HVCC issues update on limited on-campus instruction
TROY, N.Y. » Hudson Valley Community College President Dr. Roger Ramsammy, provided an update regarding a gradual return to campus. Starting July 1, a small portion of students, faculty, and staff returned to campus. They are able to return for the following reasons:
• To complete specific clinical requirements that could not be finished this spring;
• For a limited number of credit-free community education or workforce training courses; and
• To perform job responsibilities that are most effectively executed on site.
Those who returned to campus were contacted by their faculty member, department representative or supervisor; no other students, faculty, staff or visitors will be permitted to return to campus at this time.
Summer session instruction will continue as planned in online or remote formats. Employees who are able to do so will continue to work remotely, and offices and services will continue to be accessible online or over the phone; in-person visits to offices are still not permitted until further notice.
In his letter, Ramsammy notes they plan to update guidance next month as the college prepares to provide greater access to the campus for students, employees, and visitors.
For their on-campus summer plans, the college has been planning for several months to ensure that the transition to any amount of on-campus work and learning is a safe and smooth process for all involved.
The college has created several protocols and procedures, all in compliance with New York State, CDC, OSHA, SUNY, and health department guidance, to protect the health and safety of our college community during this process.
These protocols and procedures are available in detail on the college’s COVID-19 webpage. All returning faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with them. A brief overview of some of the key points is provided below.
• Employee Training: All employees are required to complete the “Employee Safe Return to Campus” training online before being approved to return to campus. The Office of Human Resources will provide access to the training and further information next week.
• Health Screening: All individuals reporting to campus must complete a daily health screening, consisting of a health questionnaire and temperature check, before being permitted to enter campus. Anyone who has experienced COVID-19-related
symptoms within the last 14 days; has come in contact with someone who has COVID-19 within the last 14 days; or who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days will NOT be permitted to access campus. Those individuals should stay home and contact the college’s Health Services office for further instruction. Detailed information can be found in the Health Screening Protocols.
• Face Masks: All individuals are required to wear a mask or face covering over the mouth and nose whenever they are in public or shared spaces on campus, whenever they are unable to maintain six feet of distance from others, and throughout the daily health screening process. Additional information can be found in the Face Mask and Glove Use Protocols.
• Social Distancing: Social distancing protocols will be observed throughout the campus, including staying six feet away from others; reducing or eliminating in-person meetings and contact as much as possible; respecting floor markings, arrows and signs; avoiding crowding and gathering; and reducing office and classroom density as much as possible, among other measures. More information can be found in the Social Distancing and Personal Hygiene Protocols.
• Cleaning and Disinfection: The college has implemented rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols to keep our campus community safe. Buildings, classrooms and offices will be cleaned and sanitized daily, with more frequent disinfection of high-touch and commonly-used areas and items. In addition, cleaning and disinfecting supplies will be provided in all offices and classrooms, and students, faculty and staff are asked to disinfect their workspaces, desks, and high-touch areas frequently throughout the day. More information can be found in the Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols.
In terms of instruction in the fall semester, HVCC expects approval from SUNY of their plan next week but, at the same time, anticipates offering a mix of mostly online and remote learning options, with select classes and labs being offered on campus or in a hybrid format. Full details will be available in the days ahead.
“Thank you once again for your patience and understanding as we continue to plan, prepare and adjust to our “new normal.” Please know that no matter what, the college remains committed to providing the same quality and access to education that our students have always expected and deserved. I will be in contact again soon. Until then, stay safe, stay well, and enjoy your summer!” Ramsammy stated.