Ensuring the health and safety of our FSCC students, faculty, staff, and community is my top priority. Requiring masks and social distancing is the most effective way to protect each other and help keep FSCC open for business. Beginning July 6, 2020, masks will be required for all individuals who are in a FSCC building, or when social distancing cannot be accomplished, at all FSCC locations. Please keep in mind we need to be respectful of the fact we have individuals who are vulnerable, and/or they have family members who are at grave risk, if they contract the virus.

 

The situation concerning the spread of the COVID-19 virus and how counties, states, school districts, and colleges will handle it, changes every day. We must remain flexible due to the evolving nature and scope of this public health emergency. Below are a few guidelines brought forth by our executive team as we plan to move forward with classes and complete opening of all FSCC locations.

 

COVID-19 Mitigation Return to Work Plan

 

1.             Amended Start and End Date for Fall, 2020 Semester:

• In-service will be one day only – August 7, 2020. Classes will begin August 10, 2020. The semester will end November 24.

 

2.             Face Masks and Social Distancing Required:

• All individuals on FSCC campus, at all locations, will be required to wear a face mask while in buildings. Individuals should social distance in hallways and common areas.

 

4.             Illness:

• If you feel sick, or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and consult your health care professional.

 

5.             Follow CDC Guidelines for Prevention:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• No contact greetings (no handshakes, hugging, etc.).
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

 

6.             Classroom/Lab/Common Area Sanitation:

• Hand sanitizer will be available in all classrooms and common areas. Classrooms, labs, and common areas will be sanitized utilizing electrostatic sanitation equipment a minimum of once daily. The FSCC cafeteria will be sanitized after each meal. College fleet vehicles will be sanitized following each use.

 

7.             Travel & Exposure Related Isolation/Quarantine:

• Those who have traveled to the following locations need to quarantine for 14 days after arrival in Kansas. This applies to both Kansas residents and those visiting Kansas (locations requiring quarantine upon return are subject to change):
  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Florida
  • South Carolina
  • Cruise ship or river cruise passengers
  • International travelers

 

8.             Institutional Travel:

• All institutional travel must be deemed essential to college operations and approved by the appropriate Vice President or President.

 

9.             Teaching Methods:

• Instructors should provide all instructional materials and assignments on Blackboard.
  • All classes will be hybrid and students will be expected to check Blackboard frequently
  • Exams, quizzes, and daily assignments are encouraged to be completed in the online modality to reduce exposure.
  • Group work is discouraged in the classroom without appropriate social distancing. Faculty are asked to utilize the LMS (Blackboard) for group learning and projects.
  • Faculty are encouraged to update their absence policies in syllabi to reduce penalties for missing class due to illness, isolation, or precautions related to COVID-19 exposure.
  • Proctoring online assignments/exams is discouraged (no in-person proctoring requirements) as Respondus has removed the unlimited usage availability.

• Attendance must be taken within Campus Connect for every course meeting in the face to face modality. This will allow for contact tracing in the event of a positive test.

 

This guidance is subject to change without notice.

 

Stay safe and healthy,

 

Alysia Johnston, FSCC President