. Every effort must be made to create at least a 30-minute space between rehearsals. Just as we have with academic classes, we have tried to create schedules that keep changeover times to 30-60 minutes. While this is not the case for every rehearsal, we will continue to make adjustments throughout the summer. Contact your Division Chair, who will work with Sebastian Zaberca for any MULB/MUEN schedule changes.
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With there be enough space for chamber music groups to rehearse?
Yes. We have assessed our space availability and believe we have enough space to accommodate our chamber music groups. Scheduling will be done through Laura Fuller, who will maintain 30-60 minutes of space between each rehearsal.