Fall 2021 Requests for Temporary Course Mode Changes
Course mode changes for Fall 2021 will only be considered for temporary modifications in course
delivery needed to accommodate instructor absence due to COVID-19 illness or need to
isolate/quarantine due to exposure.
Instructors who meet these conditions should notify their school chair (or appropriate unit head)
immediately of their COVID-related absence and its expected duration.
School Chairs/Unit Heads are responsible to:
• Coordinate class coverage, which could involve a substitute instructor.
• Seek approval from the Provost’s Office for the temporary course mode change during the
instructor’s absence following the process described below.
• Informing students of any course mode changes as soon as possible.
• Confirming at the end of the temporary change that the course mode returned to standard
assigned delivery mode.
Process:
Temporary (up to 2 weeks) Course Mode Changes:
Requests meeting the conditions below will be granted approval for temporary (up to two weeks)
course mode changes.
• The school chair (or appropriate unit head) completes the form on the next page, providing all
requested information.
o Approval is contingent upon the instructor having tested positive for COVID-19 or needs
to quarantine/isolate due to exposure.
• The Provost’s Office evaluates the request and responds to the school chair within one business
day of submission. Need for expedited approval (less than one business day) can be indicated
upon submission.
Longer-Term (more than 2 weeks) Course Mode Changes:
If instructors are in need of a course mode change for longer than two weeks, instructors are expected
to contact GTHR and apply for a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA). If an instructor needs additional time away from work, the instructor is expected to apply for
either continuous or intermittent leave under the Families Medical Leave Act (FMLA) through GTHR.
Any mode changes extending beyond two weeks is contingent upon the approval of the Provost.
Setting up DocuSign: Go to esignature.gatech.edu and login with your GT ID. Click on the yellow “Start”
button and select “Send an Envelope.” Upload your completed form. Check the “Set signing order”
box. Input your name and email as signer #1. Click “Add Recipient.” For signer #2, use the “address
book” in the name field to find and select “Dawn Baunach,” and set as “Needs to Sign.” Click “Add
Recipient” again. For signer #3, use the “address book” to find/select “Dawn Baunach” and set as
“Receives a Copy.” Once complete, click the “Send Now” button. When you receive the email
notification to sign, choose the “Signature” field (left side of screen) and place it on the appropriate
line on the form; click “Finish.” As the initiator you will automatically receive a final signed copy.
