【To all students】Classes in AY 2021-22

Feb 1, 2021

To all students

 

Classes in Academic Year 2021-22

 

Tadahiko Fukuhara

 President, Chuo University

For the academic year of 2020-21, the university has decided to combine online distance learning and face-to-face classes on campus.

The method of conducting face-to-face classes differs according to the faculty, but we will ensure that any students who have difficulty coming to school will not suffer any disadvantages.

This policy applies to undergraduate faculties. For graduate schools (including professional graduate schools), necessary adjustments may be made in consideration of the characteristics of each educational and research environment. Please note that this basic policy may be reviewed as appropriate due to changes in social conditions, specifically the spread or reduction of coronavirus infections and related regulations and revisions to higher education administration.

As soon as details are decided about how courses will be conducted next year, your faculty will inform you by C plus etc., so please check announcements from the university even during the vacation period. The basic policy for academic year 2021-22 follows below.



1.  In conducting classes and research activities at Chuo University, we will utilize the rich environment and resources of the university to provide students with the full value of their learning experiences. We will also make reference to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology – namely, ‘Hygiene Management Manual for New Coronavirus Infections in Schools’ and ‘New Lifestyles in Schools’ – in order to maintain the safety of students and faculty members and to prevent the spread of coronavirus infections.

* Please refer to Attachment 1 for the handling of various activities at the university.



2.  Regarding the classes to be held in 2021-22, we will utilize the knowledge gained this year to further improve the quality of our teaching and to ensure effective educational outcomes by conducting an appropriate combination of distance learning and face-to-face classes. As far as possible, we shall endeavor to secure and increase opportunities for human exchange between faculty members and students.

* Please refer to Attachment 2 for the handling of ‘distance classes’ and ‘face-to-face classes’ at our university.





3.  At our university, when conducting distance lessons and face-to-face lessons in combination, we will take the following measures in order to enhance the quality of our educational environment:



・Make full use of manaba (university class support system) to support the smooth implementation of distance learning.

・Upgrade our information and communication environment (incl. securing licenses for various online conference systems) to be utilized when conducting distance learning, and improve our human support system.

・Make use of facilities compatible with online conference systems in each classroom.

・Provide various facilities within dedicated classrooms for taking distance lessons (securing power supply for PCs, installing rental PCs, installing space for emergency charging of PC batteries, etc.).

・Provide and improve dedicated classrooms for students to study by themselves when it is necessary to take distance lessons on the university campus.

・Provide and improve various facilities and equipment necessary for preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

・Provide sufficient student support measures for studying in these changed circumstances.

 

 

Attachment 1

 

Handling of various activities at the university

1. Basic stance of the university

(1) The health and safety of students and university staff will be given top priority.



(2) Students will be able to follow the curriculum of the university, earn credits, graduate within the planned period of enrollment, and pursue employment, advancement, qualification examinations, and national examinations.



(3) We will reduce the financial burden on students as much as possible and provide students with the support they need for their learning.



2. Points to consider in particular

(1) For students entering the university in 2020 and 2021, a place for interaction will be set up early in the new year.



(2) Since extracurricular activities are very important for enriching university life, we will take various measures to allow students to actively engage in activities.



(3) If a coronavirus infection occurs on campus, we will work closely with the University Health Center and local institutions in taking prompt action to prevent secondary outbreaks.



3. Precautions for activities on campus

(1) As a basic rule, wear a mask on campus.



(2) When eating on the campus, be aware of the basic rules necessary to prevent infection, such as refraining from having conversations during meals and following the rules of the cafeteria.



(3) When using the elevator, give priority to people with disabilities and the elderly, and use the stairs as much as possible.



(4) If you are not feeling well, consult with the nearest office or health center and leave the campus swiftly.



4. Points to be noted when conducting face-to-face classes

(For teachers and students)



(1) Measure your temperature before going to school, and do not go to school with a temperature of 37.5 ° C or higher. Teachers in such a situation should cancel the class.



(2) Utilize the coronavirus contact confirmation app (COCOA).



(3) Encourage hand washing and hand disinfection on campus. Bring your own towel and disinfection sheet.



(4) Wear a mask when going to or from school or moving around on campus.



(5) Wear a mask during class.



(6) Bring and use a personal computer such as a mobile PC. Make sure the battery of the PC etc. is charged. If you have to use a rental PC or other equipment, disinfect it before returning it.



(For students)

(1) Have your student ID card read when you enter or leave the campus, as instructed by the university.



(2) Take the class in the designated classrooms. Refrain from talking beyond that necessary for the class itself.



(3) If you have to borrow a rental PC, do not share it with anyone else.



(4) After class, from the viewpoint of preventing the spread of coronavirus, avoid staying longer than necessary and leave as soon as possible.

 

 

Attachment 2

 

How the university defines ‘distance courses’

1. Definition of ‘distance courses’ at Chuo University

  ‘Distance courses’ are courses that can be provided by universities based on the provisions of Article 25, Paragraph 2 of the University Establishment Standards and Notification No. 51 issued in 2001 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. According to these provisions, the university will treat the four types of classes set out below as ‘distance classes’.

  Regarding the types of classes shown below, if more than half of the total number of 14 lessons (i.e. 8 or more lessons) in the semester are conducted using various forms of online media, the course will be treated as a ‘distance course’.

  However, in 2021, in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (July 27, Reiwa 2), ‘distance courses’ conducted on the premise of preventing the spread of COVID-19 will not be included in the upper limit of 60 credits stipulated in Article 35-6 of the Chuo University Academic Regulations.



(Types of distance classes)

Interactive class: A class in which teachers and students are connected via the Internet in real time using audio and video.
Video delivery class: A class in which a user watches a video recording of a class and asks questions or discusses it by others means (email, bulletin board, etc.).
Material distribution class: A class in which the user watches or listens to narrated lecture materials (PowerPoint, etc.) and asks questions or discusses them by other means (email, bulletin board, etc.).
Self-directed learning class: A class in which questions and discussions are conducted by other means (email, bulletin board, etc.), with a focus on self-study and exercises using textbooks. Please note that when conducting Self-directed learning class it would be best to combine class types (1) to (3) to suit the class content.


Please note that when conducting distance courses it is desirable to effectively combine the above class types (1) to (4) in light of the class content.