Instructional Continuity

We live in a region where we are at risk for extended campus closures due to weather and fire, and now we are systematically preparing for a potential health related pandemic, COVID-19. Preparedness plans help the institution to identify ways to provide temporary remote instruction and to identify instructional support needs for instructors, staff, and students.

Faculty should work with Distance Learning staff and identified faculty mentors who can provide Canvas assistance and ideas for the range of activities needed to support learning during a period of temporary remote instruction, including:

• Providing instruction (through synchronous class time, live and recorded lectures)
• Setting up online office hours (which may be especially important in this situation)
• Setting up discussion groups, group work, and online writing and reflection
• Arranging for how students will submit work online and receive feedback and grades
• Arranging for examinations or exam options

In order to scale up support for faculty in this situation, while the campus remains open, Distance Learning staff will be:

• Holding daily office hours for faculty (in person and virtual)
• Visiting department meetings on request
• Providing one-on-one support for faculty where necessary

Faculty may also contact Distance Learning staff or identified faculty mentors to discuss how to ensure academic integrity. Faculty should hold office hours online, via Canvas, Zoom, or similar, just as they would have on campus. Students may also sign up for office hours online using Google Calendar, Canvas or by sending an email to their instructor with a request for an appointment via other means such as Skype.

Please see the links below for additional resources:

• Instructional, Student Services, and Shared College Resource Information
• Library Services for Faculty

(Aug. 11, 2020) All Faculty teaching remote via Zoom or online via Canvas are required to be online certified. Please note, if you cannot produce proof of online certification and/or your course has not been locally DE approved by Dec. 31, 2020, you will not be able to teach online or via Zoom starting Spring 2021. No exceptions will be made. The College is currently working on a plan that will provide faculty with the opportunity to complete DE Certification requirements by the indicated deadline.

Faculty will need to ensure that everything posted in Canvas/Online is accessible. For guidance please see the 'Guidance on Accommodations for Students with Disabilities in a Pandemic' document (*Note: this document was developed by Mt. SAC and revised to reflect COS information).

Also, there is a strange phenomenon that has ascended, ZOOMbombing. It’s when uninvited individuals enter Zoom Meetings and disrupt the discussions with vulgar and uninvited language. This typically occurs after a Zoom link has been posted publically. Follow these tips to prevent your lecture and/or meeting from being Zoombombed: How to Avoid the Zoombomb

(Aug. 11, 2020) All employees/students returning from travel, or relocating from, outside Siskiyou County must provide documentation of a negative COVID-19 test taken after August 1, 2020. In the case of an individual who previously tested positive, clearance to enter campus must be obtained from a medical professional and, prior to being allowed on campus to begin in-person instruction, the individual should isolate for 14 days if prescribed by the Siskiyou County Public Health Department. Area of Commute is excluded from mandatory testing while conducting normal activities.

Employees are directed to follow COVID-19 guidelines and practice social distancing, as recommended by the State of California, the CDC and Siskiyou Public Health.

(Aug. 11, 2020) When you arrive to campus, you will be required to:

• Self-monitor before arrival with Touchwork app.
• When on the Weed Campus, enter via College Ave and drive toward kiosk in lot "A". For those not teaching, working or enrolled in classes at the Yreka campus, the Yreka campus is open by appointment only. Visitors or prospective students can schedule an appointment by emailing cosyreka@siskiyous.edu or calling (530) 938-5550.
• Provide confirmation of daily self-monitor completion or park in identified stall for on-spot self-monitoring.

Employees will be provided with a wristband. Employees who have walked or bussed to the Weed campus can check-in at the TRIO Center after 8AM or at lot “A” prior to entering any other building on campus. Employees who have walked or bussed to the Yreka campus can check-in at the Welcome Center.

(Nov. 18, 2020) Yes! The process is as follows (please note, this is for items purchased by the District (ex. Chair, monitor, etc..):

1. Complete the Faculty Equipment Check Out Form
2. Submit the form via email to your respective Director/Dean who will then forward to the Vice President of Academic Affairs
3. Once approved, the appropriate Happy Fox/School Dude requests will be submitted and then you will be contacted to schedule a day/time for pick up.

Please inform your students to:

• Sign-up for COS Connect: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085611736#/login
• Check their email often for updates
• Expect that classes will operate as scheduled unless otherwise notified and, expect to continue participating in classes through a campus closure
• Identify technology means to access their courses remotely in the instance of a campus closure
• Communicate with their instructor(s) if they have questions/concerns

For more information, feel free to direct your students to the Student FAQ page.

A move to instructional continuity will not affect Faculty compensation.

Faculty can first use The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) prior to using accrued sick leave. For more information and available leave hours through the FFCRA, visit The Department of Labor website.