Arts & Sciences leadership have sent a number of emails and held meetings regarding changes to policies and procedures in response to the spread of COVID-19. Please see below for the archive of selected messages.
Recording of A&S Town Hall Meeting on August 19, 2022
Dean Hu hosted a town hall discussion to share information on fall semester. Guest panelists included Dr. Steven Lawrence, Professor of Medicine, who presented on the latest public health and university guidelines regarding COVID-19; Jonathan Cohen, Assistant Dean of Academic Policy & Director of Administration, who presented on human resources policies for staff; Andrew Brown, Vice Dean of Faculty Affairs, who presented on human resources policies for faculty, including conditions in which instructors may shift courses temporarily to remote delivery; and Erin McGlothlin, Vice Dean of Undergraduate Affairs who presented on instructional planning news and reminders.
Attachment 1: Power Point Presentation
Message from Vice Deans McGlothlin and Brown to instructors, August 17, 2022
Vice Deans McGlothlin and Brown share updates and guidelines for the Fall 2022 semester.
Message from Dean Hu to instructors and staff, April 1, 2022
Dean Hu shared information about a message to students encouraging masking for the next two weeks.
Message from Dean Hu and Vice Deans Hayes and McGlothlin to A&S community, February 28, 2022
Dean Hu and Vice Deans Hayes and McGlothlin shared information on new classroom masking guidance for instructors, which is in effect immediately.
Message from Dean Hu and Vice Dean McGlothlin to A&S instructors, January 25, 2022
Dean Hu and Vice Dean McGlothlin shared information and guidelines on the return to classroom instruction for the Spring 2022 semester.
Message from Interim Vice Dean Hayes to A&S graduate students, January 14, 2022
Interim Vice Dean Sophia Hayes shared important information regarding spring semester with graduate students.
Message from Vice Dean McGlothlin to students, January 12, 2022
Vice Dean McGlothlin shared important information regarding spring semester with students.
Recording of A&S COVID-19 Town Hall Meeting on January 12, 2022
Dean Hu hosted a town hall discussion on COVID-19's omicron variant and how it relates to spring planning. Guest panelists included Dr. Erin McGlothlin, Vice Dean of Undergraduate Affairs; Dr. Steven Lawrence, Professor of Medicine; and J.D. Long, Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Planning and Management among others.
Attachment 1: Transcript of Attendee Chat
Attachment 2: Q&A Transcript
Attachment 3: Town Hall Transcript
Message from Dean Hu and Vice Dean McGlothlin to A&S instructors, December 31, 2021
Dean Hu and Vice Dean McGlothlin shared information and guidelines on the first two weeks of instruction for the Spring 2022 semester.
Message from Dean Hu to faculty and staff, December 21, 2021
Dean Hu shared information about the COVID-19 booster shot to faculty and staff.
Message from Dean Hu to faculty and staff, December 16, 2021
Dean Hu shared public health protocols and reminders to faculty and staff.
Message from Vice Dean McGlothlin to students, December, 10, 2021
Vice Dean McGlothlin shared information about the close of the Fall 2021 semester with students.
Message from Vice Dean McGlothlin to students, November 12, 2021
Vice Dean McGlothlin shared information pertaining to Spring 2022 course modalities with students.
Message from Vice Dean McGlothlin to instructors, October 4, 2021
Vice Dean McGlothlin shared information pertaining to Spring 2022 course planning.
Message from Vice Dean McGlothlin to instructors, September 3, 2021
Vice Dean McGlothlin shared important information on what to do if a student in a class must isolate or quarantine.
Message from Dean Hu and Interim Vice Dean Hayes to Graduate Students, August, 27, 2021
Dean Hu and Interim Vice Dean Hayes share information about campus health and safety information and guidance to graduate students.
Recording of A&S Town Hall Meeting on Instructional Planning, August 19, 2021
Dr. Erin McGlothlin, Vice Dean of Undergraduate Affairs, hosted a town hall on instructional planning, which featured faculty panelists discussing best practices for teaching and doing group work in the classroom. Vice Provost Jennifer R. Smith and Michael Wysession, Executive Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, presented on key recommendations of the recent Future of Instruction Task Force Report. You may also view a transcript of this meeting.
Recording of A&S Fall Planning Town Hall Meeting, August 18, 2021
Dr. Steven Lawrence, Professor of Medicine, presented on the Delta variant and how it relates to fall planning. J.D. Long, Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Planning and Management, addressed COVID-19 safety and effectiveness in the workplace. You may also view a transcript of this meeting.
Message from Vice Dean McGlothlin to instructors, August 17, 2021
Vice Dean McGlothlin shared information about Fall 2021 classes including COVID-19 protocols, instructional delivery methods, and resources for faculty.
Attachment 1: Fall 2021 Accommodation Chart for Faculty
Attachment 2: Fall 2021 Syllabi Resources
Message from Vice Dean McGlothlin to students, June 4, 2021
Vice Dean McGlothlin shared with students updates about Fall 2021 course planning and information on requesting consideration to study remotely.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to students, April 12, 2021
Dean Smith shared information about Arts & Sciences Fall 2021 planning updates for courses and remote study.
Message from Dean Feng Sheng Hu and Dean Jen Smith to instructors, April 12, 2021
Dean Hu and Dean Smith shared information regarding the remote instruction exceptions process for Fall 2021.
Recording of A&S Fall Planning Town Hall Meeting, April 6, 2021
Dean Smith shared information about Fall 2021 course planning with faculty. You may also view a transcript of this meeting.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to students, January 27, 2021 (PDF)
Dean Smith shared information and reminders to students about the start of the spring 2021 semester including details on Wellness and Study Days, deadlines, academic integrity, and public health protocols.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to instructors, January 20, 2021 (PDF)
Dean Smith shared information and reminders, including details on uploading syllabi, with instructors ahead of the start of the spring 2021 semester.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to instructors, December 7, 2020 (PDF)
Dean Smith provided details about the fall 2020 final exam schedule, as well as spring 2021 post-wellness day assignment / assessment restrictions
Message from Dean Jen smith to students, December 7, 2020 (PDF)
Dean Smith provided details and explanations regarding recent changes to the spring 2021 academic calendar, including post-wellness day deadline restrictions and additional study days.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to instructors, November 25, 2020 (PDF)
Dean Smith shared student feedback on fall instruction and the outcome of a recent vote on pass/fail policy proposals.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to students, November 25, 2020 (PDF)
Dean Smith provided important information about deadline and policy adjustments for Fall 2020.
Information on spring 2021 semester for A&S community, November 19, 2020 (PDF)
Deans Feng Sheng Hu and Jennifer Smith provided important updates on teaching, research, and work arrangements ahead of the spring semester.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to instructors, October 21, 2020 (PDF)
Dean Smith provided important information about deciding on course formats for the spring semester.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to instructors, September 25, 2020 (PDF)
Dean Smith shared results of the student first-week survey and announced an instructional planning town hall meeting on Wednesday, September 30 at noon.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to instructors, September 11, 2020 (PDF)
Dean Smith provided important updates and requests ahead of the start of the fall semester, including Canvas and Syllabi Central requirements, classroom information, and masking and self-screening policies.
Recording of A&S staff town hall meeting, August 25, 2020
Dr. Steven Lawrence and leaders from Arts & Sciences and across the university shared information on health concerns related to the start of the academic year.
Instructional updates and resources for fall semester, August 21, 2020 (PDF)
Deans Hu, Smith, and Maffly-Kipp shared updates related to fall instruction, including strategies for inclusive and safe teaching, new online teaching tools, contact info for new Instructional Specialists, outdoor interaction spaces, and classroom engagement moderators.
Recording of A&S faculty town hall meeting, August 19, 2020
Dr. Steven Lawrence and leaders from Arts & Sciences and across the university shared information on health concerns related to teaching and classrooms for the fall semester.
Updates on fall instruction, August 4, 2020 (PDF)
Deans Hu and Smith shared details with faculty on fall academic planning, including notes on course logistics and the hire of two new instructional specialists for Arts & Sciences.
Ballot results and communicating about fall, July 30, 2020 (PDF)
Dean Smith announced to faculty that the Arts & Sciences instructional practices and policies for AY 20-21 and Leave of Absence policies were adopted by a wide margin. She also encourages faculty to reach out to students about the fall.
Message from Dean Feng Sheng Hu to Arts & Sciences, July 31, 2020 (PDF)
Following the release of Washington University's plan for fall 2020, Arts & Sciences leadership provided additional information regarding next steps and opportunities to learn more about the fall semester.
Danforth Campus Digest, July 16, 2020 (PDF)
Compilation of COVID-19 updates includes the following: reporting and response to positive COVID-19 cases or exposure, campus requirements for masks, other health and safety policies, and resources for family care.
Statement in support of our international students, July 9, 2020
Following a policy change from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, deans Feng Sheng Hu, Jen Smith, and Laurie Maffly-Kipp affirmed Arts & Sciences' support of our international students.
Recording of A&S Town Hall Meeting, June 4, 2020
Arts & Sciences leadership shared updates on the Fall 2020 academic calendar and developments from the Arts & Sciences Instructional Task Force.
Message from Chancellor Andrew Martin to the university community, May 27, 2020 (PDF)
To allow for a phased approach to bringing students and faculty back to the Danforth Campus, the university is making changes to the academic calendar.
Recording of A&S Town Hall Meeting, May 12, 2020
Dean Barbara Schaal, Dean Jen Smith, and Associate Dean Bill Tolman shared updates on campus operations and instruction preparations for fall 2020.
Recording of A&S Town Hall Meeting, April 22, 2020
Arts & Sciences leadership and Hank Webber, executive vice chancellor and chief administrative officer for the university, shared updates and answered questions from faculty and staff.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to instructors, April 17, 2020 (PDF)
Dean Smith shared guidance on final assessments, addressing scheduling, technological concerns, academic integrity issues, and disability accommodations.
Recap of A&S Town Hall Meeting, April 15, 2020 (PDF)
Arts & Sciences leadership shared updates and answered questions from faculty and staff, and Cheri LeBlanc and Bill Powderly shared information on the overall epidemiology of COVID-19 and projections for the next several months.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to instructors, April 15, 2020 (PDF)
Dean Smith shared course evaluation templates for spring 2020, which have been revised in light of the mid-semester shift to remote learning.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to instructors, April 14, 2020 (PDF)
Dean Smith shared important support resources for students and instructors, including resources for mental health, academic support, and financial assistance.
Danforth Campus Digest, April 10, 2020 (PDF)
Compilation of COVID-19 updates includes the following: employee and contractor safety, online professional development for staff, thanking medical personnel and first responders, and university response efforts in the St. Louis region.
Recap of A&S Town Hall Meeting, April 8, 2020 (PDF)
Arts & Sciences leadership and representatives from Human Resources shared updates and answered questions from faculty and staff on a variety of issues relevant to the A&S community.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to instructors, April 6, 2020 (PDF)
Based on feedback from surveys of students and instructors, Dean Smith shared important adjustments for remote instruction, including engaging students directly when possible, continuing to hold office hours, and being mindful of student workloads.
Danforth Campus Digest, April 6, 2020 (PDF)
Compilation of COVID-19 updates includes the following: updated campus screening instructions, spring semester updates, and information on the WashU Crisis Response Fund and other support for students and employees.
Recap of A&S Town Hall Meeting, April 1, 2020 (PDF)
Arts & Sciences leadership and representatives from the Office for International Students and Scholars shared updates and answered questions from faculty and staff on a variety of issues relevant to the A&S community.
Danforth Campus Digest, March 27, 2020 (PDF)
Compilation of COVID-19 updates includes the following: updated interim policies for academic instruction, travel, events and visitors; parking and transportation updates; and tips for using Zoom.
Recap of questions and answers from A&S Town Hall Meeting, March 25, 2020 (PDF)
Arts & Sciences leadership shared updates and answered questions from faculty and staff on a variety of issues relevant to the A&S community.
Danforth Campus Digest, March 23, 2020 (PDF)
Compilation of COVID-19 updates includes the following: resources for online teaching and learning, campus building access, mental health resources, and ways to help.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to undergraduate students, March 20, 2020 (PDF)
Recap for undergraduate students on interim academic policies and plans for remote learning, as well as reminders on academic integrity and resources. This note also includes an attachment detailing interim academic policies.
Message from Dean Barbara Schaal to faculty and staff, March 20, 2020 (PDF)
Recap of important topics covered throughout the week, including remote work policies, instructional and research continuity information, and library and building access. The next virtual town hall meeting will take place Wednesday, March 25 from 12-1 p.m.
Message from Dean Jen Smith to instructors, March 20, 2020 (PDF)
Ahead of remote instruction beginning Monday, March 23, Dean Smith outlines important information, policies, and resources for instructors. Information about disability accommodations, academic integrity, course evaluations, intellectual property, and more is included.
Message from Dean William Tate to graduate students, March 20, 2020 (PDF)
The Graduate School has implemented changes to academics, research and funding, teaching, and requirements and deadlines for the spring 2020 semester. Medical, mental health, and pharmacy services remain available to graduate students through the included contact information.
Danforth Campus Digest, March 19, 2020 (PDF)
Compilation of COVID-19 updates includes the following: Return travelers must continue to be screened; access is restricted for campus buildings; work-related communications about COVID-19 must be approved before distribution; Staff Day and many other events are canceled.
Message from University Libraries to faculty, March 19, 2020 (PDF)
University Libraries has compiled information on Remote Resources and Guidance for Users. Most library locations will remain open with limited hours and access through Friday, March 20, and then will be closed through at least Monday, April 6.
Message from Associate Vice Chancellor M. Kirk Dougher to students, March 18, 2020 (PDF)
Creating routines, engaging in healthy habits, and other strategies are recommended for managing anxiety during this time of unsettling transition. Habif Health and Wellness Center and other WashU resources are available to provide mental health support to students.
Message from Disability Services to students, March 18 2020 (PDF)
Disability Resources staff are committed to supporting students through this national emergency. An attached FAQ provides guidance, and students may arrange phone and Zoom appointments for individual assistance.
Recap of questions and answers from A&S Town Hall Meeting, March 17, 2020 (PDF)
Arts & Sciences leadership shared updates and answered questions from faculty and staff.
Message from Chancellor Martin to university faculty and staff, March 16, 2020 (PDF)
The university is moving to alternate operations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. This message and embedded FAQ page detail procedures for transitioning portions of the university to remote operations as soon as possible and no later than March 23.
Message from Dean Barbara Schaal to instructors, March 16, 2020 (PDF)
In order to provide an inclusive learning environment, courses moving online should have options for learning asynchronously, extended windows for timed assessments, and other accommodations. Instructors should plan for the strong possibility of working from home.
Message from Dean Jennifer Smith to chairs and directors, March 16, 2020 (PDF)
Instructors must make a number of decisions regarding courses, such as deadline changes and grading options, by Wednesday, March 18. Excel spreadsheets will be provided to gather the needed information for each course.
Message from from Vice Chancellor Jennifer Lodge to research community, March 16, 2020 (PDF)
A virtual Town Hall is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, from 11:00 a.m. to noon to answer questions about research operations. Research groups/labs should develop continuity plans in case research personnel are unable to come to work or the situation in St. Louis worsens. FAQs are available online.
Message from Dean Jennifer Smith to ArtSci undergraduates, March 13, 2020 (PDF)
Interim amendments to undergraduate academic policies have been put in place for the spring 2020 semester.
Message from Dean Barbara Schaal to Arts & Sciences faculty, March 13, 2020 (PDF)
Resources for moving courses online are available through the Center for Teaching and Learning and other university sources. Instructors should communicate directly with their students about upcoming changes.
Message from Dean Barbara Schaal to Arts & Sciences, March 13, 2020 (PDF)
Final exams for spring 2020 will be conducted virtually.
Recap of questions and answers from A&S Town Hall Meeting, March 12, 2020 (PDF)
Arts & Sciences leadership shared updates and answered questions from faculty and staff.
Message from Dean William Tate to graduate students and instructors, March 11, 2020 (PDF)
Guidelines are issued for dissertation defenses, campus recruitment visits, and student events and activities.