March has finally arrived spilling warm sunlight over the campus after a long freezing winter. Even though the world has been in all kinds of trouble since COVID-19 ambushed us last year, CBNU could begin a new semester. In this article we are going to look at the class operation plan of the 2021 spring semester, and have Q&As with the department of academic support. 
  Starting with the class operation plan for undergraduate classes, CBNU made it a rule to hold contact-free classes. However, some courses are allowed to implement the Hyflex learning model with full face to face learning. These exceptions are mainly made for classes requiring experiments and practical classes. Immersion periods will be conducted by each grade. These can also be full face to face classes if the national social distancing level is relaxed or the professor requests it because of the characteristics of the course.
  The tools which may be required for contact-free learning differ according to whether it is real time classes, downloadable classes, Zoom classes, MS Team classes etc. Depending on the situation, tools such as e-campus and Google classroom may be used for uploading videos and or PPT’s with recorded voice. However, be warned, it is not possible to replace whole classes with assignments or online community study modules without videos and recorded voice.
  Moving on to implementation methods of tests, it depends on the professor of the course, and it can be different to its class operation style. For instance, a class which is operated online can have a face-to-face examination and vice versa. This midterm examination is not compulsory, so the professor can choose to have a test or not. Also, the method is chosen by the professor. On the other hand, the final examination is mandatory with the method chosen by the professor.
  Considering all the external challenges brought on to students because of the unavoidable contact free classes due to COVID-19, and the negative effect it may have on the performance of students, this spring semester has the same standard of grade assessment as last fall semester. Type 1 subjects will be graded with 50% of students receiving an A or A+ and the rest of the students receiving a score ranging from B+ to F depending on their performance. Type 2 subjects will be assessed with absolute evaluation, while subjects which normally assess students with absolute evaluation will not be affected.
  CBT posed a few pertinent questions about the announced course operation plan to Lee Min-guen, the head of academic supports team.

▲Q1. If the COVID-19 situation becomes relaxed, are there any possibilities to make changes in the principles of contact-free classes?

A1. There will be no changes in the principles. However, recently, the social distancing level was changed to 1.5 and therefore it is permitted to gather if the total number of people is under 100. Therefore, at a professor’s request, a course with fewer than 100 people can have face to face classes.
  If the professor asks, any kind of course can be conducted in person.
  Experiment and practice courses are priorities. However, even theory courses can be approved if the professors have difficulties to use the contact-free classes, or if in-person classes are important for operating courses.

▲Q2. The semi absolute examination standard, for this spring semester, determines that a professor can award an A or A+ grade to 50% of students. How about other grades?

A2. Other grades have no standards and it depends on the professor’s discretion and the student’s performance. Since a maximum of 50% of A grades may be awarded, the total percentage of other grades (B+ to F) can be 50% minimum.

▲Q3. Subjects that have absolute evaluation have been expanded. How are students assessed by it?

A3. There are no fixed criteria in the absolute examination method. Thus, grades fully depend on the professor, so all students in the course can get A grades. In other words, it is a method that gives grades regardless of the ratio under the professor’s discretion.

▲Q4. Can contact-free classes change into in-class, in-person classes during the semester?

A4. Yes, it is possible, however, changes in course delivering methods directly effects student’s residence problems among others. Therefore, we, the Department of Academic Support, suggest not making changes after the semester began. If the professor wants to change the method in the middle of the semester, they must get full agreement from all students and give at least 2 weeks notice before face-to-face classes start.

▲ Q5. If confirmed cases of COVID-19 occur during face-to-face classes, how would CBNU deal with it?

A5. CBNU would close the classroom where the class is and find people who have had contact with confirmed cases through contact tracing. After these steps, the course would become contact-free. If professors are confirmed cases, they will be replaced and the courses would be continued. The department of academic support will try our best not to stop the courses.

▲ Q6. Do you have anything left to tell students?

A6. The Department of Academic Support is trying to exert a strong effort for students’ sake. Even a small announcement needs numerous discussions with our staffs and professors and students’executives. Even if there is an unfavorable factor, like COVID-19 and its related problems, we try our best to keep the quality of courses as high as possible and we always put the safety of students, first.

By Yang Jin-a l 2016020101@cbnu.ac.kr