Student Academic Continuity Information
March 11, 2020
Dear UTHSC Students:
Today, Chancellor Schwab, in collaboration with the UT System, announced immediate plans
for the UT campuses to deal with the COVID-19 situation. Effective March 23, all
in-person, didactic courses will be offered remotely. Clinical rotations will continue
as usual and graduate students will continue to work in labs until further notice.
This document provides some basic information about getting ready to teach remotely.
The definitive source for information may be found at our Academic Continuity Webpage. The site provides timely updates, teaching resources, information about AFSA services,
FAQs, and a portal to submit questions.
Please know that our top priorities are to keep everyone healthy while ensuring that
students meet their course requirements. For those students who are to graduate in
May, we will work to provide opportunities for you meet all the program requirements
with the goal of graduating on time. We are doing our utmost to support your success
and truly appreciate your understanding and collaboration.
This memo provides some general information. For specific questions about your academic
program, please contact the individuals assigned as the college representative during
this time.
|
College |
Program |
Program Representative |
|
Office and Cell Number |
|
COD
|
DH |
Dr. Lynn Russell |
O: 901.448.6823 |
|
|
DDS |
Dr. Jeff Brooks |
O: 901.448.6202 C: 901.568.4887 |
||
|
COGHS |
All programs |
Dr. John Cox |
O: 901.448.7080 |
|
|
COHP |
ASP |
Dr. Patti Johnstone |
O: 865.974.3319 C: 608.235.8972 |
|
|
CLS |
Dr. Kathy Kenwright |
O: 901.448.6338 C: 901.496.1967 |
||
|
HIIM |
Dr. Rebecca Reynolds |
O: 901.448.6304 C: 901.338.1295 |
||
|
MCP
|
Dr. Keisha Burnett |
O: 901.448.2718 C: 901.827.2273 |
||
|
OT |
Ms. Jami Flick |
O: 901.448.2296 C: 901.568.6467 |
||
|
PT |
Dr. Jeff Taylor |
O: 901.448.3356 C: 336.906.4559 |
||
|
COM |
MD |
Dr. Mike Whitt |
O: 901.448.4634 |
|
|
PA |
Mr. Kris Maday |
O: 901.448.2378 |
||
|
CON |
BSN |
Dr. Randy Johnson |
O: 901.448.6137 C: 937.532.5028 |
|
|
DNP |
Dr. Bobby Bellflower |
|
O: 901.448.4153 C: 901.921.7621
|
|
|
COP |
PharmD |
Dr. Dawn Havrda |
O: 901.448.1841 |
How will I know what is happening in my program?
Students should check their UTHSC email account often. The UTHSC email is the official mode of communication for the University. Failure to closely monitor emails from
the academic program and campus administrators could result in missed updates, assignments
or scheduled activities and other general announcements.
What about the Audiology and Speech Pathology in Knoxville?
All in person classes would be offered remotely.
Students in research labs would continue to conduct research.
Students on clinical rotations would continue and would follow the guidance from the
host site.
What about the College of Pharmacy sites in Knoxville and Nashville?
All in person classes would be offered remotely.
Students in research labs would continue to conduct research.
Students on clinical rotations would continue and would follow the guidance from the
host site.
How will lab classes be handled?
Should UTHSC move to remote teaching, we will make arrangements for holding labs as
feasible and will also make arrangements to make-up labs once everyone returns to
campus. Some labs may be held in the evenings or on weekends.
How will simulation experiences be handled?
Just as with lab classes, we will make arrangements to have simulation activities
as feasible and make up simulation experiences will be arranged when needed. The CHIPS
team has provided information to faculty on ways to offer some virtual simulation
experiences.
For Students on Rotation and in Research Labs
Should I continue to go to my rotations or my research lab?
Rotations: Yes – unless your preceptor instructs you otherwise. Check in with your
preceptor for specific guidance. As always, if a practice site is open for business,
students are expected to participate regardless of whether the UTHSC campus is closed
for any reason or has shifted to remote approaches to instruction.
Research Labs: Yes – unless your advisor instructs you otherwise. If the labs are
open, students are expected to participate regardless of whether the UTHSC campus
is closed for any reason or has shifted to remote approaches to instruction.
What if I become sick?
Please stay home and contact your preceptor and program representative to advise them
of the situation. The program will work to ensure a make-up plan put in place for
time missed.
What if I’ve been exposed to the virus or someone I live with has been placed on quarantine?
- Do not go immediately into a health care facility. First, contact your Primary Care Provider for guidance should you be concerned about your health risks, exposure or illness.
- Contact your preceptor.
- Contact your program representative (see listing above)
All health systems have protocols in place to assess risk for people who may have
come into contact with someone diagnosed with a viral infection, including coronavirus.
Seek guidance from your preceptor and your primary care provider and communicate any
alterations in your schedule to your program representative.
What if I’m asked to leave my rotation or research lab?
Rotation: Please contact your program representative. If you are healthy but your
site preceptor has determined they are dismissing student learners for a time, try
to determine the duration of your leave from the site. Understandably, as the COVID-19
situation continues to evolve, your preceptor may not know when you would be permitted
to return to the site.
Research Labs: Please contact your program representative. If you are healthy but
your off-campus site researcher has determined they are dismissing student learners
for a time, try to determine the duration of your leave from the site. Understandably,
as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, your preceptor may not know when you
would be permitted to return to the site.
What if I’m concerned for my safety?
Feeling apprehensive in these times of fast-moving information streams and evolving
situations is normal, and sometimes the lack of clarity adds to that feeling. If you’re
comfortable doing so, talk to your preceptor about any concerns you might have, especially
if they involve the healthcare setting you are in. Also, contact your program representative
to share your concerns. We will work together, along with any other resources needed,
to ensure you’re able to progress in your learning and feel confidently supported.
Your program representative can meet with you via Zoom to provide guidance and support.
Also, reach out to the counselors and education specialists in the Office of Student Academic Support Services and Inclusion. They can work with you to develop useful strategies for dealing with anxiety.
General Questions
If UTHSC shifts to remote coursework for campus-based classes, will it impact students’
academic progression?
There should be no impact of this decision on your progression. If UTHSC shifts to
remote coursework, faculty and administrators would work together to ensure all course
requirements are met.
Where can I find information about UTHSC’s plans for my program?
The best resource for ongoing updates for students, faculty and staff is the Academic Continuity Website.
What should I do to prevent the spread of the virus?
From the CDC: There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However,
as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the
spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to your program representative.
You may also contact Academic, Faculty and Student Affairs via email or phone at 901-448-4930.
The best way to approach this situation is to be flexible, monitor your email frequently,
watch for updates through the UTHSC Coronavirus site, and stay in touch with your
program representative.
Our focus remains keeping our community healthy and fulfilling our mission to educate
and support you as healthcare providers and scientists who promote the health and
well-being of the public. On behalf of UTHSC, we offer our thanks for your patience
as we work together to minimize the impact of the virus on our community.