Hey everybody! First of all, GREAT news! The word about our petition is spreading! UgSAC members are also getting behind this and faculty are becoming aware of our petition! So, if you haven't signed the petition yet and you are concerned that your class will not be available online (in addition to in-person), please sign! And share this with your peers!
There's been discussion on Reddit and Discord about what state legislation has to do with our options this semester. It's true, there has been recent legislation that impacts the policies and accommodations that the school can supply this semester, including requirements for vaccines and masks. Here's the bill: https://le.utah.gov/~2021S1/bills/static/HB1007.html
The reality is we can't do away with in-person courses on campus. Conveniently, this is not what we are asking for! What we are asking for is a live, online option IN ADDITION to in-person lectures for all SoC courses. It is 100% possible for a faculty member to record their lectures while they are happening and for students to access those videos in real time or afterwards! In fact, some faculty members are already doing this!
Finally, the Academic Senate finalized a resolution to encourage administration to allow for online school flexibility this semester. They intend to bring this to the legislature, which will help address other concerns related to state law. So, while live recordings are a great solution for the restrictions we currently have due to state legislation, we can also see other change through in the future.
We are off to a great start! Let's keep the momentum!
If any of you are on reddit, you can upvote the petition at the UofU subreddit here: https://www.reddit.com/r/uofu/comments/rz5i6u/students_in_the_school_of_computing_want_to_make/ (edited)