photo by: Mike Yoder

University of Kansas Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Barbara Bichelmeyer speaks during an interview March 4, 2020.

With KU classes set to resume next week, the university is tightening its policy on when instructors must wear masks, but continue to expect most courses to be taught in-person.

University of Kansas Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer on Monday told faculty and staff members that classes will start “on time and in person.” The first day of classes for the spring semester is set for Jan. 18.

“I know the changing landscape of the pandemic brings with it a deep sense of concern for some in the Jayhawk community, myself included,” Bichelmeyer said in an email message. “At the same time, I know we are far better prepared for what may come than ever before…”

Bichelmeyer said the omicron variant has led KU to change its mask policy for instructors and presenters. Previously, instructors had some latitude in not wearing a mask while actively giving a lecture. Under the new policy, all instructors and presenters — except those in theater and other performing arts — must wear masks at all times in the classroom, including when speaking and presenting. Department leaders can request clear masks for instructors who have audience members who need visual cues from the speaker.

Bichelmeyer said the omicron variant is not causing the university to make any last-minute shifts to hybrid or remote learning. KU has some hybrid and remote learning classes, but they were advertised as such in the spring 2022 course schedule. Bichelmeyer said KU will keep classes in the format in which they were advertised.

“Instructors may not permanently change the course format or location without the approval of their Dean, or through an ADA accommodation request,” Bichelmeyer said in the email.

However, Bichelmeyer said some temporary adjustments to class formats are likely, given the virus spread. She said instructors who must quarantine due to COVID can temporarily shift to remote instruction for the period of the quarantine.

In addition, if classes are experiencing a massive drop in attendance, instructors can move their course to online instruction for a period of no more than two weeks. Bichelmeyer said that provision would kick in if attendance drops below 25% for a week.

Bichelmeyer also urged people to get vaccinated and get a booster shot to provide protection against some of the most serious illnesses related to COVID.

“On behalf of all Jayhawks, I express deep appreciation to all who have taken this important step in protecting yourselves, your loved ones, and members of our community,” Bichelmeyer said.

She also reminded faculty and staff that there continue to be laws and regulations that limit how the university can respond to the pandemic. Currently, state law prohibits KU from requiring students to be vaccinated or to show proof of vaccination in order to receive certain services.