Faculty/Staff COVID-19 Update: March 20, 2020

Dear faculty and staff,

See below for the latest updates related to changes caused by COVID–19. I have also attached two new policies adopted by the Board of Trustees this morning.

Moving Classes Online:

Prior to the COVID–19 pandemic, 30% of the course sections we are offering this spring were delivered online. In an effort to help our students continue to meet their academic goals, our faculty have worked diligently to move as many courses as possible to an online format. An additional 279 classes have been converted to an online format. On Monday, March 23, DCCC will deliver 73% or 477 classes online.

Updates from DCCC Board of Trustees Meeting:

Our DCCC Board of Trustees met electronically this morning for an update on the college’s response to COVID–19 and to adopt two policies that will help us address COVID–19 challenges:

Policy 3.2.19 Employee Work and State of Emergency Leave: This emergency leave policy helps employees adversely impacted by our current alternate operations model. This includes those employees unable to complete the full scope of their duties remotely and employees who may face special circumstances during the COVID–19 pandemic, such as being high-risk or caring for sick family members.

Policy 5.2.4 Student Services Grading System: This policy allows additional flexibility in the College’s grading policy, extending as needed the period for completion of an incomplete grade due to complications resulting from COVID–19.

 Updated Travel Guidelines: 

On March 20, 2020, we are implementing new guidance to our faculty, staff and students.  The college strongly discourages personal out-of-state or international travel due to the health risks.  Any such travel taken by a student, faculty or staff member, since March 3, 2020, must be reported on the Self-Report Travel form.

1. Any student or employee who traveled out of state or out of the country prior to March 20, 2020 will not be allowed on campus for 14 days from the date of return.

2. Any student or employee returning from travel outside of the United States will continue not to be allowed on campus for 14 days from the date of their return.

3. Any student or employee who lives in the household of someone who has tested positive for COVID–19 should remain in their home, contact a medical provider, and will not be allowed on campus for a minimum of 14 days.

4. Any student or employee who has come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID–19 will not be allowed on campus for a minimum of 14 days.

5. Any faculty, staff, or student who tests positive for COVID–19 must self-report, and is restricted from campus until cleared by a healthcare provider.

6. Anyone with flu-like symptoms should stay at home and take the advice of their healthcare provider.

If you or someone you live with has been diagnosed with COVID–19, please complete the COVID–19 Diagnosis Self-Report Form. All information will be kept confidential and will only be used to further assist students with their academic schedule and well being.