Object: New signs on the entrances to the ECS Building, as the Phase 3 reopening of campus for the fall semester continues with campus buildings unlocked as Monday August 10.
Observations: After reviewing our building with Facilities Planning last week, in advance of the signs going up, I appreciate even more the challenges of moving groups of people safely into and out of a building like ECS.
Object: Recently cleaned and waxed floors.
Observations: 1) Preparations for the fall semester include a deep cleaning of each building. 2) Thanks to the amazing custodial team of Debbie and Kim, the hallways of ECS are shining!
Object: Recently cleaned and waxed floors.
Observations: 1) Preparations for the fall semester include a deep cleaning of each building. 2) Thanks to the amazing custodial team of Debbie and Kim, the hallways of ECS are shining!
Object: Wellness sign and automatic hand sanitizer dispenser.
Observations: 1) Preparations for the fall semester include installation of these hand sanitizer stations near main doors for buildings. 2) Why not even more around a given building? As VP Cindy Bontrager reminds us, there’s a limit on the quantities of alcohol-based products that one building can hold: “Due to fire code limitations on the amount of alcohol-based hand rubs and cleaners stored in buildings, Environmental Health and Safety will manage quantities to ensure code compliance.” 3) I’m glad K-State’s Health and Safety team is helping us keep track!
Object: Directional sign.
Observations: 1) Preparations for the fall semester include installation of directional signs to regulate foot traffic within buildings. 2) It’s going to take a while to remember which staircases are “down” and which ones are “up”!
Object: Directional sign.
Observations: 1) Preparations for the fall semester include installation of directional signs to regulate foot traffic within buildings. 2) It’s definitely going to take a while to remember which staircases are “down” and which ones are “up.”
Object: Wellness sign.
Observations: 1) Preparations for the fall semester include installation of wellness signs to encourage social distancing and face masks. 2) I appreciate the university’s requirement that all students, faculty, staff, and visitors wear face coverings to protect themselves and others.
Object: COVID capacity classroom design for ECS 017, as viewed from the instructor podium.
Observations: 1) Preparations for the fall semester include reducing capacity in all classrooms cleared for use, in order to minimize the transmission of COVID-19. 2) Last Friday, the ECS 017 classroom was set up for its COVID capacity of 12 students (instead of the usual 30), with each student desk spaced to provide 6ft of distance from others. 3) I’m glad that English instructors are good at projecting — and that ECS 017 has its regular podium mic in addition to the new camera and classroom mic installed last week — though I wonder about the student experience of being 6ft apart?
Object: COVID capacity classroom design, close-up.
Observations: 1) Preparations for the fall semester include providing cleaning supplies for each teaching space. 2) The new paper towel dispenser near the doorway was installed last week, and the cleaning solution is coming this week. 3) The first week of classes will show whether instructors are indeed able complete classroom cleaning by ending class five minutes early, as recommended by the Provost’s office, or if more time is needed.
Object: COVID capacity classroom sign, close-up.
Observations: 1) Preparations for the fall semester include signs for students to know which seats are available for use in each teaching space. 2) How long will they stay attached? 3) Most of the classes in English are being taught online this semester. For those faculty and students in English who have opted for a face-to-face classroom experience, I’m hopeful that they will have the resources they need to do so safely.
As we get ready for the start of classes on August 17, we’ll soon be back to our regular schedule of twice-weekly posts. In the meantime, watch for another update this coming week, as we prepare for the return of faculty and GTAs to the ECS Building!
— Karin Westman, Department Head
K-State English 