One of the amusing aspects of working from home is the surprise appearances and “guest lectures” by animal companions marching across keyboards or barking up a ruckus. Today’s update pays homage to these helpful distractions… 

A Howling Good Idea: We are excited to announce an initiative to create a Dean of Arts Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Award. The EDI award will recognize faculty, students, and staff who have demonstrated excellence in supporting and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Faculty of Arts and/or the broader community. Award recipients may be an individual or group inclusive of faculty, students, and staff studying or working within the Faculty of Arts. We invite faculty, students, and staff who are interested in serving on an ad hoc committee to assist in the EDI award to please contact Associate Dean Shelley Boyd at shelley.boyd@kpu.ca.  

Pivots, Pirouettes, Piqués, and Poodles: In this éclat reflection published by the Online Learning Consortium, our own Rajiv Jhanjiani likens the transitions we have gone through in the context of Covid to the ballet. It is an homage to the agility, grace of faculty during this period and provides a positive framework for thinking about our phases of growth and progression.  

Letting the Cat Out of the Bag – Covid Messaging to Students: A small number of Arts faculty will have in-person components to their Fall classes. The following language about Covid is recommended for course presentations, and for use in conversation with students, in these cases.   

COVID Preamble for use in Course Presentation: At KPU, we want to ensure the safety of everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The BC Public Health Office directives around COVID-19 are for the safety of yourself and others and it is imperative that you follow your instructor’s directions around classroom safety. You may be asked to wear Personal Protective Equipment such as a mask during this course and, if given this direction, you must comply immediately or you will be asked to leave the classroom until you are able to comply with your instructor’s direction. Also, if you are exhibiting signs of any illness you may be asked to leave the classroom. We know these are difficult times for everyone and we appreciate your understanding around the safety protocols in place for this course.

A Script for use with students showing signs of illness: “I have observed that you are displaying signs and symptoms of being ill. Due to the BC Public Health Office directives around COVID-19 and for the safety of yourself and others, I am sending you home to monitor your symptoms. Please connect with 811 to determine if you need to self-isolate or what guidelines you may need to follow. I will be in touch via email around any missing assignments or other course information and next steps.”

All Blogs Go to Heaven: Arts is rolling out a blog which will contain an archive of all our updates so far, a repository of resources, and some special additional features. Be on the lookout for the debut next week. 

We know that, at almost eight weeks into a very challenging summer semester, it can seem like an impossible journey; and we continue to be inspired by the care and commitment to students you are bringing in these times. Our very best to all – and all our animal friends! – for a wonderful weekend.

Diane, Shelley, Wade, and Greg

Associate Dean having a word with his home office assistant