Recommendations for Faculty Responding to Students During COVID-19

What to Know Before Classes Begin:

The University has prepared extensively for the safe return of faculty, students, priests, and employees to campus. This preparation includes the adoption of a set of expectations – the Seton Hall Pledge - that we all will follow to help keep our community safe.
Students will receive information about these new expectations before and during the semester through multiple outreaches and mediums. We will use social media, videos, campus influencers, student leaders, and more to make our expectations clear.
Students who fail to meet our community expectations may be subject to disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct.
All classrooms will have two posters to re-enforce these expectations – "No Mask – No Class" and another with the Seton Hall Pledge.

Recommended Strategies for Your Class Before an Issue Develops:

Consider including University expectations related to safe practices – particularly the wearing of masks and physical distancing – in your syllabus. The following statement is recommended: "In accordance with the Seton Hall Pledge, students must wear a mask in class, maintain required physical distancing, and not come to class if you are ill."
On the first day of class take a moment to re-enforce the University expectations related to safe practices and your support of them, particularly in terms of this class.
Model the behavior you and the University expect of our students by wearing a mask in class, on campus, and following the rest of the Seton Hall Pledge.

Recommended Strategies for Responding to a Student who Does Not Meet Community Expectations:

If a student comes to class without a mask, ask them to leave. You may also remind them that if they forgot their mask, they can pick up a disposable mask for the day from any of the following locations: South Orange Campus: Front Desks at Bayley Hall, Bethany Hall, Public Safety, Recreation Center, University Center, Walsh Library, or any Residence Hall IHS Campus: Library, Student Services (Suite 1500)
If a student exhibits any other behavior (fails to observe safe physical distancing, disrespectful to others, not wearing mask appropriately) ask them to correct behavior or to choose to leave the class. You might refer to expectations in the Seton Hall Pledge and/or your syllabus, as appropriate.
If a student does not respond to your requests, inform all students that you will have no choice but to suspend teaching until everyone complies and will need to call Public Safety. You can call Public Safety (South Orange - 973-761-9300; IHS Campus – 973-542-6600).
Immediately after the incident, make a written record of what occurred and inform your Academic Dean and the Dean of Students Office.
Tips for What to Do
- Stay calm.
- Use a quiet, slower voice, especially if the student raises theirs; don’t raise your voice to match theirs.
- Know that this is not about you; don’t become defensive.

Resources Available to Faculty: