COVID-19 update for faculty and staff

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As we prepare for remote classes to begin on Monday, here are some important updates.

Remote teaching help

Teaching and Learning (T&L) services at the Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses are available to assist you with teaching remotely. Please visit the Course Contingency Roadmap which includes an FAQ. Email T&L at asktlc@ufv.ca (extended hours between 8am and 6pm this weekend), or call us at 604-854-4546 (between 8am and 4 this weekend) with your questions or to make an appointment to work with one of our staff.

Tech tip: If you plan on teaching synchronously through web conferencing (T&L supports Blackboard Collaborate), we suggest you avoid delivering three hour lectures online. Instead, break lectures into 20 minute blocks with time to write notes, read, reflect or discuss with others. It’s difficult to sit through an online presentation (or deliver one!) for lengthy periods of time.

Finally, if you are new to Blackboard watch these short videos on the fundamentals.

Libraries

The Abbotsford and Chilliwack libraries will be closed to ensure social distancing. Library staff are ready to assist you online, and our digital collections are always available. Please check the Library’s blog for more information. Please note: room G 210 – the computer lab is open.

Campus access:

UFV is open and here is a complete update of available facilities.

ITS help

The IT Service Desk has extended hours 8am-8pm Monday through Friday through all remote channels including phone, email, remote desktop control, as well as through our ticketing system itservicedesk.ufv.ca and our website www.ufv.ca/its or call local 4610 or 604-864-4610.

You can access blackboard, email, and file sharing remotely with a computer and an internet connection – no special programs or other equipment is required. More information and instructions are available through the ITS page.

Desktop, classroom, and meeting room support for staff and faculty who remain on campus, will be available for technician dispatch. Contact the IT Service Desk for assistance. If in-person support at the IT Service Desk is essential, please contact us to confirm if remote support can be offered first, and if not, we will work on an alternative arrangement.

Research:

The Research Office is available to students via email or phone.

The office is distributing research assistant contracts, timesheets, and expense claims as usual either in hard copy or email, but is located inside the Library, and behind locked doors. Students may call 604-557-4074 for assistance with documents. Contact information here.

Trades

Trades programs will resume on Monday in remote learning formats only. Due to the nature of learning a trade and the differing complexities of integrating practical and theory, instructors will connect with students and advise of the plan for each trade. Welding is the only exception, and will not start again on Monday. Welding will be paused until we can resume face-to-face instruction.

Computer labs available:

Abbotsford:

Building D, Room 204

Building G, Room 210

Chilliwack:

Building A, Room A0024, and A1202 (enter through the side hall entrance not the library)

Building T – T2001

Services – modified hours beginning March 23

  • The UFV Bookstores:

Abbotsford, Monday – Thursday. 8:30 – 4:30 (Closed Friday)

Chilliwack, Monday – Thursday 9 – 4 (Closed Friday)

  • Tim Hortons: Closed
  • Cascade Café:
  • Cascade Café: Abbotsford 10am – 2pm Wednesday-Thursday. Chilliwack closed as of March 25.
  • The Parking Desk:  Closed
  • Campus Card Office: Monday to Friday, 9am – 4:00pm
  • Print Services: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30pm (CEP) and 12-4 (Abbotsford)

SUS Shuttle:

The Student Union Society Shuttle Bus suspended operations on Friday, March 20.

A reminder: UFV and the Fraser Health Authority encourage you to check factual health sources for information relating to COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolation, and testing. BC has a dedicated COVID-19 line at 1-888-COVID19 or text 1-888-268-4319, or 604-630-0300. Health Canada has resources on prevention and risk, symptoms, and what to do if you are diagnosed with COVID-19.

Thank you for your work and for continuing to engage learners in these unusual and challenging circumstances. Your dedication and perseverance are admirable.

4 thoughts on “COVID-19 update for faculty and staff”

    • Thanks Brian. The Provincial Health Officer has not indicated universities need to shut down and UFV, like other post-secondaires across the province, is operating with massive social distancing measures in place, including remote learning for students, remote teaching for faculty, and remote work for many staff. Its all about the distance, Brain, the distance.

  2. It’s all about the isolation, Dave, the isolation as the virus can stay in surfaces and someone else can pick it up. Please be safe everyone and follow the healthcare instructions.

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