Guidance for Academic Instruction and Events

This updated guidance will be in place until at least Friday, January 28, 2022.

Courses and events that operated under an approved health exception last year (2020-21) should implement the same processes and procedures used previously and DO NOT need to submit a new Health Exception Request.

Faculty members and event organizers should review the following guidelines. If reasonable adherence to the following guidance is not feasible, please submit a Health Exception Request Form for consultation with the ISU Health Committee.

Issue	Academic Instruction	Events
Face Coverings	Face coverings are required indoors at all campus locations, and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible.	Face coverings are required indoors at all campus locations and at outdoor events of all sizes when physical distancing is not possible. Exemptions from the outdoor face covering requirement are approved through either enhanced screening protocols (i.e. athletics practices) or the health exception process.
Physical Distancing	When possible, encourage physical distancing in classrooms.	Participants should physically distance as much as possible, preferably 6 feet. For larger events, use ground or chair markers to indicate proper distancing and/or assign someone to assist with ensuring physical distancing recommendations are followed as best we can.
Seating Charts and Attendance Rosters	Faculty should develop seating charts for classrooms to effectively support contact tracing if positive cases are identified. For larger classes, divide students into groups or cohorts, if feasible, so that the same individuals consistently work or meet together in the same sessions throughout the semester.	Event organizers should use an event roster or track attendance to support contact tracing. For large events, consider dividing participants into cohorts if feasible.
Delivery and In-Person Participation	In-person instruction should be maintained as much as possible. Faculty should also develop or continue to offer online, hy-flex, or supportive options for students who are ill or in quarantine.	When possible and as discussed in coordination with leadership, offer events virtually using remote-based technology.
Screening Program	If selected, faculty, staff, and students are required to participate in the screening program unless they meet one of the valid exemptions. All COVID-19 symptoms should be reported though the self-report form for contact tracing.	Encourage, and if possible, require all participants to self-screen for symptoms prior to the event. All COVID-19 symptoms should be reported though the self-report form for contact tracing.
Venue	Remain in assigned spaces.	Consider moving events to larger indoor spaces, multiple spaces, or outdoor settings to allow for greater physical distancing.
Food and Drink	No shared food or drink.	No shared food or drink. Dining options should include carry-out and full-service (not self-service) buffet. Consider using pre-packaged, takeaway options.
Hand Washing and Sanitizing	Hand washing stations and/or hand sanitizer is available in classrooms and buildings, and used appropriately.	Hand washing stations and/or hand sanitizer is available and used appropriately.
Attendance	Develop flexible attendance policies that allow students to miss or make up sessions if they are ill or if they have close contact with a positive or suspected case. For reported illness, advise students to complete the self-report form if they have COVID symptoms.	For paid or ticketed events, provide refunds or flexibility for patrons and participants who are ill or close contact with a positive or suspected case.
Shared Lab Equipment, Materials, or Tools	If students share lab equipment, sanitizing methods must be put into place (including use of soap and water, alcohol-based sanitizer, etc.)	If event participants use shared materials, sanitizing methods must be in place (including use of soap and water, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, etc.)

To request personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer, or ground markers for traffic flow or distancing, submit your request through the Bengal Depot Order Form. For questions about hand sanitizing stations or ventilation of a particular space, contact Facilities Services.