Fall Academic and Course Planning Task Force Final Report-6-21-2020

1 | Page Fall Academic and Course Planning Task Force Report 2 | Page Dear Colleagues, During the spring semester, I was heartened to see how quickly our University community adap- ted, both to the sudden closure of our campus and the rapid move to online learning and operations. It was evidence of how much we can accomplish together. We continue to address another challenge: Develop and execute an academic plan for the safe resumption of a fall term that includes a mixture of in-person and online learning. With that as the goal, the Fall Academic and Course Planning Task Force has created this plan, which provides the best possible educational experience for our students in an environment that complies with health guidelines concerning the pandemic and ensures we can safely learn, teach and work. This plan represents the work of eight sub-task forces and more than 80 staff and faculty leading an effort that remains collaborative, cross-functional and representative of the innovation and ingenuity that UTA has in abundance. Through surveys sent to students, staff and faculty, we sought input from thousands of members of the UTA community as we sought to develop specific guidelines for course development, curricular modality, scheduling, international student issues and communications. When the Maverick community resumes on-campus classes and operations this fall, things will look and feel different from past semesters. What won’t change is our determination to keep the best interests of our students at the center of all we do, and to continue to care for the health, safety and well-being of our Maverick community. Flexibility and adaptability are paramount, as there will remain factors outside of our control, such as the prevalence of the pandemic in the months ahead and future guidance from our governing bodies and health authorities. We are committed to making the best decisions for our students’ education and appreciate everyone’s flexibility and perseverance during these unusual times. As Interim President Teik C. Lim says, “We are in this together.” As always, thank you for all you do for The University of Texas at Arlington. Sincerely, Pranesh Aswath, Ph.D. Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs 3 | Page Contents Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 Sub-Task Force Organizational Chart ................................................................................................................. 9 Process Narratives for Each Sub-Task Force ..................................................................................................... 10 Project Management Components ...................................................................................................................... 13 Overview .......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Project Approach .............................................................................................................................................. 13 Timeline ............................................................................................................................................................ 14 Project Schedule ........................................................................................................................................... 14 BOSCARD .......................................................................................................................................................... 14 Risk Register ..................................................................................................................................................... 29 Process ......................................................................................................................................................... 29 Listening Sessions ............................................................................................................................................. 37 1.0 Facilities, Classroom Scheduling, and Logistics ......................................................................................... 39 Planning Team Charge ...................................................................................................................................... 40 Process ............................................................................................................................................................. 40 Deliverables ...................................................................................................................................................... 40 Assumptions and Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 40 2.1 Identifying Class Modality .............................................................................................................................. 43 Planning Team Charge ...................................................................................................................................... 43 Deliverables ...................................................................................................................................................... 43 Process ............................................................................................................................................................. 44 Recommendation #1 ........................................................................................................................................ 45 Recommendation #2 ........................................................................................................................................ 46 Additional Recommendations .......................................................................................................................... 46 2.2 Logistics and Training ..................................................................................................................................... 49 Team Charge .................................................................................................................................................... 49 Process ............................................................................................................................................................. 49 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 50 Technical Training ............................................................................................................................................. 50 Instructional Design Training ............................................................................................................................ 53 3.1 & 3.2 International Enrollment and Related Issues ........................................................................................ 58 Planning Team Charge ...................................................................................................................................... 59 3.1 International Enrollment ............................................................................................................................ 59 Process and Specific Considerations ............................................................................................................ 59 Deliverables Achieved .................................................................................................................................. 59 4 | Page Communication Plan .................................................................................................................................... 61 Additional Considerations and Recommendations ...................................................................................... 61 Planning Team Charge ...................................................................................................................................... 62 3.2 Study Abroad .............................................................................................................................................. 62 Process and Specific Considerations ............................................................................................................ 63 Deliverables Achieved .................................................................................................................................. 63 Communication Plan .................................................................................................................................... 65 Additional Considerations and Recommendations ...................................................................................... 65 4.1 Faculty Challenges and Issues ..................................................................................................................... 68 Planning Team Charge ...................................................................................................................................... 68 Process ............................................................................................................................................................. 69 Findings ...........................................................................................................................................................

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