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ED COVID-19 Handbook Volume 3: Strategies for Higher Education

Recently, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development unveiled the “ED COVID-19 Handbook, Volume 3: Strategies for Safe Operation and Addressing the Impact of COVID-19 on Higher Education Students, Faculty, and Staff.” This handbook provides a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at helping higher education institutions navigate the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Safe Practices for In-Person Learning

• Promote and facilitate COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Ensure consistent and correct use of face masks.
• Implement physical distancing measures.
• Encourage handwashing and respiratory etiquette.
• Maintain clean and healthy facilities.
• Provide access to COVID-19 testing.
• Establish contact tracing in combination with isolation and quarantine protocols.

Navigating Online Learning in a Pandemic

• Invest in professional development that focuses on digital learning strategies.
• Explore various models of course delivery.
• Utilize technology to enhance student engagement.
• Invest in digital learning records to facilitate student mobility.

Increasing Student Access to Broadband and Devices

• Conduct regular needs assessments to identify gaps in access.
• Expand Wi-Fi and broadband availability for students and faculty members.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to improve accessibility for students with disabilities.
• Offer financial assistance such as scholarships to help cover internet service costs for struggling students.
• Implement technology lending programs to provide devices to students in need.
• Utilize the collective buying power of school systems to achieve cost efficiencies in procurement.
• Tap into federal broadband funding to enhance connectivity for students and campuses.
• Engage in state-level broadband discussions to advocate for the access requirements of college students.
• Diversify communication tools and techniques to reach all students effectively.

Basic Needs Supports for Students

Emergency and Financial Aid

• Make emergency financial aid readily accessible to all students.
• Streamline the application process for emergency aid.
• Provide leniency in documentation requirements.
• Offer a wide range of supportive services.
• Allow flexibility for students concerning documentation related to disability.

Addressing Food and Housing Insecurity

• Deliver clear information regarding available resources.
• Establish food pantries on campuses.
• Assess needs beyond food provision.
• Ensure accessibility to food resources, especially for those in isolation or quarantine.
• Refund housing costs where necessary and prioritize assistance for the most vulnerable students.
• Collaborate with community organizations to address housing security issues.
• Provide transportation support and readily available information about support systems.

Supporting Health and Well-Being

Health Centers and Community Partnerships

• Ensure access to free and affordable health services for students.
• Utilize Medicaid resources where applicable.
• Implement well-being support initiatives aimed at student populations.

Support for Student Caregivers

• Enhance support for student parents through innovative childcare options and additional emergency grants.
• Extend childcare services throughout the year and improve compensation for childcare workers.
• Facilitate connections with community resources and implement emergency childcare programs as needed.

Mental Health Support

• Increase the availability of mental health services and counseling support.
• Work with community partners to expand resources.
• Enhance virtual mental health services for greater accessibility.
• Collaborate with state agencies to address licensing portability for mental health professionals.
• Implement flexible grading policies to accommodate student needs.
• Provide targeted resources for marginalized groups and respond proactively to incidents of hate crimes.

Ongoing Community Commitments

Institutions are also encouraged to provide COVID-19 testing and vaccination services, emphasizing the importance of being conscientious neighbors, and motivating students to engage actively in maintaining safety protocols.

Available Federal Funding and Flexibilities

The handbook outlines various sources of federal funding, including HEERFI (CARES), HEERFII (CRRSAA), HEERFIII (ARP), and the GEER Fund, among others, to support these efforts.

Source
www.higheredjobs.com