Emergency Preparedness Strategies for Instructors

Disruptions can and do often happen throughout the year, impacting how and in what way we can continue instruction in our classes. 

Consider adapting these suggested strategies to your pedagogical approach as it relates to your course’s size, scope, and format, regardless of the duration of temporary online instruction. Whether you pivot proactively or reactively in response to an emergency situation, make sure you practice self-compassion and compassion for your students, teaching team, and colleagues. Trust your judgment to prioritize safety, well-being, and community whether or not instructional continuity is feasible.

Please feel free to download the following Emergency Alert Model framework and suggested communication templates (Canvas Announcements, student and instructor emails).

As you consider these situations, you may begin helping you and your students by folding preparedness into your courses from the very beginning. 

	Plan Before the semester begins, plan for unexpected disruptions to instruction by drafting a crisis preparedness syllabus statement [which may be some version of the template provided via this link and/or at the bottom of this webpage] and an unpublished draft of a Canvas Announcement that you quickly post if an emergency occurs [which may be some version of the template provided via this link and at the bottom of this webpage]. Use enabling and clarifying language.
	Prepare At the beginning of the semester, review your crisis preparedness statement individually, with TAs in your first team meeting, and with students on the first day of class. Ensure that TAs and students are clear on planned steps or pivots. Address questions that arise and, if necessary, revise the statement to enhance clarity. Identify at least (2) students who are willing to post the statement in any student-led communications channels (e.g., GroupMe) and share updates during the semester in these channels if pivots are necessary.  If you are working with TAs, identify at least (2) TAs who would be willing to support you in posting to Canvas. when an instructional pivot is necessary.
	Practice Throughout the semester, periodically review your crisis preparedness statement with your TAs and students. Clarify any questions that may arise. If you receive advance notice of a forthcoming disruption to instructional continuity, begin to implement your plan and communicate next steps clearly to students.  Ensure that you are comfortable communicating through and instructing through Canvas.  Log in to both Zoom or Teams at least once a month to update the software and remain prepared for modality pivots. Encourage your TAs and students to do the same. You may post periodic reminders on Canvas or mention it in class and in teaching team meetings.

Additional Resouces and Guides:

• Emergency Alert Model infographic (model and sample templates), Center for Teaching and Learning
  • Individual pages for printing: (Emergency Alert Model P1) and (Emergency Alert Model P2)
• Instructional Continuity, Center for Teaching and Learning: https://ctl.utexas.edu/commons/resources-links
• "Teaching in Times of Crisis", Center for Teaching and Learning (Course Design infographic): https://utexas.box.com/s/s8gt12b4rljp6qit4klt6vcp25w80oux
• Teaching in Times of Crisis, Center for Teaching and Learning (Course Facilitation infographic):  https://utexas.box.com/s/6o050ysz4zd942gom3rcq1vgckytbjp4
• “Responding to Disruptive Student Behavior,” Dean of Students:  https://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/conduct/downloads/Responding-to-Disruptive-Behavior.pdf