Working with IUPUI Students During COVID- 19: Community Partner Guidance
Current as of 08/21/20
Our connections are more important than ever. IUPUI remains committed to helping our community partners tackle today’s challenges while doing all we can to protect you, our fellow community members, and our students. This guide will help you prepare to work with IUPUI students working with you in community engaged learning opportunities such as service-learning, internships, work study, and volunteer activities. Here is what you can expect from us and what we ask of you.
Remote or virtual engagement opportunities are preferred. We value the opportunity to place students in the community -- in your neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. Now, however, keeping distance is the safest option for everyone. Please work with your IUPUI partner contact to explore ways that students might connect with and assist you remotely. Some suggestions appear appear later in this document and at https://getengaged.iupui.edu/index.html.
We will follow current CDC guidance when we are face to face. Remote or virtual opportunities may not work in some instances. When our students are at your location, they will be expected to follow current CDC and local health department safety protocols. This means that we will wear a properly fitted mask, maintain appropriate social distance, and wash hands frequently. To learn more about what we are doing on our campus, please see. IU Return to Campus Report
We will follow your guidelines. IUPUI does not dictate the specific safety procedures that community partners have in place, but we do ask that you implement safety procedures appropriate for your organization before welcoming IUPUI students on site for an engaged learning experience. If you have safety expectations beyond the one’s identified in our Return to Campus Report, such as on-site temperature checks or daily health screenings, tell us about them before a student starts on-site with you. Students will be expected to comply with your protocols or work with you and your IUPUI partner to identify a suitable alternative opportunity
We want to hear from you. Please communicate regularly and honestly about your experience, priorities and needs. Let us know if your organization or group serves a population that you would describe as vulnerable. If you believe that a student working with you at your location or in a community you serve may be been exposed to COVID-19, please let us know immediately. Additionally, if your needs change, contact your IUPUI partner.
Be prepared to pivot. It may be necessary to move to a fully virtual experience if required by the university or relevant state or local officials. Let’s plan ahead together.
Ideas for virtual community-engaged learning. Virtual opportunities include ways that students and volunteers can support your group or organization from home or online. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:
o Conducting research, assessment, or evaluation requested by a partner organization
o Becoming social media ambassadors, or raising awareness of your organization and related social issues through advocacy
o Creating deliverables for a partner organization, such as digital media or social media content, print materials, or other information-sharing products
o Creating virtual educational materials such as webinars or streaming a presentation or performance
o Offering online delivery of services such as financial coaching, tutoring and mentoring, enrichment activities or classes, or theater or musical performances
o Recording performances, audiobooks, or how-to videos
o Writing cards, sending letters, or doing craft projects for populations you serve such as making toys for shelter animals, knitting hats and scarves for homeless individuals, or making blankets for seniors