Guidance on asynchronous teaching during inclement weather

Dear Faculty and Instructors,

In advance of the upcoming snowstorm this weekend, President Pines and I recently shared with our community details on how the campus is preparing for the storm, and how students, faculty and staff can receive information about changes in operations and class schedules.

As our weather guidelines state, all classes scheduled while the university is closed are canceled, and in the case of a late opening or early closing, students are expected to report to their classes for any period of time that the university is open.

However, while classes scheduled during closures or delays will not meet, instructors may offer asynchronous instruction to maintain continuity of learning. While the form and utility of asynchronous virtual instruction will vary across courses, these options are useful and advised in the event of a multi-day campus closure.

Instructors are encouraged to proactively begin planning for the possibility of asynchronous remote instruction before the first day of classes. I encourage you to visit the Teaching and Learning Transformation Center’s website on emergency closures and continuity of learning, which provides a wealth of information on how to temporarily shift to asynchronous learning. Some basics include guidance on updating course ELMS pages and the best way to contact students. More advanced options for asynchronous virtual instruction are also available.

It’s important to keep the following in mind: 

• Communication - Instructors are responsible for communicating directly with their students about asynchronous virtual instruction, assignments and expectations.
• Access - Instructors should ensure students have access to the necessary materials and resources to continue studies remotely.  
• Flexibility - Please be mindful and flexible regarding students' ability to meet expectations and deadlines, as some may face unexpected challenges such as limited access to Wi-Fi, electricity, or other necessary resources during inclement weather.

You can also visit umd.edu/weather for additional answers to frequently asked questions.

I hope this information is helpful as you plan for asynchronous learning options during the upcoming winter storm and other weather-related disruptions. And above all, please stay warm and safe this winter season.

Sincerely,