FAQ re covid-19/ Coronavirus, version 2

FAQ re covid-19/ Coronavirus, version 2

This is a version of a document that will no doubt evolve and expand, as we learn more and lecturers raise more issues. New sections are marked by italics. As things are changing so quickly (and communication is being managed so poorly), it is very possible that even by the time you read this, some things will have changed again. At any rate, we remain committed to communicating with you all and representing your interests with management.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. Please feel free to write to virusinquiries@leounion.org if you have questions or concerns that are not addressed below.

Is the University closed?

No. Classes were cancelled for two days (Thursday and Friday) and resumed online on Monday March 16. Staff is still working on normal functions of the U and supporting the conversion to online teaching, mostly from home. Libraries are no longer open, per order of the governor. However, there should be computing lab/ classroom space for students and faculty needing support. You can still meet with students, staff, and colleagues, as you wish, although larger gatherings should be avoided.  

UPDATE: STUDENT WERE TOLD ABRUPTLY AND UNCEREMONIOUSLY YESTERDAY THAT THEY ARE TO VACATE THE DORMS BY 8 AM THIS MORNING, WEDNESDAY. THE DEAN OF STUDENTS DID NOT SEE FIT TO INFORM THE FACULTY OR THE PROVOST/ DEANS OFFICES OF THIS DECISION. One chair called it “an epic failure of communication.” THE RESULT HAS BEEN TOTAL CHAOS. PLEASE BE SENSITIVE TO THE STUDENTS’ SITUATION AND POSTPONE ANY EXAMS/ QUIZZES TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE.  

Why are we only getting two days to convert our classes, when other institutions are providing a week?

Good question! Sadly, we were not consulted when that decision was made. Had we been, we would have pointed out that unlike tenure-track faculty, many lecturers teach three and four classes, and converting those in two days is burdensome, to say the least.

That said, no one is expecting instructors to have a fully redesigned course ready online by Monday morning at 8 am. In our discussion with HR, they have made it clear that they understand the challenges, and that they get it that this will be a work in progress. They are pursuing possibly having some IT support available over the weekend, but this will probably be up to individual departments. In general it is really important that you stay in touch with your department as you make the conversion. No one is expecting you to be a hero and figure it all out alone. If you are not getting the IT support you need, let us know (at email above). 

So we would suggest you start by taking a look at your syllabus. It has been clearly communicated to us that no one is expecting that instructors necessarily teach exactly the same course as they had originally planned. If you are anxious about being ready by Monday, you can craft a relatively simple set of assignments for next week, and then gradually bring the course fully online.  

Will I get extra compensation for all this extra work?

Again, a super question! We are pursuing that question with management. No decision has been made yet. We may be sending out a survey to get a sense of the additional workload for lecturers. We have learned that some people have been able to pay themselves/get paid out of their personal professional development or research funds, but most lecturers do not have this option. 

What about the students? Not all students own computers or have wifi in their homes?

Their situation got a lot worse once the libraries (both public and university) closed. There should still be computing facilities open on campus, or so we are told. If you have students with this issue, please let your supervisor know, who should be able to direct them to the appropriate resource in the Dean of Students’ Office. If that does not work, please email us.  

What about my spring or summer classes? Will they be running?

At this time, no decision has been made in Flint and Ann Arbor about spring or summer classes on campus and in the US (NELP, Biostation, etc). It is simply too early to know what will happen. Regarding spring semester (May and June) study abroad programs, they have been cancelled. We have had discussions with HR regarding compensation for that missed work; they have indicated that they are aware of this problem. It is also possible that some of the cancelled spring classes abroad will be taught on campus by the same instructors. Right now, the focus is on the immediate transition to online teaching, but a decision about individual classes will be made in the coming week.  

Also, we just learned that the Dearborn campus made the decision to move its summer I and summer II (ie. May & June, July & August) to online teaching. HR has promised to provide more details from all three campuses as we learn them.  

I am concerned about the impact on my end of term evaluations. I have never taught online and this is all new to me.

Everyone understands that this is new territory. We have solid contract language about how “an isolated incident” cannot be the basis for failing a review. That said, if an instructor runs into problems with an online class not functioning properly, you should be in touch with your supervisor immediately. We will be discussing this issue with management at a Special Conference.

The CDC is urging people to get their refills before the virus gets more widespread, but my insurance has turned down my request. What should I do?

LEO requested the Benefits Office to lean on BCBS to get this restriction relaxed. We just heard Tuesday evening that as long as you have refills left on your prescription and provided your pharmacy has the medication available, you will be able to refill prescriptions early.  

I don’t have good internet (or any internet) or computing capability at home. How can I be expected to teach my classes online?

When we first heard about the decision to move instruction online, we were assured that lecturers would be provided with laptops and hotspots, etc, so they could teach remotely. However, that is clearly not happening everywhere; we have heard that lecturers have been told there is no money/ resources to let them check out laptops, etc. Some lecs have opted to come to campus and teach from their usual classroom; with sufficient tech support, that may be a viable option. Others are working with just phone and email.   If you are in this position and feel you cannot do your work, we absolutely want to hear from you via the virusinquiries@leounion.org email address. 

I am currently under review and was supposed to have a classroom observation. What does it mean to be observed online?

First, let us just note that given that the reviews are all due on March 31, we are a little surprised that classroom observations are still happening. That aside, we have the following understanding with HR: If a review committee thinks the person is going to pass anyway, they can just skip the observation. (A department can always do an observation in the fall and provide feedback then, separate from the review.) If the committee feels they need the observation to make an informed decision, the lecturer's appointment will be extended by one year, the review will be done next year, and the raise, the new appointment, and possible title change will be retroactive to Sept. 1, 2020. 

Is it Okay to change/ modify my syllabus because of this?

Yes, in fact it almost seems inevitable. Obviously if it is a multi-sectioned course, talk to the course coordinator and your colleagues. If you are teaching a stand alone class, you may want to check with your supervisor. Admin keeps telling us to be flexible and creative -- let’s see how flexible and creative they are willing to be.  

I read that additional sick leave has been granted, but I am not understanding how it works. Can you help?

We don’t blame you for feeling confused, because the language is pretty opaque (see here). To start with the basics, even before covid-19, everyone had (and still has) three weeks of short term sick leave, which renews every year (1/1 in LSA, 9/1 everywhere else). Short term sick can be used for your own illness or to care for an ill family member. In addition, once you have worked here at at least 50% for at least two years, you have access to extended sick leave (6 months at full pay, 6 months at half pay), which can only be used for your own illness. The purpose of the additional two weeks of pay (80 hrs for full time, prorated for part timers) is that it would be used first (before the short term and extended sick leave) in case of “a Covid19 related issue.” It can be used for your own illness, to care for a family member/other qualified adult, for child care, and in case of lost work (like layoff -- which no one in our bargaining unit has experienced so far).  

However, in case of childcare needs, we understand the difficulties of teaching from home while caring for young children. If your children interrupt you during an online lecture, so be it -- no one is expecting otherwise. In case of more sustained problems, HR is recommending that before utilizing the leave for child care purposes that you contact your supervisor/ department/ college. Maybe you can get GSI help with grading. Maybe a tech savvy colleague can help out. Maybe it is OK to drop an assignment/modify your syllabus, etc.

But we recognize the hardship, and will raise it in the special conference. In the meantime, LEO is working on setting up childcare coops -- maybe a colleague can come to your house and take your kids to the park for an hour or two, allowing you to get some work done. Let us know if you would like to volunteer for this.

Should I worry longer term about my class being transferred to online teaching longer term?

We have heard this concern from a few members. However, everyone we have talked to in admin is fervently hoping we will be going back to normal soon. Of course, in Flint and Dearborn, much teaching is online already, so the calculation may be different here.

I am currently abroad and worried about the new travel ban from Europe. When can I return to the US?

As we understand the situation, if you are a US citizen or green card holder/permanent resident, the ban does not apply to you and you will be able to come back. If you are not in those categories, please let us know asap. 

Also if you are abroad with students, some of whom may not be US citizens, you will want to be in touch with your Department as soon as possible to figure out how we can help those students return.  

Once students return, there is an additional concern about where they will live and what they will be doing, which the University is currently attempting to solve. If a lecturer has problems finding a place to live upon an unplanned return, please get in touch with us and we will advocate on your behalf with the employer.  

I am an international lecturer and worried about travel bans, border closing etc. What do I do when my visa expires at the end of the year, if I cannot return to my home country? And what do I do, if I can’t come back to the US from my home country next year?

In a sane and well-ordered world, such questions would have reasonable answers. As it is, the only answer we can give is that it is too early to tell. Moreover, these are federal decisions (and decisions of your home country) on which LEO and even the University of Michigan have little impact. Your best bet is to stay in touch with the International Center here at the U for the latest on the federal rules. LEO will be talking to them also. And by all means let LEO know if you find yourself in a problematic situation and we will do everything we can to help.

IN CONCLUSION, as things evolve, this is the second of probably several FAQs. Please be assured that we are all in this together, and that as your union LEO will do its best to help out in this unprecedented situation.