Summary of expectations: Participants in online classes should meaningfully engage with content, class activities, and each other.

 

PREPARATION

To promote a productive learning environment, students and instructors are expected to have: 

• A computer with up-to-date software 
• A webcam and microphone (built-in or external) 
• Reliable internet access 
• UW-supported platforms such as Canvas and Zoom downloaded and updated as needed. 

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS AND GUIDANCE

As with in-person learning, students in online classes are expected to be fully present and engage in class to support the overall learning environment. When learning online, students should: 

• Attend all synchronous (live) sessions.  
• Arrive on time and remain present throughout the session, minimizing distractions (e.g., multitasking, texting, background noise). 
• Refrain from these activities during class: 
  • Driving 
  • Working on outside employment tasks 
  • Smoking, vaping, or consuming alcohol  
• Use webcams during class unless the instructor indicates otherwise.  

Students with ongoing medical- or disability-related needs to limit on-camara time should request accommodations from UW Disability Resources for Students.  

Students with short-term illness or caregiving needs that interfere with camera use or other class activities let instructors know in advance of class if possible, minimize disruptions, and participate as much as reasonable given the circumstances. 

INSTRUCTOR EXPECTATIONS AND GUIDANCE

Instructors maintain authority over the structure and delivery of their courses and are expected to: 

• Follow consistent expectations aligned with in-person instruction, including attendance, participation, deadlines, and grading criteria. 
• Post clear participation and camera-use guidelines in their syllabus and give clear instructions during class, with flexibility for accommodations. 
• Consider limiting on-camera time. Having camera-off or camera-optional time may allow learners to focus without visual distractions, reduce camera-fatigue, or have other benefits for students and their learning. 
• Begin class promptly. If the instructor is not present within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time and no communication is provided, students may consider the session canceled. In this case, instructors should follow up with an explanation and plan for covering missed content. 

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

If an emergency (e.g., personal, family, or safety-related) occurs during class, affected students should prioritize safety and notify the instructor as soon as possible. 

• If a student witnesses what appears to be a medical or safety emergency affecting another participant during a live session, they should immediately alert the instructor. Instructors should assess the situation and take appropriate steps including calling 911. 
• To preserve the other student’s privacy, start with a private message but escalate (via unmuting) if needed. 
• Instructors may need to pause or cancel class. 
• If a student or students witness what appears to be a medical or safety emergency affecting the instructor and the instructor is unable to respond, call 911 if applicable and then the main SSW number at (206) 543-5640. After business hours contact the UW Police Department at (206) 543-0507. 
• If you do not have emergency contact information for a student, contact the main SSW number at (206) 543-5640 and ask to be transferred to Student Services or Academic Services. On evenings and weekends, the UW Police Department ((206) 543-0507) can also access emergency contact information. 

PRIVACY, SAFETY, AND RECORDINGS

Class conversations, including text conversations, may include details about students and potentially clients. Some of this private information may be covered by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other state and federal regulations. The following guidelines are intended to protect privacy and align with legal requirements.  

• Students may not record classes or copy chat transcripts without explicit permission from the instructor.  
• When students have a disability-related accommodation to record the class, the instructor is responsible for informing other students without naming the student with the accommodation. A student with an accommodation may self-disclose if they want.  
• This does not preclude sharing links, documents, or other information in the chat for reference. Instructors and students should indicate directly or by context that this is reference material that may be copied or noted. 
• Instructors may record live sessions to share with other students enrolled in the same course during the same term but must notify students before beginning the recording. 
• Instructors who want to record a section of the class for distribution beyond the current course and term are responsible for ensuring that their recording and use aligns with the FERPA and other state and federal regulations.