Supplemental Information for Attendance Policies

"Students who want to do well in this course will attend class following the class attendance policy. You will need an excused absence due to illness. GSU has a new process for students seeking excused absences through the Dean of Students Office. Please submit documentation to https://deanofstudents.gsu.edu/student-assistance/professor-absence-notification/. I will then be notified by the Dean of Students of any excused absences."

"Should a student test COVID positive, any accommodations to the class attendance policy will be informed by evolving guidance from the CDC on quarantine. In most cases there will be no major change to mode of course delivery, so students will be responsible for collecting notes for missed in-person classes and making up any work they miss during quarantine. Anyone who has a positive COVID test is encouraged to alert the university so that appropriate contact tracing can be conducted."

Wearing Masks in Class

"Short version: You probably have an opinion on the effectiveness and use of masks to limit the spread of COVID-19 but wearing a face mask is not required in Georgia State classrooms. I will be wearing my face mask, and you are encouraged to wear yours. If you choose not to wear a face mask there is no penalty, and students should not engage an any type of disruptive behavior towards those who have made a different choice about wearing a mask."

"Longer version: You are encouraged to wear a face covering in all class meetings. I know that face masks may make some aspects of class more difficult. It will be harder for us all to project our voices and read each other's facial expressions. However, I am willing to sacrifice these elements since wearing a mask is one thing I can control to support the health and safety of our community. Be aware that wearing face mask is not required by GSU, so there is no penalty if you choose to not wear a mask. Our university community has a strong tradition of upholding the value of mutual respect, we therefore ask students to not engage in behavior that would be disruptive if your fellow students make a different choice about wearing masks. If you have concerns, please discuss them with me and I will work to the best of my ability to provide a comfortable environment conducive to student learning."

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From an e-mail from the Provost 1/5/22

"It is critical that everyone understands the importance of teaching in your assigned modality. Students who register for in-person instruction are expecting it and will be in our classrooms. Please keep in mind that no modality changes for the spring semester will be granted absent extraordinary circumstances and the permission of the Office of the Provost. Our data are clear that in-person learning is critical to the academic success of many students."

"Students should be expected to attend class if they do not have an excused absence. The Office of the Dean of Students will provide verification for all professors at the request of students when seeking excused absences for documented medical/health related and emergency circumstances. This process helps protect confidential documents, while providing additional support to professors and students. Final decisions regarding absences and coursework/exam management are still determined by each individual professor following established institutional/college/departmental guidelines. Students should submit documentation to https://deanofstudents.gsu.edu/student-assistance/professor-absence-notification/."