After learning of Idaho’s first confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Friday evening, we immediately made the decision to start spring break one week earlier and begin the transition from face-to-face classes to distance-based instruction. No University classes will be held for two weeks, and distance-based instruction will begin on Monday, March 30.
Students
As a reminder, your spring break starts on Monday, March 16. Students will be on spring break for two weeks, and during that time, no classes will be held. On Monday, March 30, classes will resume using distance-based instruction. All campus locations will remain open and accessible for the rest of the semester. The University is focused on helping all students successfully complete their courses and, ultimately, graduate. It is important to note that in a few situations, a limited number of programs will meet this week to provide instruction. Students who fall into this category will receive direct communication from their program and faculty. A list of resources is available
online
to help students during this transitional time.
Faculty
As previously communicated, the University’s goal is to be fully ready to implement distance-based instruction on Monday, March 30. The week of March 16-20 will be an inservice for faculty to prepare their delivery methods for implementation after spring break. Faculty are encouraged to be flexible and mindful of students who may face challenges or stress during this transition to remote instruction. Resources to assist faculty in transitioning coursework to distance-based instruction delivery are available
online
.
Staff
Effective immediately, all managers and supervisors, in consultation with their college or division leadership, have the delegated authority to implement alternative work arrangements and temporary telecommuting plans through the end of the semester, across all of our campuses for all categories of employees. During this time, there is no requirement for completing formal telecommuting applications or agreements. All staff appreciation activities planned for this month have been canceled. Answers to all employment-related questions are available
online
.
Meridian Campus
Out of an abundance of caution, the Meridian campus will be closed on Monday, March 16. Idaho State’s locations in Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls are open.
University Updates
Idaho State’s
COVID-19 website
has been updated with information about faculty instruction, campus events, University clinics, staff working remotely, and dozens of other related topics. The University has also set up a COVID-19 hotline at (208) 282-INFO to answer questions.
