COVID-19/Spring Break 2020 Updates
- March 14th, 2020
General Info
Updated March 24, 2020 at 1:15 p.m.
This website houses info related to:
- UA System Info and Resources
- Messages from Campus Leadership
- FAQs
- Travel Info
- Events
- Athletics
- Resources for Remote Teaching and Learning
- Student Resources
Visit the UA Health Info website.
Culverhouse-specific Info
- UA will open for business with limited business operations on March 23. More about UA’s plan for limited business operations.
- Student spring break is extended to March 30.
- Advising will be offered to students via phone at (205) 348-4537 starting Monday, March 16.
- Staff will be present in the dean’s office to answer questions at (205) 348-7443 starting Monday, March 23.
- All spring events are cancelled or delayed, unless mentioned otherwise.
- All Culverhouse Executives Society events scheduled for April are being rescheduled for the fall.
For Students
The best source for info related to UA’s response to the coronavirus pandemic is the healthinfo.ua.edu website.
The transition to online learning may pose some challenges. Read a message from Culverhouse Dean Kay Palan outlining steps you can take to be effective in this transition.
For any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the team in Student Services here.
For Faculty and Staff
Thanks to the College of Arts and Sciences for the extensive list of resources.
Working Remotely
OIT’s website has a list of resources for employees working online.
eTech has made several video tutorials explaining connection processes for iPad users. Visit our Vimeo collection, eTech Tutorials: Working Remotely Using Your iPad.
Moving Courses Online
Although the idea of moving classroom courses online may feel overwhelming, keep in mind that you already have tools to make this happen:
- Every course already has a Blackboard shell in place for you to deposit course materials and assignments.
- UA has tools such as Zoom and Blackboard Collaborate to help you record lectures and videoconference with students.
- The Center for Instructional Technology has a list of instructional technologies along with helpful tutorials on how you and the students can use them.
Access to Campus Services and Facilities
Other schools that have moved to an online format have kept their campus facilities open, and as of March 13, UA has announced no plans to close. This means that campus resources will continue to be available to faculty and staff, including offices and classrooms. For example, you have the option to use your classroom to record your presentation and then post it to BlackBoard.
Take advantage of cloud options, such as UA Box, so you can access materials remotely. Mobile apps are available for phones and tablets, making it easy for you to access your files anywhere.
Videoconferencing tools, such as Zoom and Blackboard Collaborate, are also available and can be installed on mobile devices. You can request a Zoom account through the OIT website.
Strategies for Teaching Remotely
Many departments and faculty are already envisioning how courses might be adapted to an online format.
The College of Continuing Studies maintains a guide for online instructors and students.