SCCC to go Online March 23, Sports, Commencement, Performances Cancelled

LIBERAL, KS. (March 17, 2020) — Seward County Community College announces the following in response to the swiftly changing landscape of COVID-19.

Dear SCCC Students, Team Members, and Community;

In response to rapidly changing circumstances driven by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we have made some difficult decisions regarding the operations of our campus, beginning Monday March 23.

Our decision was guided by Seward’s commitment to the health and safety of our community, and the growing need to take preventive measures to assist in this unprecedented public health crisis. We understand that these changes are disruptive so please be assured that our team stands ready to support you however we can.

Sincerely,

Ken Trzaska (Dr. T)

Seward County Community College President

CAMPUS OPERATIONS
Following our extended spring break, all courses will be offered in online format for the remainder of the semester. Students are responsible to contact their instructors directly to obtain details about required course work.

Important note about accessibility: students who do not have access to devices or wi-fi can access limited computer lab spots on campus at designated times. These stations will be disinfected on a fixed schedule and located in appropriate places for social distancing.

Computers will be available to students who don’t have devices or access at home in the Library and Math Resource Center on campus, starting Monday March 23. Hours will be Monday through Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. We ask students to use the outside entrance to the library only and to abide by rules and regulations posted. The Library is not open to the public; this is only for registered SCCC students who need computer access.

Campus business and office hours will be conducted on a limited basis. We recommend that you visit campus only if necessary, and call specific offices before making a trip as some offices may have limited staff availability.

Labs and clinical rotations are subject to instructor decision on a case by case basis. Students will receive information directly from Allied Health faculty regarding status of their clinical rotations.

Labs in the academic divisions may be conducted on campus when necessary, in groups of no more than 10 students (or less), according to faculty availability and scheduling. When possible, online alternatives will be offered. Students should contact their instructors for information. Please visit our online directory for a convenient list of campus contacts.

Limiting lab occupancy is based on federally announced guidelines as of March 16.

Industrial Tech courses that include hands-on lab components will continue at the faculty member’s discretion, also in groups no larger than 10 students. This includes students currently enrolled in high school concurrent “Excel in CTE” (SB155) courses.

Exam structure is being evaluated with the goal of providing proctored online options for student course completion. SCCC will announce details as they become available. Students with questions should contact faculty for information after March 23.

Enrollment for summer 2020 and fall 2020 academic terms will continue. Online enrollment processes are available and will be accessible via the sccc.edu webpage, and directions via an instructional video here.

Please note: Any on-campus labs or study sessions should begin with thorough hand-washing and include rewashing every 30 minutes. Students and instructors are expected to take responsibility for following best practices for hygiene as outlined by the CDC.

Workplace and Home Information

CDC Coronavirus 19 Information

CANCELLATIONS
Athletic events and practices are cancelled for the remainder of the semester, in keeping with the NJCAA’s announcement on Monday, March 16, 2020. Read more at the NJCAA webpage..

Commencement Ceremonies, including GED graduation and Allied Health Nursing Capping & Pinning ceremonies, scheduled for the weekend of May 1, 2020, have been cancelled. Details for an alternate, potentially online recognition ceremony are pending and will be announced.

All Saints Days in April have been cancelled. Incoming students will be notified how best to navigate enrollment processes.

All concerts, recitals, and performances, including the annual poetry coffeehouse, student art exhibit, and the musical “Mamma Mia!” have been cancelled. Details about alternatives to some of these activities, such as the poetry contest, will be announced as they are finalized.

STUDENTS IN DORMS
As of Monday, March 16, 2020, students will have the option of returning to student housing to finish out the remainder of the semester, or to check out following SCCC housing contract guidelines.

Students should contact SCCC Housing Director Jen Malin at 620-417-2102, or Vice President of Student Services Celeste Donovan at 620-417-1016 to indicate their preference.

Please note: Students who choose to live in the dorms through the semester may not host guests. Students must also complete information about recent travel prior to taking up residence. Finally, students who are asked to do so must complete a two-week self-quarantine period in their dorm rooms.

Pertinent information for our International Students regarding travel restrictions in their respective countries is available here.

CAFETERIA SERVICES
As of Monday, March 16, 2020, cafeteria services at SCCC continue as provided by Great Western Dining. Service times remain unchanged.

The cafeteria will operate on a week-to-week basis as determined by GWD and SCCC administration, and announcements will be posted accordingly.

EMPLOYEE GUIDELINES
As of Monday, March 16, 2020, SCCC supervisors have been instructed to work with employees on a case-by-case basis to schedule on- or off-campus work.

Employees who exhibit signs of illness, belong to an at-risk group, or who are unable for other reasons to work on campus comfortably and safely should talk with supervisors to arrange for telecommuting (work from home) options. At this time, federal guidelines are a fluid matter, and employees are not asked to use up personal or vacation time to work off campus.

Employees who can complete work-related tasks from home may do so at their supervisors’ discretion.

Supervisors should notify HR of any employees who will be working from home. The SCCC Human Resources department is currently at work to craft a temporary telecommuting policy for board approval this week, at which time all telecommuting employees will be expected to comply.

Please note: On-campus team members (employees) are encouraged to begin the work-day with thorough hand-washing, and include rewashing every 30 minutes. All team members (employees) are expected to take responsibility for following best practices for hygiene as outlined by the CDC.