Faculty Toolkit

Planning Ahead

Academic continuity refers to the ability of a university or college to maintain and continue its academic operations and services, even when faced with disruptions or emergencies, ensuring minimal disruption to student learning and institutional functions. 

At USF, we recognize that academic disruptions can significantly impact teaching and learning. Proactive planning is essential to ensure that instruction continues with minimal interruption.

Disruptions often unfold quickly, leaving little time to react. By preparing in advance, faculty can:

  • Pivot instruction more efficiently, preserving valuable time for personal safety and preparedness.
  • Reduce confusion by relying on centralized, consistent messaging and resources.
  • Maintain academic integrity and continuity through clear communication and flexible instructional strategies.

Academic Continuity & Syllabi

Core Syllabus Statement on Academic Continuity

  • In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include, but are not limited to: Canvas, Teams, email messaging, and/or an alternate schedule. It is the responsibility of the student to monitor the Canvas for each class for course-specific communication, and the USF, College, and Department websites, emails, and ALERTUSF messages for important general information (USF Policy 6-010).

This statement applies to all syllabi at USF, and is in effect even if not reproduced on the official course syllabus.

Academic Continuity Syllabus Statement Suggestions

  • During any semester, there is a possibility the course may be disrupted. Inform students of your plan should the university transition to remote instruction. In advance of the semester have a plan for a rapid shift to remote delivery.

  • Outline your preferred method of communication. Using Canvas announcements is ideal to post general announcements to all students in a class. Communicate with your students how they will access materials and the best way to reach you.

  • Consider including this statement: During any semester, there is a possibility this course may be disrupted due to an emergency. If our class pivots to remote delivery, I will communicate with the class broadly through Canvas announcements. Please ensure your Canvas notifications are enabled. 

academic continuity quick reference

The following is a quick reference guide to outline steps that faculty should take in response to the various levels of disruption. 

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Monitor

The USF website and additional communications will indicate the university is monitoring a
situation. As a precaution, faculty should do the following in a monitoring phase:

  • Review the next 7-10 days of course content and identify where adjustments could be made if the university adjusts operations. The faculty toolkit can provide suggestions on alternative assignments and course delivery options.
  • Communicate with students; remind them of the syllabus language around disruptions and that any adjustments will be communicated via Canvas messages/announcements.
  • Review personal emergency plans; inventory personal supplies and access to materials
    should the university operations change. 
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Remote Operations

The USF website and official university email communications will indicate a transition to remote operations.

  • Faculty should notify students as soon as possible regarding remote operations;
    instructions to students may be as simple as: continue with regularly scheduled course content, or an in-person class will move to a MS Teams session. 
  • During remote operations: 
    • Meetings can occur synchronously online but no on campus meetings should be
      held.
    • Assignments, quizzes, tests, and other course activities can continue via Canvas or
      other university supported platforms. 
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University Closure

The USF website and email communications will indicate that the university is closed for a given period of time. In the event of a closure: 

  • If closure is announced in advance, faculty should notify students via Canvas message. 
  • Course instruction is halted; it is understood that access to technology may be limited or unavailable for faculty and students.
  • There should be no virtual class meetings and no one should be on campus.
  • Students will be given a reasonable amount of time to complete coursework after
    instruction resumes and deadlines will be adjusted to accommodate this.
  • Faculty will communicate with students, via Canvas, any changes for completing course
    requirements when the closure phase is lifted. 

Emergency situations may require transition between the three phases or the immediate
implementation of one phase. In the event of weather or other emergencies, students, faculty, and staff may be impacted differently. If an Individual’s situation makes it impossible to comply with remote operations, they should contact their instructor/chair/colleague as soon as possible for accommodations.