Delivery of Instruction

Faculty will use different approaches to online exams.  The university is working on general guidelines (based on the experiences from the spring final exam period) for faculty in order to optimize the process and to foster student learning while being mindful of possible academic integrity concerns.

No. UF is committed to providing an outstanding teaching and learning experience, whether it is face-to-face, online, or hybrid. UF has assembled a world-class instructional faculty and has invested heavily in instructional design of courses, their delivery, and associated materials. In fact, UF is nationally recognized for its online programs, and instructors are continuously honing creative and innovative ways to ensure an effective learning environment no matter the format.

In general, CDC recommendations regarding cleaning and disinfection should be followed.  A full cleaning in between class sessions or after each use is unnecessary.  However, common touchpoints, such as doorknobs, should be wiped down after each use.  The university will provide a disinfectant bucket with wipes for each academic classroom and class lab and require users to maintain responsibility for wiping down individual areas.  If a known COVID-19 case has been identified within a room or facility, Facility Services should be notified.

Lab-based courses on campus will be planned and implemented differently by different faculty.  There are two possible approaches. One approach might be a reduction of the number of labs and rotation of students to participate in smaller groups to allow each student to experience each lab (e.g., students will be able to complete all labs offered). Another approach might be a reduction of the number of labs with a portion of students completing some labs in-person and another portion of students doing different labs in-person and/or supplementing with virtual labs or simulations.

Please email reopen@ufl.edu for additional questions not answered here.

Classes are being held online for summer sessions with some resources, such as dining halls, open for students who must stay on campus. UF expects to reopen in the fall.

When returning to campus, all students, faculty and staff are asked to adhere to the following practices.

• Physical Distancing: Whenever possible, maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from others while on the University of Florida properties and in common spaces until further notice.
• Face Coverings: Wear a mask or cloth face covering when in UF and UF Health facilities, with only a few exceptions for children less than 2 years old or those who are ill. For those who are unable to wear a face covering, face shields will be an acceptable alternative. Face coverings are to be worn in all classrooms, in patient care areas, and when in public/common areas, including lobbies, conference rooms, elevators, stairwells, bathrooms and lounges. Face coverings are also required on employee and visitor shuttles. Exceptions include when in private offices, private work spaces with adequate physical barriers, and well-ventilated outdoor spaces where appropriate physical distancing can be maintained. ​​
• Wash Hands Frequently: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Stay Home When Sick: If you are sick, please stay home. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

For more information, please visit the UF Health website.

UF has a three-tiered approach to enforcing behavioral expectations regarding keeping our campus community healthy and safe: Education, engagement and enforcement.

• Education takes place at all levels of the University and may include informing others of regulations, policies and guidance.
• Engagement reinforces education and provides direction to correct behavior, clarify enforcement mechanisms and end behavior that poses an immediate threat to the health, safety and welfare of community members.
• Enforcement of behavioral expectations to abide by University regulations and policy, state and local law and the instructions of officials can be carried out by any designee of the Vice President of Student Affairs or other appropriate University Official.  Enforcement of behavior found to be a violation of the Student Conduct Code may result in sanctions such as loss of privileges associated with being a University of Florida student or student organization, including suspension and expulsion.

Fall academic programming will be designed to accommodate remote instruction for as many students who desire it as possible.

UF has always capped the number of people attending in-person classes, usually due to room constraints.  Because of the new requirements for physical distancing, classrooms accommodate fewer people than previously.

The Disability Resource Center is working closely with faculty members to support student accommodations whether their class is in-person or online.