COVID-19 and the Classroom

COVID-19 continues to be a concern for faculty teaching face to face classes. However, with the exception of positive cases of COVID-19, most of the time students and faculty can and should report to class, even if they were exposed to the virus. Please make sure to check the OSU COVID-19 Resource page for the most up to date information. 

If you do plan to cancel class (for COVID-19 or any other reason!), make sure to let your School Head know! We continue to observe the COB class meeting time policy; if you plan to cancel a face to face class, you or your School Head may need to find a substitute to continue in-person instruction. 

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FAQ: What if a student or I was exposed to COVID-19? Should I cancel class? Do I have to excuse a student's absence? 

  • Generally, you do not need to cancel class and student absences are not excused based on exposure to COVID-19. All students and faculty should follow OSU quarantine/isolation guidelines, which state: 

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status:

        • Do NOT need to quarantine.
        • Quarantine still recommended in high-risk settings.
        • Wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days.
        • Test on day five, if possible.
        • Monitor for symptoms for 10 days.
        • If you develop symptoms, get a test and isolate.

FAQ: What if I or a student of mine tests positive for COVID?  

  • If a student contacts you indicating that they have either been exposed to or tested positive for the virus, please also contact the COB COVID Care Ambassador, Kyle Ross (kyle.ross@oregonstate.edu) with this information; then, inform the student that Kyle will be reaching out to them within the week. Please do not share this student’s information with anyone other than the ambassador unless the student requests otherwise. 
  • Please keep in mind that we continue to recommend that you provide students testing positive for COVID-19 accommodations for course requirements, particularly requirements for attending synchronous class sessions, due dates for assignments, or windows for taking exams. Accommodations could include extensions, opportunities to watch recorded lectures, or even alternative assignments to be completed asynchronously, that capture the learning objectives of synchronous activities completed during class times.
  • You can find sample language for communicating with your students if they notify you about a positive test or possible exposure here Links to an external site..

If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19, or wish to request an accommodation based on your individual risk factors, please contact your School Head. 

If you have questions about how to structure accommodations, please reach out to your School Head or to Inara Scott, Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning.