Fall 2021 Semester Course Guidance
From Dr. Jean Morrison, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer
As you know, BU is planning for a full resumption of in-person instruction this fall, with the exception of a very small number of graduate programs and language-related courses. We have worked closely with our medical experts to implement a number of public health protocols – including required vaccinations, testing, and mask-wearing – which are designed to enable the safe return to in-person teaching, learning, and work.
We understand that many faculty members have questions about their options for teaching this fall. To achieve the important transition back to in-person classes, the critical guidelines are as follows:
- With Learn from Anywhere no longer available, classes should not be offered remotely.
- If you need to miss in-person classes, you should work with your department chair or dean’s office to develop alternate plans. This might include identifying another faculty member or senior doctoral student who can teach your class, or rescheduling classes until you are able to return to campus.
- Students may need to miss class meetings due to COVID-19 or other illnesses. Please consider how to minimize the impact of such absences on these students, as always, understanding that students cannot attend class remotely.
- Faculty should describe to students how they want to be notified of class absences and may wish to use the syllabus or initial class meeting to articulate the resources that will be available to students should they need to miss a class.
As you prepare for your courses we encourage you to take advantage of the additional resources and guidance found on the Provost’s Office website.
I regret that we are entering another academic year with a degree of uncertainty about what lies ahead. Please know that we continue to carefully monitor the most up-to-date information on the pandemic to ensure we are proceeding in accordance with the best scientific guidance. I wish you all a safe, healthy, and successful semester and appreciate your continued dedication to your students and colleagues.