Combating Covid-19 from the ground up

When campus closed down in March 2020, the CCSU Information Technology and Facilities teams got to work that day to make sure the campus community stayed safe and connected. From communication and online learning software to safety features and signage, the health and safety of students have been at the forefront of CCSU’s transition to a hybrid educational institution. The grand total? $2 million in technological upgrades and health and safety accommodations.

The changes on campus go beyond the protocols recommended by the state and the Centers for Disease Control. Along with a steady supply of PPE, hand sanitizer and wipes, expanded cleaning protocols, and plexiglass barriers, the University literally built a new way to carry on its academic mission safety.

Take a look at some of the new features on campus here.

HVAC improvements: A $1 million investment in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment will increase fresh air in buildings.

HyFlex classrooms: The University set up 34 classrooms, four lecture halls, and 29 labs/specialty spaces for HyFlex learning, which allows for proper social distancing among in-person students and instructors. Automated cameras track instructors as they move around the room, and microphones embedded in the ceiling tiles deliver crisp audio for remote learners. Recording capability allows all students to re-watch lessons at their convenience.

Enhanced faculty training: The Center for Teaching and Faculty Development has been offering virtual training and support for new teaching technologies since the Spring 2020 semester, and training and professional development activities will continue.

Loaners, learning tools, and tech support: IT staff provide students, faculty, and staff with virtual training sessions, expanded Help Desk services, and access to equipment and software. When campus closed in March, within days IT staff had opened a Tech Trailer at a safe distance from the main campus where students and staff could pick up for loan any hardware they needed for remote work.

Virtual campus: Campus-wide access to Webex meeting software and Microsoft Teams has enabled many offices, departments, and centers to work remotely; offer virtual support and academic services; conduct appointments online; and much more. Student clubs and activities have launched virtual meeting options, and the addition of Telehealth allowed the Student Wellness Office to offer virtual counseling and support services. Expanded Wi-Fi hotspots boost these services on campus.

Touchless tech: To limit physical contact between staff and students, new technology has been installed to create touchless entryways and create options for online ordering, cashless payments, and delivery.

Awareness education: Placement of visual reminders of health standards throughout campus.