FA L L 2020 PLAN
FALL 2020 OPERATIONS PLAN OVERVIEW Wallace State Community College will begin fall semester classes, as scheduled, on August 17, 2020. Classes will take place both online and on campus, and are available during the day, in the evening and on weekends. Courses have been set to allow students access to their Blackboard classes a week or more before fall semester begins. Instructors will have a “welcome” announcement in place that will explain to students the expectations of the class, virtual class meeting directions, virtual and in-person office hours and contact information, and, for hybrid courses, any schedule of on-campus work. Wallace State remains steadfastly committed to student success. The outstanding quality of our online programs and services is just one of the reasons the Wallace State was recently ranked Alabama’s No. 1 Online Community College.
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HIGHLIGHTS • Classes are available in online and hybrid formats with some on-campus instruction occurring for Applied Technologies, Health Science, Workforce Development, Performing Arts, and other courses with required hands-on labs. • All students coming to class on campus must sign a waiver available from their instructor. • Health and Safety Protocols are in place, including: daily self-screening, mask requirement on campus, social distancing, hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning. • All offices are open and available virtually, by appointment, and for walk-ins. • On-campus events and activities will be limited. • Dorms are open with limited occupancy and additional temperature screenings, questionnaire, and other protocols. • WSCC Café is open for to-go items; a free food pantry is available. • Clinicals, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities are approved as sites allow. • College meetings should be held virtually as much as possible. • Travel requests require strict review and must be essential.
DO YOU HAVE UNMET NEEDS? WALLACE STATE CARES ABOUT YOU! Wallace State Community College was recently designated nationally as a Caring Campus by the Institute for Evidence-Based Change and has numerous supports available to help students succeed. Ask us about our free food pantry, success coaching, mental health counseling, career services, tutoring, laptop and technology loans, emergency financial assistance, and more available through our vast network of WSCC student services and the Wallace State Future Foundation. Our faculty and staff members are ready to listen and eager to help.
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INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN Fall semester full term and mini-term I classes begin on August 17, 2020. Mini-term II begins on October 14. All classes with on-campus instruction will be offered in a hybrid format, with theory and lectures occurring online or virtually through “live” platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Blackboard Collaborate. Hands-on instruction, labs, and skills check-offs will take place on campus. The group size of on-campus meetings will be dependent on the size of the instructional space to allow for social distancing. Most of Wallace State’s 16 health science and 14 career technical/applied technology courses will be delivered in a hybrid format with significant on-campus lab work. A few, like Engineering Technology, Health Information Technology, Medical Coding, and Child Development already conduct instruction online, though apprenticeships and clinicals may still require in-person attendance at off-campus sites. Academic hybrids include biology, networking, performing arts ensemble groups, dance, theatre, and orientation (for technology check-offs only), as well as certain dual enrollment courses taught in the high schools and on campus. On campus meetings will vary by program. Most academic courses will be offered online. Every class offered at Wallace State has an online Blackboard component, or shell, where syllabi, assignments, course materials, links to online tests, grades and instructor messages may be posted. Students enrolled for fall will have access to their classes in Blackboard more than a week before fall semester begins, and should check their Blackboard accounts, Wallace State email, and the College website for messages from instructors and other College announcements. All on-campus instruction and assessments will be completed by Thanksgiving to mitigate the risk of a second wave of the virus combined with an active flu season. Any assignments and exams remaining after the Thanksgiving break will be completed online or remotely. CLINICALS AND APPRENTICESHIPS Health program clinicals and other work-based learning experiences, such as apprenticeships, will continue as long as sites allow, following appropriate health and safety protocols. Some health programs have also developed virtual or alternate clinical experiences that comply with their program accreditation requirements in the event in-person clinical experiences are paused. OFFICE HOURS AND SYLLABI Instructors are available for in-person as well as virtual office hours to meet student needs and preferences. Office hours, whether on campus or remote, will be indicated on the course syllabus, in Blackboard, and on office doors. When possible, virtual appointments are encouraged. In addition to office hours, course syllabi/Blackboard shells should include: Remote Instruction Addendum Liability Waiver COVID Self-Screening Information LIBRARY SERVICES Full library services will be provided in person and virtually through the library’s online portal on the College website. Hours are Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
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SELF-SCREENING Students, employees and visitors should complete a daily self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms prior to coming to campus using the questionnaire online at www.wallacestate.edu/COVIDselfscreen. Signs with QR Codes linking to this form are posted at campus entrances. You do not need to keep a record of this form, nor do you need to turn this form in, but please do report to your supervisor or instructor prior to coming to campus if you are COVID-positive, symptomatic, or have been exposed to someone who is COVID positive or likely positive for further instructions. This self-screening requirement, which outlines symptoms and defines exposure, will be communicated broadly and should be included in course syllabi and Blackboard shells. The College will follow System guidance for screening and temperature checks of students in residence halls and for reporting of COVID-positive cases. The College will additionally follow ACCC and NJCAA guidelines for screening student-athletes. Health programs and clinical sites may also have additional requirements. COVID-19 LIABILITY WAIVER All students participating in on-campus instruction, labs or other activities must sign the COVID-19 liability waiver, acknowledging and accepting the risk inherent in attending in-person classes. Instructors are responsible for collecting this form. This waiver requirement will be communicated to students in Blackboard, on syllabi, and through their instructors. The waiver is also posted on the Wallace State website. USE OF MASKS Face masks or coverings are required to be worn on campus at all times in any public area of a building, and/or anytime you are within 6 feet of another person. Visit www.wallacestate.edu/masks for the College’s mask policy and Frequently Asked Questions. When in doubt, wear your mask. All employees and students enrolled in classes on campus during Fall Semester 2020 will be issued a reusable mask. For College-issued washable and reusable masks, the first mask issued is free of charge. Replacements will cost $5 each. Disposable masks are available at Lion Central, from Campus Police, and at other areas. Personal face masks and face coverings may be used in lieu of a Wallace State-supplied mask.
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MAXIMUM SIZE FOR GATHERINGS The number of students permitted in a classroom or lab will be determined by the instructional square feet available, adhering to social distancing requirements. In no case will any gathering include more than 50 people, and it would be rare for more than 10 to be gathered in a classroom or lab. Times for classes may be staggered, and larger groups divided to meet the social distancing requirements. SOCIAL DISTANCING The College has installed plexiglass and/or other barriers at reception desks and high-traffic areas due to the increased opportunity for exposure by walk-in traffic at these locations. Across campus, seating is intentionally spaced to provide for appropriate distancing. Seating, common areas, and floors may also be marked by tape or signage to indicate proper social distancing. Social distancing tips: • Remain 6 feet away from others as a normal practice. • Avoid non-essential gatherings. • Avoid gathering when entering and exiting facilities. • Conduct meetings virtually through Zoom, Blackboard Collaborate, or Office Teams when possible. • Eliminate handshakes, hugs and similar contact. • Avoid touching surfaces touched by others to the extent feasible. • Avoid anyone who is coughing, sneezing or appears to be sick.
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HANDWASHING & PERSONAL HYGIENE Like social distancing and mask-wearing, handwashing and hand hygiene are key to preventing the spread of disease. As a best practice: • Do not touch an entry door handle with exposed finger(s) or hand. When opening doors, try to do so without touching the handle or doorknob. Many people use a paper towel, especially when entering/exiting restrooms and this is a good idea for any facility. Immediately discard the paper towel after use in the nearest trash can. Try using your sleeve if you don’t have a paper towel. • Consider propping open bathroom/interior doors to limit door handle touching. • As a general principle, avoid touching your face with your hands, especially until you have had a chance to wash your hands. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or elbow. • Wash hands—with soap from a dispenser, following these guidelines: 1. The CDC recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Refer to the posted signs or videos for the proper procedure. 2. If handwashing is not an option, use hand sanitizer. This needs to be at least 60% alcohol to be effective. 3. Paper towels will be provided in all bathrooms on campus. Use a paper towel for drying your hands. If the paper towels are located in a roller dispenser, extend the paper towel with your elbow if possible before handwashing. Retrieve a clean paper towel after a thorough handwashing. Use the paper towel to wipe hands. Use the same paper towel to turn off the faucet and exit the bathroom. Dispose of the used paper towel in a trash can. 4. Exit the restroom without touching door handles with your hands. ENHANCED CLEANING AND DISINFECTION Enhanced cleaning, including common areas, will take place daily. Classroom and lab equipment will be sanitized after each use. Entrance/exit doors of facilities used for in-person instruction will be sanitized at least twice per day. Employees will take responsibility for ensuring additional frequent cleaning of areas in their departments after use, including offices, classrooms, labs, and common spaces with special attention to: • Door handles • Restrooms • Countertops and common surfaces • Computer screens and keyboards • Desks and armrests • Tools, workstations and lab/office equipment Facilities will be equipped with EPA-approved disinfectant and cleaning supplies. If you need additional supplies, please contact the Physical Plant Department.
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STUDENT SERVICES Student Services offices are open to serve students and staff are available for walk-in visits and appointments. To better serve students, Wallace State’s Student Services Division has also established a full complement of Virtual Student Services, providing the same level of outstanding customer service in a student-friendly manner in a virtual environment that students receive on campus, with even greater ease of access. Students may connect with the College through platforms like Zoom, Blackboard Collaborate, Microsoft Teams, Live Chat, phone, email, and social media messaging. In many cases responses are in real-time and instant. Expanded and weekend hours are available in some areas. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Lion Central One-Stop Center for Enrollment Services Admissions Financial Aid Advising Success Coaching Cashier Tutoring Lab Career Services Mental Health Counseling Food Pantry ADA/Special Populations Recruiting TRIO - Talent Search and Student Support Service Title IX Dean of Students
MyWallaceState, the College’s application and registration portal is available online 24/7. In addition to in-person tutoring, free online tutoring is available via Upswing at https://upswing.io. Students may login in using their Blackboard username and password. Visit the Tutoring page on the Wallace State website for more information. BOOKSTORE The Barnes and Noble Bookstore on campus is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with limited occupancy to allow for social distancing. Online purchases of $50 or more receive free shipping at wallacestate.bncollege.com. Phone assistance is also available by calling 256.352.8100. PLACEMENT AND OTHER TESTING Testing is offered on a space-available basis to allow for social distancing and following other health and safety protocols. Appointments are strongly encouraged. Most placement tests will take place in the 9th floor testing lab. The residual ACT will be held in the School of Nursing (CNS). When possible, proctored testing and other assessments may take place online or be administered remotely. Call 256.352.8248 for an appointment. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES All reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities. Accommodations will be addressed individually and according to individual need by contacting Lisa Smith, the College’s ADA officer, at 256.352.8052, lisa.smith@wallacestate.edu. In-person and virtual appointments are also available. 8
DINING SERVICES The Wallace State Café will open on August 10, 2020. Meal plan meals and other food served in the Wallace State Café will be served in “to go” boxes. No salad bars nor self-serve items will be available. All items will be served cold so that customers can be served quickly and avoid long lines while adhering to social distancing guidelines. No food will be served by outside vendors. HOUSING On-campus housing will be limited to one resident per room/bathroom for non-athletes, and two residents per room/bathroom if they are on the same athletic team. All residents will be charged the double room rate. Dorm residents will be screened using temperature checks, a dorm COVID screening questionnaire and will be subject to additional protocols. Common gathering areas will be limited to laundry and kitchen facilities. Social distancing will be required inside dorm buildings, including common areas. Face masks are required inside dorm common areas, entrances and hallways. No visitors will be allowed. The Housing Office will communicate Dorm-specific policies to residents. RECREATION/STUDENT LIFE/WELLNESS CENTER Student activities and student life events will include more virtual events this fall than in previous semesters, and will otherwise have a limited on-campus schedule that complies with occupancy limits and other health and safety protocols. Limited access to the Wellness Center will be available to students, employees and senior adults who have registered for the wellness program. Call 256.352.8346 for hours and information. ATHLETICS Fall athletic seasons, with the exception of cross country, have been postponed until spring. The College will follow NJCAA and ACCC protocols with regard to the resumption of athletics. Go Lions XC!
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ADULT EDUCATION/WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The Wallace State Adult Education and Center for Career and Workforce Development will continue to provide services by phone, email, or virtually. Face-to-face meetings are available by appointment. Enrollment in the Adult Education program is done online, with assistance provided by staff. Most instruction in the Adult Education program will also take place online and/or via Zoom. Face-to-face instruction and tutoring will be limited and will occur primarily by appointment. Workforce training courses that require in-person training/lab time, including CDL, Construction/Masonry, Phlebotomy, CPR, and Advanced Cardiac classes will be limited to 10 or fewer for in-person instruction. All other courses will be offered through an online or hybrid format. WALLI Wallace State’s WaLLi program serves students ages 55 and older. Many in this program are in the identified “vulnerable” group, based on their age. While we recognize that the interaction and activities offered benefits this group of senior citizens, including physical and mental health, the program will follow Governor Ivey’s directives for “Senior Centers.” No programming will be offered until the order is lifted for these centers. Should the order be lifted, a return to program activities will be considered and may resume the following semester, including wellness activities, with no more than 10 students in each offering and following the protocols for WSCC health and safety. CAMPUS SAFETY AND SECURITY Wallace State Campus Police will continue to provide safety and security services on campus around the clock. Call 256.735.9975 for on-campus police assistance or 911 for emergencies. COMMUNICATIONS AND SIGNAGE College coronavirus-related information and updates are linked at www. wallacestate.edu/coronavirus. The College’s communications methods include website, email, text messaging, Lion Alert emergency alerts, Blackboard, social media, the WSCC app, electronic signage, press releases, and more. CDC signage related to COVID-19, including signs/symptoms of the disease, social distancing, handwashing and personal hygiene, the use of masks, and other directional and educational signage has been placed across campus. Departments should also post in-person and virtual office hours and contact information. If you need signage, please contact the Communications & Marketing Department at 256.352.8356 or communications@wallacestate.edu.
#wallacestatecares
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It is the policy of Wallace State Community College, a postsecondary institution under the control of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation be excluded from participation in, be denied benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity or employment. The College will not retaliate against any person because they have engaged in a protected activity opposing the College or because they have made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing alleging discrimination on a basis specified above.
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This plan will be reviewed regularly and updated in accordance with Alabama Community College System and federal directives and with guidance from the CDC and Alabama Department of Public Health. For the latest information and additional resources, please visit: www.wallacestate.edu/coronavirus
Scan for COVID-19 Daily Self-Screening Questionnaire