[Coehd] Guidelines for the return to research activities of undergraduate students

Within the framework of the document on “Research Excellence and Graduate Education Recovery Task Force”<https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F... and following all guidelines within this document, we would like to provide directions for a pilot program in which a limited number of undergraduate students will be allowed to participate in research during the summer months. This pilot program will serve as a preamble for an anticipated phased resumption of undergraduate research activities in the future. The safety of all our students, including undergraduate students, is of the utmost importance. Thus, we would like to provide the following guidelines for the return to research activities of undergraduate students. 1. The pilot program will be initially implemented with a limited number of undergraduate students. These will be students currently participating in federally-funded programs specific to undergraduate research training (i.e. MARC, RISE), and other students working on sponsored research projects within a laboratory setting. A small number of students participating in field research will also be allowed to participate. 2. Students must have health insurance. 3. Participation is voluntary. Considering the considerable power differential between Principal Investigators (PIs) and undergraduate students, no student should be coerced to return to research activities. Students may report any concerns using the anonymous hotline at (877) 270-5051. 4. No new students will be allowed to participate in this pilot program. Only students who have previously worked under the same PI, and who have previously completed the mandatory safety training will be considered. 5. Before incorporating back to their research activities, undergraduate students should complete all newly institutionally mandated training (Course SA551 via MyTraining<https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3... for employees and via Blackboard for students) related to COVID-19. The PIs assume full responsibility for the training and supervision of undergraduate students and should be available to answer any questions that the students may have. Associate Deans for Research will be informed of all undergraduate students working in their College. Email notification listing the names of the students will suffice. Associate Deans will maintain a list of undergraduates permitted in labs, including cell phone numbers and the name of the PI with which they are working. Staff from the Office of Research Integrity will check on the students periodically. 6. In returning to work, the undergraduate student will agree to fully comply with new guidelines related to use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as wearing face coverings, social distancing measures, and new disinfection procedures, as specified in the document on “Research Excellence and Graduate Education Recovery”<https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A... and the “Public Health Task Force Report”<https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2... and must adjust to changing San Antonio and campus requirements. 7. All work that can be done remotely should be done so, and on-campus visits should be kept to a minimum until otherwise allowed. Compliance with UTSA requirements is of utmost importance to protect the health and safety of the Roadrunner Community, their families and friends, and the broader San Antonio community. Also remember that this is a fluid and dynamic situation. The pandemic and requirements from local and state authorities can change over time. As a result, UTSA’s guidance and requirements may evolve accordingly. Thank you, Michelle (Mickey) Stevenson, Ph.D., CCEP Associate Vice President for Research Integrity Office of Research, Economic Development, and Knowledge Enterprise The University of Texas at San Antonio (210) 458-4531 | (210) 668-3313 Michael J. Karcher, Ed.D., Ph.D. Associate Dean for Research Professor of Educational Psychology College of Education and Human Development (COEHD)—UTSA 501 Cesar Chavez Blvd., Suite DB 4.337 (DT); MB 3.476 (Main Campus) (210) 458-2032; 458-2650 (department) michael.karcher(a)utsa.edu Emily P. Bonner, Ph.D. Assistant Dean for Research Associate Professor, C&I Co-Director, San Antonio Mathematics Collaborative Chair, UTSA Faculty Senate College of Education and Human Development (COEHD)—UTSA (210) 458-5402 emily.bonner(a)utsa.edu Raitza Garcia Assistant Director of Development College of Education and Human Development The University of Texas at San Antonio Mail: One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249 Office: MB 3.488 Office: 210-458-6505 (Mobile: 210-831-4609)