Science update: Strategies for completing winter 2020 courses amidst COVID-19: Addendum 2

This message was originally sent to instructors in the Faculty of Science by Marlee Spafford, associate dean, undergraduate studies.

Please consider the following as we prepare for increasing amounts of remote work:

March 20 WD deadline MAY be extended

Associate deans have asked that the WD extension be extended to March 30 and normal refund rules are exempted. We expect to hear a decision shortly. This information will help instructors recommend dropping courses where the student has no realistic way of successfully meeting course objectives.

Science computer labs have been closed

These labs have been closed due to health concerns because there is no cleaning procedure between multiple users (comparable teaching labs in other Faculties have done the same). Instructors who assumed students would use unique software housed in the computer labs should consider how to adjust course expectations because students may not be able to complete course work.Stefan Idziak, AD, Computing, has offered to discuss these concerns (please contact him initially by email).

April 24 Science Make-up final exams have been cancelled

Depending on course design and instructor plans for course completion, these students should be offered a future opportunity to write the make-up exam (keeping Lori Labelle apprised) or a grade based on re-weighted course work to-date might be options.In some cases, an online test may be possible. The May 8 Science Make-up exam has not been canceled but it may be. Consideration needs to be given to students who are trying to complete their degree at the end of this term (i.e., delaying tests may not be a reasonable option).

VIF documentation will be managed electronically

Students will be advised to submit VIF documentation electronically to the SUO.Instructors should not ask to see VIFs. If there is concern about documentation at a later date, the original documentation can be requested.

Online final exam tips for consideration

• Online final exams must be offered at the same time and duration that the paper exam was scheduled to avoid causing unknown conflicts and stress for students. For example, instructors should not give students all day to complete the online exam because that work may conflict with other instructor tests.
• Test taking integrity remains important but normal controls will not be in place for most tests unless instructors are using software like Examsoft or adding ‘integrity checking features’.While most students will not cheat, some may try to take advantage of the situation. Consideration can be given to: 
  • A written statement at the start of tests, indicating something like, This test is to be completed individually; the following aids are allowed....”.
  • Depending on the test delivery system (e.g., Crowdmark), questions can be ordered individually across student papers (making it harder to collaborate)
  • As mentioned previously, lowering the weight of the online exam makes sense in this environment
• Instructors should consider what are the key testable items that will map to course learning objectives. Students will be under additional stress writing tests so instructors may want to consider that when designing their tests.
• Some students may be facing a 100% final. This is typically because they did not write term tests due to earlier illness considerations. Instructors may want to assign a CR to students who pass.
• Students who are currently failing the course should be encouraged to drop the course, although reduced course load can trigger notable financial and visa implications so students should be encouraged to seek advice from their academic advisor.
• Should a student experience connectivity problems during an online exam, an INC grade may be the best option until an alternate plan can be developed.

Take care as best you can.