The Irish Federation of University Teachers wants health and safety steps strengthened when college returns in September.
It's concerned there's no requirement for social distancing in classrooms and lecture halls.
It says clarity's needed on how social distancing will be run, to avoid different policies in different colleges.
Deputy General Secretary of the group, Frank Jones says a joint approach is needed.
"What we're asking for is the Department to put out some minimum guidelines on social distancing within the classroom so that there's some consistency to the approach.
"We're not asking the Department to micro manage each of the universities and each of the colleges, but there should be some consistent approach to social distancing in class room settings."