NEWS

Basic policy concerning teaching for AY2023

Update: March 8, 2023

To all students

This policy will apply to the entire academic year in 2023. It may be modified as necessary, and in such cases we will inform all faculty, staff and students.

In principle, for AY2023 classes will be held face-to-face. Large-size classes (based on past enrollment results) will no longer automatically be offered online, therefore, in principle, large classes will also be taught face-to-face.

1. The basic policy for face-to-face classes is that all classes will be held in person for the entire term.
2. In face-to-face courses, some class meetings may be held online at the discretion of the instructor. In principle, online class meetings in face-to-face courses will be limited to no more than 10% of the total number of class meetings (or one week of classes) per term. The days when the class meetings will be held online shall be clearly stated in the syllabus and on Moodle, and made known to students in advance.

 

Limited use of online classes in AY2023

1. A limited number of courses will be offered online in AY2023. Online courses will be offered in that mode of instruction for the entire semester, as is currently the case.
2. Online courses will no longer be used as a countermeasure against the novel coronavirus.
3. A small number of courses will be offered online for special purposes, in other words for purposes that have specific educational or operational merits (e.g. online credit transfer programs).

 

Measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19

1. All persons infected with COVID-19 and persons in close contact with infected persons will be asked to follow the instructions of local Health Centers (hokenjo) and the ICU Health Care Office.
2. Where possible, faculty will make reasonable accommodations for students who are absent due to COVID-19 infections or who are a close contact with infected persons. Reasonable accommodations will not necessarily include giving students permission to participate online in face-to-face courses.

 

Measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in classrooms

1. ICU will follow government instructions and guidelines in determining how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in classrooms.
2. Proper ventilation will be maintained in all classrooms.
3. As indicated in government instructions, the wearing of masks will be optional.
4. We will inform all faculty and students if there are any changes to these measures.

 

Maximum limit of online credits

Beginning in AY2023, the maximum number of credits from online courses that can be used in order to fulfill graduation requirements will be limited to 60. Therefore, starting in AY2023 the university will keep track of the number of credits for online courses that each student takes. This will be done in accordance with Article 40-2 of the University Regulations, which is based on the "University Establishment Standards" (MEXT ordinance). Note that online courses offered from AY2020 to AY2022 have not been counted as online courses because the period was under the "Special Measures against Novel Coronavirus Infections."