Academics University

Explore a guide to help faculty navigate the semester

A back-to-campus primer ensures that instructors are ready to make the most of this semester.
Bianca Heilman tests her classroom capabilities
Bianca Maceo Heilman, assistant scientist and lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, tests her classroom A/V setup prior to the start of the fall semester. Photo: Evan Garcia/University of Miami
Design: Tina Talavera/University of Miami

Editor’s Note: As the University of Miami reopens and welcomes students, faculty, and staff back to campus for the Fall 2020 semester, our “Campus Ready” updates will help the University community navigate how to eat, shop, stay fit, and more, while putting our health and well-being first.

With an updated calendar of fall classes, University of Miami faculty are diving right back into the swing of the new school year. Classes begin on Monday, Aug. 17, and on-campus instruction will conclude on Friday, Nov. 20. Final exams will be conducted exclusively online from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4. The following are a few items worth noting.

Return to campus safely.

Find the latest information for faculty and researchers teaching or conducting research this fall, including resources, FAQs, and details on the required online health screening/attestation and use of the daily symptom checker. Face coverings are mandatory at all times while in public spaces on our campuses, whether indoors or outdoors. Learn more at coronavirus.miami.edu.

Faculty and staff at UHealth and the Miller School of Medicine should continue to follow guidance shared by Medical Campus leadership and review the latest Medical Campus advisories and information.

Academic continuity at the U.

Whether you’re preparing to teach a hybrid course or want to learn more about teaching a flipped course, find resources and support to help make the most of the classroom experience while adapting to the changing learning environment. Get information about academic continuity at the U and explore a list of products and services available through the University.

“As part of the Learning Innovation and Faculty Engagement team, we’re available to University faculty members to consult on any teaching challenges, ideas, or strategies, including hybrid teaching.”

—Matt Acevedo, director of Learning Innovation and Faculty Engagement, Academic Technologies
Connect with the Faculty Senate.

Faculty members have the opportunity to share in the planning and governance of the University through the Faculty Senate. Meetings—held virtually until further notice—are open to all University faculty members. View the fall 2020 meeting schedule. Note: The meeting on Sept. 23 will be hosted by President Julio Frenk.

The 2020 Faculty Senate Awards ceremony has been rescheduled to Monday, Sept. 21, at 5 p.m. and will be held virtually. Invitations to join the event will be sent to the University community. Nominations for 2020-2021 awards will be posted online at https://fs.miami.edu/about-us/faculty-senate-awards/index.html.

Find resources and opportunities.
  • Faculty Reading Group: Faculty members can participate in a reading group launching in September to discuss how to incorporate this year’s One Book, One U—“So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo—into their classrooms.  
  • Faculty Showcase: Led by faculty for faculty, this one-day conference aims to support development and enhance student learning. More details and dates will be announced once finalized. Learn more.
  • UM Libraries: Appointment-based access, including book and equipment pickup, is available at all UM Libraries. Get help with research, consult with a subject librarian, and access virtual resources available during the semester. Watch a video to learn more or contact the team at askalibrarian@miami.edu.
  • Technical support: University faculty and staff members can contact the Service Desk at 305-284-6565 or help@miami.edu. Learn more.
  • UMiami app: Download the University’s official application to access a number of resources right from your device, including the daily symptom checker and location density trackers—which help you plan the best time to visit high-traffic locations across campus, like the campus store and food court. 
Stay in the know.

Connect and share with Life@TheU—a resource-packed website dedicated to anyone and everyone who works at the University of Miami. Along with sharing the latest news, alerts, announcements, tools, tips, and trending topics that will help you power through your day,  you’ll learn more about employee perks, benefits and discount programs, policy updates, leadership initiatives, and general happenings in and around the U. Feel free to contact us at lifeattheu@miami.edu. Explore more stories about and resources for faculty members.


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