Health and safety in the classroom

Guidance

The fall 2021 semester will be a more traditional in-person academic experience, with a few continuing precautions.

Frequently asked questions

How will classrooms be cleaned and disinfected?

Classrooms and other learning spaces will be cleaned and disinfected on a regular schedule by Custodial Services.

Classrooms and other learning spaces will no longer be disinfected with each occupancy change. Disinfecting supplies will be available in classrooms for faculty and students to use as needed.

Please see COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance for detailed information on cleaning protocols.

As an instructor, can I inform my class that someone in the class has tested positive for COVID-19 or been identified as a close contact?

No. Records regarding a student's COVID-19 test result or status as a close contact are confidential under FERPA. In addition, do not share any other information for purposes of contact tracing, unless requested by a county or state public health official, or by Lafene Health Center contact tracers acting on behalf of Riley County Health Department.

Instructors should not ask students for any information about potential close contacts. That is, do not on your own try to determine or communicate about who has been exposed or who may be a "close contact." Under the Kansas contact tracing privacy law, those notifications must be provided only by and at the direction of public health officials.

Instructors may find it helpful to inform the class of how COVID-related absences will be handled and how privacy will be protected. The following example language may be used: "If someone in our class is diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19, please know that I am not allowed to share that information as it is confidential under the law. In addition, Kansas law requires that all contact tracing be completed by public health officials. If public health officials determine that you were a close contact, contact tracers will contact you directly."

If a student is coughing or otherwise appears to feel ill in class, can I ask them to leave?

Faculty should not ask students to leave class if they are coughing or otherwise appear ill. Faculty may have a conversation with students after class or during a break to advise them to visit Lafene Health Center for evaluation of their illness. Faculty also may remind students that they are expected not to attend class when sick. Faculty may contact the Office of Student Life for information on a student's clearance to attend class.