Start of Term Announcements

Most of these start of term announcements are related to covid-19. That's just the way of things right now.

Announcements from the university on covid-19 - https://www.indstate.edu/covid-19

University Dean of Students - https://www.indstate.edu/student-affairs/dean

Unix help lab is starting the fall 2021 term open both in person and online. See Labs and Office Hours for information and the open hours on the CS homepage.

CS courses are mostly available online Most CS courses have at least one section of the course that is offered online either asynchronously (all videos, no meeting time) or synchronously (regular meeting times, on Zoom). For most CS courses it should be fairly easy and seamless to participate remotely when needed (i.e., if quarantining). And for most CS courses it is probably fine if you want to participate mostly online due to concerns; check with your instructor.

Office hours Most faculty will have some office hours available face to face, and also happy to meet online.

Masks are required indoors and you will be asked to leave if not wearing a mask (properly).

Upgrade your mask Surgical masks are generally better than cloth masks (for example, see this), and N95/KN94/KF94 (for example, these) are generally better than surgical masks. If searching for surgical masks look for ones that are made in the US and claim to be ASTM Level 3 (for example, these). If using cloth masks, throw them out when they get too worn out, and wash them regularly. If reusing disposable masks, leave in your car in the heat for a day or unused for longer before reusing and throw out after using for a few different days.

Try a mask The CS rooms will have a stack of surgical masks to start the term. If you haven't tried these, take one to try.

Back to Being Careful The delta variant is really taking off. To give us the best chance to stay face to face the longest, it's back to doing things like last year - stay home if ill or exposed, wash/sanitize hands regularly, limit indoor contact outside your home and courses.

Please get vaccinated and encourage others to do so as well. If you need convincing ask someone you know who is vaccinated (or bug the associate chairperson).

Computers in the CS rooms are available for use (using your CS class accounts). They will not be sanitized, so please use hand sanitizer before and after use. Feel free to use your laptop and plug in to power.

Department office See here for the normal department office hours.

CS placement test For those starting CS 151 as your first CS course in the CS major, you now need to take the CS placement test to verify that you will be ready for the course. Transfer students also need to take the CS placement before they start their first semester at ISU. See Computer Science Placement for more details.

Info to Welcome New Students