At the moment, the spread of the COVID-19 has increased nationally. The University wishes to ensure that the instructions, course management, measurement, and evaluation for the first semester of Academic Year 2021 be carried out smoothly and efficiently. The University, with the approval of the COVID-19 Emergency Operation Center Committee on July 9, 2021, finds it appropriate for all instructions and classes, measurements and evaluations, to be carried out entirely online, with details as follows:
1. Regarding instructions and classes:
(1) For theoretical courses or seminars, lecturers should put emphasis on blended learning which combines Asynchronous Learning and Synchronous Learning.
(A) In case of Asynchronous Learning, in which students can learn on their own anytime, anywhere, students’ self-directed learning objectives should be clearly specified.
(B) Synchronous Learning, that allows students of the entire class to discuss and learn together at the same time, should not be a one-way instruction by lecturers, but focuses on participatory learning between students and teachers, e.g. discussions, problem-solving exercises, or problem-based learning.
The section heads may determine courses to implement either Asynchronous Learning, Synchronous Learning, or combine both learning methods in a ratio best suited to the nature of the courses.
(2) In the case of Synchronous Virtual Learning, instructors shall organize classes during the normal course periods. If it is necessary to arrange the courses outside normal hours, instructors and students shall mutually agree on the appropriate dates and times.
(3) For courses that require hands-on sessions, the section heads may hold those practicums at the university site only in the following circumstances:
(A) The courses have students in the final semester registered AND require the use of laboratory or educational tools and equipment in large scale teaching settings or those that take place only within the university.
(B) The courses require practical exercise following standards set by professional councils. Should those standards not be met, students will not be able to graduate or practice as professions.
University personnel and students who shall enter the university may do so only they have been vaccinated following the university measures. The COVID-19 preventative measures issued by the government, the University, or the professional councils shall be strictly followed. Extreme care shall be applied to avoid being infected with the COVID-19 virus. However, should infection occur, the work sections shall be responsible to report to the parties concerned and take any such actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Practicums include courses that require individual or group practical skills activities (e.g. studio, skill, performing, ensemble classes, or clinical practice), as well as other courses that have similar teaching and learning styles.
2. Internships, field trips, or domestic study tours
(1) The format of internships, field trips, or domestic study tours of each course shall be entirely online using assignment-based, work from home, or project-based activities with scheduled assessment and/or critique sessions with students from time to time via online channels. In this regard, adjustments to the format of internships, field trips, or study tours shall not affect the course standards or requirements of concerned professional councils.
The section heads may hold onsite internships, field trips, or domestic study tours only when those activities cannot be replaced with online sessions OR those activities are a part of the courses mentioned in Item 1 (3). Additionally, the COVID-19 preventative measures issued by the government, the University, or the professional councils shall be strictly followed. Extreme care shall be applied to avoid being infected with the COVID-19 virus. However, should infection occur, the work sections shall be responsible to report to the parties concerned and take any such actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
(2) For any academic activities or projects in which university students or personnel travel abroad or have students or personnel from abroad enter the Kingdom of Thailand, the announcements or orders of the University involved must be strictly followed.
3. Measurement and Evaluation
Students Assessment and Evaluation must be carried out entirely online, e.g. online examinations, assignments, reports, take-home examinations, or other forms of online assessment held periodically.
The section heads may hold student assessment and evaluation activities at the university site only for the courses mentioned in Item 1 (3) and the preventive measures mentioned in Item 1 (3) must be strictly followed.
4. For the implementation of provisions 1 to 3, all courses must clearly specify and communicate to the students the steps, processes, and details to follow with regards to the modified teaching, learning, assessment, and evaluation for each course.
5. The section heads shall designate responsible personnel for provisions 1 to 3, which must include all academic activities related to the classes, e.g. student orientation, preparatory exams for work operation; and assign physical and related systems in accordance with the announcements or orders from the government and the university.
6. Examinations for student enrollment, e.g. written exams, interviews, practical exams shall take place entirely online. The steps, processes, and details to follow with regards to the modified examination shall be clearly specified and communicated to students in advanced.
The section heads may hold examinations for student enrollment at the university site only when those activities are essential for the enrollment and cannot be replaced with online sessions. Additionally, university personnel and students who shall enter the university may do so only they have been vaccinated following the university measures. The COVID-19 preventative measures issued by the government, the University, or the professional councils shall be strictly followed. Extreme care shall be applied to avoid being infected with the COVID-19 virus. However, should infection occur, the work sections shall be responsible to report to the parties concerned and take any such actions to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19.
7. The section heads are authorized to make decisions, or issue additional guidelines as appropriate so long as they are not in conflict with this order.
8. In case of problems or inconveniences in the implementation of this order, the President, or authorized Vice President has the final authority.
Should there be any changes in the situations in question, the university will make an announcement promptly.
Given on July 19, 2021.