EACC not to impose full mask mandate on campus
East Arkansas Community College will not be imposing campus wide mask mandates for the campus in the upcoming semester, but some classes and courses might require them.
Dr. Cathie Cline reported to the board of trustees Thursday night that she felt it was important to note however the increase in the transmission of Covid-19 and variants.
"Although I am not recommending a campus-wide "mask mandate" for everyone in all situations, East Arkansas Community College is strongly encouraging everyone to wear masks, especially indoors where social distancing is not possible," said Cline.
"The college is respecting all third party face covering requirements, for example at clinical sites or for high school students," added Cline.
Cline said the college would be allowing some programs, classes or events to require face coverings when necessary, such as those that occur in rooms where distance cannot be maintained or where levels of interaction or risk may be greater.
However, Cline told the board EACC will continue the efforts to fight Covid-19 using methods the college had begun last year.
"The College will provide PPE such as masks and cleaning supplies to employees and students, as long as supplies and funds are available," said Cline.
She also stated the college would continue use of cleaning and sanitization supplies such as the Clorox 360 electrostatic disinfection system.
"Although class sizes will not be limited, classes will be placed in the largest rooms available and will continue to be provided with barriers to protect themselves from the students if they wish to utilize those," said Cline.
Cline reported barriers will also continue to be placed in public areas for as much protection as possible.
"Students and employees are still required to screen themselves and may not come to campus if showing symptoms of Covid, if exposed, or if testing positive for the virus," said Cline.
Cline also stated the college would continue to promote vaccinations.
"An estimated 77% of employees and over 87% of faculty have been vaccinated," said Cline. "Student rates are difficult to measure given the many short-term programs we offer, but generally are believed to be much lower, as is typical of college students, particularly in Arkansas."
Cline told the board that a new addition to the campus would be the Binax Covid Now rapid test kits and that while vaccinations and testing would not be required they would be encouraged.
"That will be available free to all students and employees," said Cline. "While we will not require testing, it is hoped that offering these tests free of charge will help in curbing the spread of the virus, especially among the unvaccinated."
Cline also stated that while allied health students would not be required to be vaccinated to attend EACC, they would possibly be required vaccinations at clinical sites before being allowed on site.
(Continued from Page 1) "The college will work with students who choose not to be vaccinated as much as possible with simulated clinicals, but the state has limited simulation to 30% of clinicals, and sites that do not require vaccinations are limited," said Cline. "All allied health programs in the state are struggling with the same issues."
"However, as the situation changes, we may need to go to a stricter policy, and I will keep the board informed if we need to do so," Cline said of pandemic practices.
Cline also reported to the board that the virus had affected college enrollment unpredictably, much like it had nationwide.
"Generally, EACC rebound well in comparison to other twoyear colleges in Arkansas who unofficially have reported a roughly overall average 5% increase in summer enrollment," said Cline. "However, because our declines in 2020 were greater, our rebound was likely greater."
Cline reported Summer I enrollment rebounded by 20% over the last year while summer II declined by 17%.
"Combined enrollment for the two summer terms was 665, a 2.15% increase over last year's figure of 651 and a 2.31% increase over 2018's headcount of 650," said Cline.
Cline said that EACC however was once again unable to teach any classes at the federal prison.
"While Covid-19 has caused much uncertainty, overall the news from summer enrollment is good, as students seem to want to return to improving their lives," said Cline. "We are optimistic for fall given the availability o f ARP (American Rescue Plan) funds for EACC students as well as other incentives."
In other business the board passed a resolution honoring former board president Willie L. Smith, for his years of service to the board before passing.
Due to Smith's passing the board had to re-elected officers. New board officers elected were Brent Howton as Chairman, Judge Ann Hudson as Vice Chairman, Jan Haven as Secretary and Kevin Lewey as Treasurer.
Cline also reported on several campus projects happening on the grounds including an addition of a third practice range for truck driving students and renovations to the Technology Instruction Building (former CRTI building.)
"In May, I presented architects' renderings of a new facade for the TIB," said Cline. "Following review of architects' preliminary plans to renovate the inside of the TIB into a one-stop welcome center for students and the public, it has been determined that it would be more cost effective to renovate the inside of the building at the same time as the outside because facade construction requires adjustments to windows and exterior walls."
Cline presented the board with the architect's preliminary layout but told them they were still waiting for the finalized designs.
In other business the board accepted 16 resignations, terminations and retirements while also approving 14 new hires or changes in duties.
The board also accepted several grants for the college including Campus Covid-19 Vaccine Initiative Mini grant, Career Pathways Initiative grant, Carl D. Perkins Grant, Dollar General Adult Literacy grant, ADHE Regional Workforce Educator Pipeline Pilot Program grant, American Rescue Plan grant and the ADHE Degrees When Due Cohort honorarium.
The board also approved the college's catalog for 2021-2022.