Returning to the School of Art Fall 2020
Since our move to online instruction last spring, we have been eagerly looking forward to our return to campus this fall. This summer, the School of Art administrators, staff, and faculty have been diligently working in preparation for a successful new academic year. Throughout the planning process, we have prioritized health and safety concerns as we have established strategies to deliver impactful educational activities.
In light of those priorities, fall coursework in the School of Art will occur both through face-to-face and online modes of instruction.
We hope that the FAQ below will give you a better understanding of our plans. This information is current as of July 22, 2020. Please continue to refer back to this page for updates, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Fall Course Enrollment
Will I have a face-to-face courses this Fall?
Some School of Art courses are offered in the Hyflex mode, which allows for face-to-face teaching. Our major studio courses (Block) and Graduate courses are all Hyflex. All students have the option of choosing online instruction at any time during the course of the semester. All face-to-face experiences will occur with the safety of students and faculty in mind, as they practice appropriate physical distancing and wear masks/face coverings. We recommend that you contact your instructors for specific information about your courses.
How will attendance be taken in online courses?
The same attendance standards apply to online courses as in person courses. Please check with your instructor and see Student Handbook for details. Please refer to this page for the University’s policy on securing an excused absence: https://uh.edu/provost/policies-resources/student/excused-absence-policy/
How will I be expected to turn in sculpture projects or other assignments that are physical?
In most cases, photo and/or video documentation. Check with your individual instructors for more details.
How can I keep up with studio assignments if I have limited space to work in/at home?
The scale of your projects can be modified to fit your available space. Consult with your instructor to work out specific modifications.
Events
What about lectures, workshops, etc. in the fall? Will I be have the opportunity to attend face to face gatherings? Or will I be required to do so?
Will any of these events be available via webcast or livestreamed for audience members who cannot attend in-person?
SCHOOL OF ART FACILITY ACCESS
Will I be able to access the Fine Arts Building or Elgin Street Studios and use Studios this Fall?
Will the School of Art buildings be clean and safe?
How much access will I have to my studio? Will it be 24/7, or will there be hours when the ESS is closed?
What access will I have to the Art and Technology Center?
What Access will I have to the sculpture shop/fabrication facility?
Is it possible the University will shut down again at some point during the semester?
There are many unknowns during this pandemic, and it is possible the University could close again. If this happens, you will have warning and will be able to make arrangements to continue your studio work off campus. Faculty and administrators will work with you as much as needed in order to facilitate your continued education.
What are the cleaning protocols for our studio spaces and shared areas of the Fine Arts buildings?
To ensure the health and safety of students facilities are maintained using aggressive sanitization and hygiene protocols as recommended by authorities. This includes increased custodial cleaning and the availability of hand sanitizer dispensers at all entrances, common areas and elevators. Custodial staff is required to wipe highly touched surfaces, including handrails, push/pull door handles, drinking fountains, tables and other furniture continually touched during the course of the day. The university has increased the frequency that restrooms and common areas are cleaned and disinfected. Once the semester begins, every room on campus that is officially scheduled for a university course will be thoroughly cleaned every night those courses are scheduled. Electrostatic fogging technology will be used to disinfect all surfaces in these rooms.
Can I have non-UH visitors to my studio?
Unfortunately, no. This is to ensure accurate contact tracing should a positive case occur.
What if someone in the SoA gets sick? Will our buildings close temporarily?
Yes. If there is a positive case reported by a student who occupied a space that you shared or occupied, your studio area will be temporarily closed for decontamination and disinfection. You should be able to re-enter your studio within 24-48 hours.
At any point in the semester will I have access to classroom workspace, tools, or the shops?
Only for classes designated as HyFlex. Students enrolled in synchronous and asynchronous classes do not have access to the classroom workspace, tools, or the shops.
Will I have access to the lockers in the Fine Arts Building?
Yes, locker signout will begin August 31st at 8AM. Contact Briana Bougard via email to begin the signout process. bbougard@Central.UH.EDU