NEWS

Policy for the Mode of Instruction for Courses in Autumn Term AY2021

Update: June 15, 2021

To all students

 

For Autumn Term AY2021, we will continue the policy for the mode of instruction from Spring Term with a few minor changes. We continue to hope to be able to increase the number of classes that are taught in person, while continuing to meet the needs of students who are unable to come to ICU campus, but until the COVID-19 epidemic is under control we will have to maintain the status quo.

 

1. Modes of instruction for Autumn Term

(A) Small/medium classes:
With some exceptions, classes with expected enrollments of fewer than 61 students will be held, at the instructor's choice, either online for the entire term or in a "mixed mode."

(B) Mixed mode courses:
As for Autumn Term, courses that combine online and in-person teaching will be called "mixed mode" courses. In "mixed mode" instructors can flexibly mix online-only teaching and hybrid (online and face-to-face) teaching, while making sure that students who cannot come to campus are able to participate in the class online.

(C) Large classes:
Classes with expected enrollments of 61 or more students (large classes) will be held online for the entire term.

(D) Number of students in a classroom:
In principle, the maximum number of students who will be permitted in a classroom will be half the classroom's normal maximum capacity. In the case of the largest classrooms (with a normal maximum capacity of 140 students or more) the maximum number of students will be approximately 40% of the normal maximum capacity.

(E) Face-to-face classes:
A small number of courses will be held entirely in person ("face to face" courses). Students in these courses will not be able to participate online. Courses taught entirely in person include the following two types.
• Some lab courses, fieldwork courses, practicums, and exercise courses in Physical Education.
• Other courses that are suitable for the face-to-face mode of instruction.

 

2. Expectations of Students

In order to increase the participation rate of students in mixed mode classes and to realize a more fulfilling university life, we would like students to keep the following in mind.

If students are taking a class in which they can participate face-to-face, in principle they will be expected to participate on campus and not online.

If students are coming to campus, they are expected to participate face-to-face in mixed mode classes. This includes all students living in the on-campus dormitories.

In order to lower the risk of infection on and off campus, and to ensure that students attending the same classes feel safe, we strongly encourage students to continue to take precautions to avoid risky behavior on and off campus.

 

3. Emergency Situations

It may be necessary to end all face-to-face and mixed mode classes and at some point during Autumn Term if the government declares a state of emergency prohibiting in-person teaching, or if other conditions require it (for example if there is a serious outbreak of COVID-19 infections on campus). In such a case, all courses will be taught online. The university will give instructors, staff and students notice of such a change as promptly as possible.

 

4. Concerning Winter Term

The policy for Winter Term 2021 will be determined separately.

 

Robert Eskildsen, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Yoshito Ishio, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts
Tsuyosi Mizoguchi, Dean of the Graduate School

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