In-person Course Instruction
Dear Colleagues,
Our office has been asked about the expectation of face-to-face, hybrid and distance learning. As we end one semester and begin preparing for a new academic year, it is an opportune time to discuss expectations now and going forward regarding this critical issue.
Some of the confusion — and understandable questions — are the result of what happened during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, necessary flexible definitions allowed for courses with 50% or more in-person instruction to be identified as in-person courses.
For clarity, the standard definition of traditional face-to-face classroom instruction is where instructors and students are meeting in person, together and consistently, in a shared space to accomplish the learning objectives, essentially 100%.
Of course, there is understanding for occasional personal reasons that a particular class may need to switch to Zoom. Additionally, a course may be considered for hybrid modality or distance learning modality through the appropriate approval process.
Importantly, students choose to enroll in traditional face-to-face classes for a variety of reasons, and it is our obligation to students to meet those expectations.
We know this is also important to you.
To this end, it is critical that all instructors teach their courses in the modality for which that course has been approved and scheduled.
To be helpful to you, the Office of the Provost is committed to supporting our faculty, just as you are committed to teaching each of your students. The Office for Faculty Advancement, the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching and these Instructor Resources are important tools to utilize as you prepare and design your courses to meet student needs and expectations for the upcoming fall 2025 semester.
If you have any questions, please contact your college dean or our office.
Thank you for upholding our promise to advance Kentucky in all we do.
The Provost Office of Academic Affairs