Dear Faculty and Staff,
This weekend more changes to our nation’s response to the virus were communicated by the federal and state government. These changes continue to impact our alternative operations model. Attached is the Governor’s executive order and a FAQ about the order. Community Colleges fall into several categories of “essential business.” I’ve included below some highlights from the order that relate to DCCC’s operations, as well as other updates:
Governor’s Executive Order Highlights:
- The Order is effective Monday, March 30th and remains in effect until April 29th, unless rescinded earlier.
- It orders all individuals to stay at their homes, except for Essential Activities or to participate in or access Essential Businesses and Operations.
- It restricts gatherings to no more than 10 individuals.
- The Order directs that all Essential Businesses have employees work from home to the maximum extent possible.
- For those employees necessary to be on-site, an employee is authorized to leave their home to perform work at an Essential Business.
2020 Commencement Update:
- Plans are underway to provide a virtual graduation experience for our students on May 8 at 6:30pm (our original date and time).
- Although we’re disappointed not to hold a traditional ceremony in person, we feel it is more important to celebrate our students on schedule as planned, while also prioritizing the health and safety of our graduates, their guests, and our employees.
- Watch for more details about how you can be involved in this event to help make it as meaningful as possible for our graduates!
Visiting Campus Guidelines:
- Faculty or staff who need to come to campus to retrieve items from their offices should contact security upon arrival. Security will open buildings to provide this access.
- Staff should follow the directions of their supervisor related to checking mail or other tasks that require them to come to campus on a regular basis.
Required Campus Notification Regarding COVID-19: March 30, 2020
This timely notice to all members of the DCCC community is to comply with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).
The health, safety and well-being of everyone who is part of our campus community is our top priority, and is an underlying factor in every decision we make. We will continue to inform you of recent events relative to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
What we know as of this afternoon:
- We were notified today that one of our employees has tested positive for COVID-19. This employee has not been on campus in well over 14 days, so no additional steps are required in regard to the safety of our campus community. We send our best wishes to this employee for a speedy recovery. This is a reminder for us all to continue to follow current recommendations to keep ourselves, our families, friends, and colleagues as safe as possible:
- Follow Governor Cooper’s order and remain at home, except for essential needs including food and healthcare.
- Continue to practice social distancing, remaining at least 6 feet away from others when outside the home.
- Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Sneeze or cough into your elbow or into a tissue that you immediately throw away.
- Disinfect frequently touched items and surfaces regularly.
- If you have symptoms, isolate yourself at home; call your doctor for directions based on your personal health.
- If someone in your household tests positive, keep the entire household at home and arrange for deliveries of needed items.
- Check in by phone or electronically with relatives, friends, and neighbors, and with those who may be lonely or depressed.
- Take care of yourself and remember that our Employee Assistance Program is available to help you deal with various life situations; contact Richard L. Martin, M.A. LPC, at 336.917.0022 for an initial free visit.
- The identity of any employee or student of DCCC who tests positive for COVID-19 will remain strictly confidential.
- According to local health officials, there were 17 confirmed cases in Davidson, and 11 in Davie County as of this morning.
Thank you for all you are doing during this time as we continue the work of educating and supporting our students.
