Strike - 2021 - academics

How will the Harvard community be notified if classes are not meeting?

It is the University’s expectation that classes should not be disrupted. However, if there are cancellations individual schools will do their best to communicate that information in advance if possible. It is possible the University may not know in advance about a disruption to a class schedule. If that happens, information will be posted instructing students on how to proceed.

Are academic expectations independent of or determined by source of funding?

Under current labor law, some, but not all, of the effort students expend in the lab is compensable labor. Thus, a student worker may strike and withhold that labor, but as a student, they are responsible for maintaining academic progress toward their degree. The federal government has specifically acknowledged the dual role of student researchers as both trainees and employees contributing scientific work on federal awards. Academic expectations are not independent of nor determined by the source of funding. Faculty are ultimately responsible for determining whether a student is meeting...

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If a strike is for an extended duration, may I make adjustments to assignments, course meetings, or course requirements?

Faculty are responsible for teaching course material, and students are responsible for learning it. However, the forms of teaching and learning may need to change if there is a strike, particularly if it goes on for some time. We rely on faculty discretion in making necessary adjustments, always with the best interest of students in mind. Such adjustments could include: reducing the number of independent assessments being carried out, having students work in pairs on assignments, automating some forms of assessment, e.g. multiple choice, utilizing contingency planning technology to...

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