The College of Engineering’s weekly update aims to provide transparent and frequent information about how the College is operating, adapting and caring for its community. Updated information can always be found at the College’s COVID website. Questions and feedback can be submitted here.
We are exactly 50 days away (Nov. 20) from when U-M is moving to fully remote courses to conduct final projects and exams – after Thanksgiving break. Fifty days is going to fly by, and there are a few important touchpoints along the way – to help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.
Friday, October 2, 1:00 – 1:45pm
U-M Weekly COVID Briefing
New weekly Zoom with President Schlissel and other U-M leaders. This week they’ll address U-M’s COVID response metrics and mitigation strategies – what they’re tracking related to COVID, and what measures might be put in place in the case of various scenarios.
Wednesday, October 14, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Faculty Meeting – RSVP to come
Inviting all instructors to engage in a check-in and conversation about the semester.
Thursday, October 15, 9:00 – 10:30am
Staff State of the College Address – RSVP
Hear College updates surrounding COVID-19, DEI initiatives and our Michigan community. Followed by a Q&A for the dean to answer any questions you may have.
WELLNESS AND POSITIVITY
Levels of student outreach around mental health resources is high – students are feeling stressed and concerned about their progress in classes at unprecedented rates. Please practice extra patience and empathy, and be mindful of your responses to student challenges. This document provides sample language and resources to help you navigate stressful situations with students in need.
Also remember these resources are available:
- SilverCloud: An interactive mental health portal that can help you sleep better and manage stress anxiety and depression.
- C.A.R.E. Center: The central hub to assist engineering students through a variety of challenging circumstances, both inside and outside of the classroom.
REMINDER: FUNDING FOR CONVERTING W21 COURSES TO HYBRID TEACHING
Faculty who need funding to convert their W21 courses to new formats may apply for up to approximately $5000. Support will be prioritized for ENGR100 sections, capstone design courses, and lab courses. Funds can be used for a wide array of activities including hiring student temps to develop online modules as well as purchasing lab kits, equipment, or other supplies. Funding cannot be used for additional salary for faculty. To apply for a grant, please prepare a 1 page proposal and submit via this link by October 19, 2020.
WHITEBOARD ALTERNATIVES FOR REMOTE TEACHING
One of the questions that comes up often is how to replace using whiteboards in classrooms and office hours. In May, as part of the Engineering Teaching and Learning symposium, a session was held on whiteboard alternatives and the recording is available.
ITS SOLUTION FOR STUDENTS BASED IN CHINA
ITS recently introduced MLane, a new IT solution for U-M students studying remotely from China during the 2020-21 school year. For more on MLane, plus tips and best practices for teaching globally distributed students, read this post from the Nexus Faculty Resources Blog.