Dear University College Faculty and Staff:
As you are aware, the UI has suspended face-to-face instruction. This suspension of face-to-face instruction also applies to undergraduate independent study/research-based courses.
Faculty and staff currently teaching on-campus courses should immediately plan to deliver their material in an online environment where appropriate. We recognize that this is not possible for all aspects of some research-based courses where the focus was hands on participation in research and/or creative projects.
So that students can continue their involvement in your registered course, we ask that you shift from hands on involvement to other forms of engagement around your topic. This may include:
- extended literature review
- preparation of materials (figures, artwork, videos)
- data analysis
- write up of completed work
- video sharing of their materials
In addition, we encourage regular interaction between you and your student. This could be through Zoom, Skype, phone, or email. We ask that you be clear in your expectations about; what material might be used in grade determinations; and what timeline you expect your student to work within. Given the unusual circumstances we urge you to be as flexible as possible while maintaining a commitment to the learning outcomes of your course. We recognize there are a vast range of topics and approaches to independent study courses and you are in the best position to determine how to make the experience for you and your student as valuable as possible.
Faculty must contact students in their courses to provide information related to the transition to a virtual format by March 20, 2020.
Thank you for your mentorship of Iowa undergraduates. Please let us know if you have questions. Questions about your student’s research projects should be directed them to Dr. Bob Kirby, Director of the Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates.
If you have questions pertaining to academic matters, please contact one of the Associate Deans in University College: Anne Zalenski or Andrew Beckett.
Tanya Uden-Holman, PhD
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education
Dean of the University College
