COVID Impact Statements

Research space closure/alteration (lab/field work, shared facilities, data acquisition) or unable to access research supplies or equipment

Lab(s) were closed for # weeks, with limited access for an additional # weeks, and then reduced student capacity for an additional #weeks. These closures delayed my data collection by # months, as well as associated publications and presentations by # months. The [list supplies] needed for my research were in limited supply for # months, which delayed the work in my lab.

Human subject research delays

I was not able to work with human subjects for # months due to IRB human subjects restrictions, which delayed my data collection by # months, as well as associated publications and presentations by # months. 

Animal subject research delays

I was not able to work with animal subjects for # months due to closures on campus; this has delayed my data collection by # months, as well as associated publications and presentations by # months. 

Canceled or delayed meetings, presentations, performances, exhibitions, conferences, networking opportunities

Cancellation of the [name(s)] conferences / performances / exhibitions prevented me from disseminating my work as planned. Secondary impacts of this have included [delayed publication by # months, deferral of grant application by # months, etc.]. The moving of conferences and similar activities to an online environment during the pandemic has limited opportunities for networking with colleagues. This has delayed development and submission of new research proposals and other scholarly activities.

Grant management issues (GRAs paid for less productive work, could run out of funding, etc.)

Productivity in research was limited due to the pandemic. Support for students and others continued, but the progress was limited. This raises concerns about funding running out prior to completion of project goals.

Other grant completion issues

Components of the proposed research required face to face [or alternate specific] interactions, which could not be completed in a virtual format.  Thus, grant completion was delayed.

Publication delays (individual, collaborator, etc.)

As a consequence of [incomplete data collection, student/collaborator/individual challenges, etc.], manuscript submissions were delayed by # months.  Additionally, journal reviews were extended # months, which may result in fewer publications over the next couple of years.

Travel restrictions (self, collaborators, grad students) delayed research and/or presentations and impacted costs

Field-based research was not feasible for # weeks. When fieldwork resumed, restrictions on the number of people in a vehicle resulted in increased costs associated with the work. Travel restrictions impacted my or my students' ability to travel to other locations to conduct research.

Other professional/personal responsibilities restricting research/scholarship time

Additional professional (such as converting teaching to remote settings) and personal responsibilities {NOTE: not required to disclose any details} associated with the pandemic limited the time I had available for my research and scholarship for # months/weeks. This resulted in delayed data collection, along with fewer publications and conference presentations.

Sabbatical leave delayed or altered

My sabbatical leave had to be delayed # month/year due to travel restrictions. This affected the data collection that I planned to complete, as well as associated [publications/presentations/grant applications]. It also affected the nurturing of collaborations that I had hoped would support my future research.

Change in focus of effort in research caused by the pandemic

As a direct consequence of my research expertise aligning with [### COVID need], I pivoted my time to [lead conversations, run a lab, develop a new process, etc.] which supported Michigan Tech and the community in responding to the COVID pandemic. This work resulted in less time to continue my prior research.

Student degree completion impacts (data acquisition, committee, etc. delays)

In addition to reduced productivity in data collection, my student experienced [logistics, personal, health, etc.] issues, which set our research/scholarship back # months.  I have actively mentored the student, who is now back to full productivity -or- the student remains functioning at lower capacity and plans are to…. {please do not identify specific students or provide any confidential information}

In person/online modality switch

Significantly more time was needed for teaching as we switched to online and hybrid modalities. 

Additional student support

Significant time was needed to support students outside of class, including online office hours, additional office hours, additional review sessions.

Impact on student evaluations

Because I had not previously taught an online course, my student evaluations were lower during the [date] semester(s) than they typically have been when teaching face-to-face. 

Additional student care or advising duties, less visible duties for those with greater impact. 

(As a woman/underrepresented individual,) I saw an increased number of students reaching out for support and advice.  It is estimated that workload increased by # hours/week for # months.  

Increased mentoring responsibilities related to COVID

Due to COVID impacts on my mentees [student group, research, group, Enterprise, etc.], more time and effort was required to guide their development during ## semester(s).  

Time completing online certification/learning new tools

Formal training in online teaching, as well as ongoing efforts to learn new tools and improve the student experience, took significant amounts of time.

Covered another faculty member’s course/lab while they were out for a Covid-related issue

I covered another faculty member’s course or lab for # weeks while they were off for Covid-related issues. This increased the time I spent on teaching.

Logistics (time, resources) managing teaching lab instruction

Lab section capacity restrictions resulted in more time to prepare and deliver labs [substitute simulations, etc]. In addition, the logistics of these sessions had to be managed to allow for required sanitation of lab spaces.

Other professional/personal responsibilities restricting teaching effectiveness

Additional professional and personal responsibilities associated with the pandemic limited the time I had available to prepare for my revised online courses for # months/weeks. This resulted in [lower student evaluations,...].

Teaching preparation/ course logistics during the summer 

Preparing for fall teaching during the summer limited by ability to focus on [activity]. This included course preparation, adaptation to new techniques and technologies, teaching in new spaces etc. This contributed a significant amount of uncompensated time to the goals of teaching.

Increased workload due to virtual modality on existing committees

Because [name] committee was unable to complete [binder reviews, etc.] in person, a new workflow was developed [documents had to be converted to digital, etc.], which increased time required by # hours in ## semester(s). 

Increased workload due to new COVID-responsive committees

Additional meetings were required in order to keep up to date with the limitations that the pandemic caused. This included meetings devoted to this topic, as well as additional meetings that were needed due to pandemic impacts on other service responsibilities.

External service obligations changed due to COVID

My external service obligations increased due to COVID. For example, I was serving on the [professional society] committee that put together online teaching resources to support the organization’s members at the start of the pandemic. 

Other professional/personal responsibilities impacted service workload.

I was asked to contribute to [committee, session, article, etc.] to support and help others during COVID.