Teaching in an Emergency: Quick Start Guide

As soon as you are aware of an emergency that impacts instruction, send a concise, clear message to your students via the preferred class channel.

• Use this email template if you are temporarily changing your course to asynchronous remote instruction.
• Use this email template if you are providing students with the option of either attending in-person/on-campus or remotely/online.

If instruction is being suspended or moved online, clearly state the plan for the next 24-48 hours, including any delay in assignments or exams.

Direct students to official university communications for status updates regarding campus operations and safety during the emergency.

Temporarily shift class sessions to an asynchronous modality as needed, or provide students with the options to attend meetings of your in-person, on-campus classes remotely.

If you need assistance send an email to cfeti@sjsu.edu 

Make sure that your course materials (syllabi, readings, etc.) are digitally accessible through your Canvas course page. 

If you need assistance send an email to cfeti@sjsu.edu  

Extend deadlines of high-stakes assignments that are already in progress; delay or reschedule forthcoming high stakes assignments; reschedule or cancel low-stakes assignments.  

Avoid sharing unverified rumors with your students or attempting to interpret university policy beyond your immediate instructional responsibilities. 

Consolidate necessary information into a single communication rather than sending a rapid succession of messages.

Recognize that students may have limited connectivity or be dealing with urgent personal matters. Give a grace period for acknowledgement or responses. 

Don’t force or incentivize in-person attendance (e.g., with extra credit) during emergency situations. 

Stick to tools you and your students are already comfortable using. 

Be flexible and understanding with extensions.