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Contents ❖ Guiding Principles …….…………………………………………………………………………….3 ❖ Reopening Phases .………………………………………………………………………………….4 ❖ COVID-19 Scenarios At-A-Glance …………………………………………………………….5 ❖ Communicating COVID Cases on Campus/No Cost Testing …………………….6 ❖ Decision Triggers for Discussion of Closure or Partial Closure .…………………7 ❖ Health and Safety Guidance .…………………………………………………………………..8 o o
Symptom Monitoring ….………………………………………………………………………………………………..8 Personal Safety Practices ………………………………………………………………………………………………9 ▪ Face masks & coverings …………………………………………………………………………………….9 ▪ Social distancing ……………….…….………………………………………………………………………11 ▪ Handwashing ………………….………………………………………………………………………………11 ▪ Coughing/Sneezing hygiene …….……………………..………………………………………………11 ▪ Maintaining Good Health ….……………………………………………………………………………11 o What to do if you are exposed to COVID-19…………………………………………………………………12 o When may you return to campus after exposure or positive test results? ……………….….12 o SSA Contact Tracing ………………………………………………………………………………………………….…13 o Mental and Emotional Wellbeing ……………………………………..…………………………………………13 ❖
Returning to Campus ……………………………………………………………………………14 o
Campus Expectations and Guidelines for Employees Returning to Campus …………………14 ▪ Staggered Staffing ………………………………………………….………………………………………14 ▪ Phase 2 Staffing ……………………………………………………………………………………………..14 o Campus Expectations and Guidelines for Students Returning to Campus …………………….15 ▪ Students on Campus ……………………………………………………………………………………….15 o Entrance and Exit Control ………………………………………………….…………………………………………15 ▪ Daily Health Screening ……………………………………..……………………………………….……15 ▪ Building Access ………………..……………………………………………..………………………………15 ▪ Disinfection and Cleaning …….…………………………………………………………………………16 ▪ Signage and Posters …………………………..……………………………………………………………16 o Guidance for Specific Campus Scenarios ……………………………………………………………………16 ▪ Public Transportation ……………………………………………………………………………………..16 ▪ Working in the Office/Studios …………………………………………………………….………….16 ▪ Using Restrooms ……………………………………………………………………….……………………17 ▪ Using Elevators ……………………………………………………………………………………………….17 ▪ Meetings ……………..………………………………………………………………………………………….17 ▪ Meals …………..……………………….………………………………………………………………………..17 ▪ Class Protocol … ………………….………………………………………………………………………….18 ▪ Lounges ……………………………….…………………………………………………………………………18 ▪ Group Gatherings ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 18 o Program Specific Guidelines ……………………………………………………………………………………….19 ▪ Bachelor of Fine Arts Program …….…….……………………………………………………………19 ▪ Adult Community Program ……….……….…………………………………………………………..21 ▪ Young Artists Program ……….…….………………………………………………………………….…23 ▪ Venue Rental Guidelines …….…….…………………………………………………………………...25
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Guiding Principles Southwest School of Art is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment for all employees and students in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our employees and students direct the ongoing review and adaptation of these guidelines for reopening the campus. Southwest School of Art reserves the right to increase or decrease these requirements at any time based on medical necessity or other factors. Southwest School of Art has established a COVID-19 Reopening Task Force to monitor conditions, respond to concerns and communicate SSA decisions. The goal for Southwest School of Art’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is to protect employees and students while continuing the SSA mission to teach and advance the visual arts for the benefit of students seeking higher education and for others seeking education and enrichment. Southwest School of Art will continue to follow local and state orders and the recommendations of health advisors to protect our community. Our knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 virus continue to evolve and these guidelines and plans will be updated and adapted as more information becomes available.
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Reopening Phases Beginning August 9, 2021, Southwest School of Art is in Phase 3A of Reopening the Campus.
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The SSA campus transitioned to Phase 3A of the Reopening Plan on Thursday, August 12, 2021. Administrators will continue to monitor the virus rates and will move to a final reopening phase, 3B, when conditions allow. The following guidelines will help to facilitate that transition and provide guidance for staff and students. Update: As of March 14, 2022, SSA strongly encourages the use of facemasks inside all campus buildings, but no longer requires the use of masks indoors. Vaccinations In light of the growing threat of the COVID Delta variant, it is Southwest School of Art’s institutional position to protect our community by highly encouraging vaccinations for all students, staff and faculty. Getting vaccinated is easy and convenient. The city of San Antonio offers free vaccines please visit: https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/Home for more details. Again, we highly encourage all members of the SSA community to get their vaccines so that we may all be healthy and move to a fully open campus again. Prevention Reduce your exposure. The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, which are similar to the precautions you take to avoid the flu. CDC always recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including: • • • • • • • •
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 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. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Practice physical distancing. Wear a face covering or mask when in public and physical distancing is not possible
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Facemasks As of March 14, 2022, SSA strongly encourages the use of facemasks inside all campus buildings, but no longer requires the use of masks indoors. To help lessen the possibility of virus mutations, the use of facemasks are strongly encouraged in oncampus public areas, including lounges, hallways, conference rooms and restrooms. Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer will be provided and readily available in all campus buildings. When worn, facemasks should fit snugly over nose and mouth and be worn correctly in all public areas. Individuals are encouraged to wash facemasks daily. Campus Access Access to the Urschel and Santikos Buildings will continue to be by key or fob only due to the shortage of personnel to monitor the entrances. The McNutt Welcome Center will be open access for visitors to campus. Individuals meeting with personnel in Santikos or Urschel may either check in at McNutt where the receptionist will contact the SSA personnel or they may contact you directly for you to escort them into SSA buildings. The River access gate will remain closed. Campus building signage will be updated informing walk-up visitors that masks are strongly encouraged in all areas, and that the McNutt Welcome Center is open for inquiries. Scheduling Staff will resume fulltime on-campus presence under the new Southwest School of Art Flex Work Program. Supervisors will determine the best flex schedule for their department based on workload. Schedules will be evaluated every 3 months to ensure satisfactory departmental progress. Exposure to COVID City of San Antonio Testing information: https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/Home What to do Vaccinated · If you’ve been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone who has COVID-19, alert your supervisor and work remotely. Get tested 3-5 days after your exposure, even if you don’t have symptoms. You may return to work after 5 days and a proof of a negative test result. You should also wear a mask indoors in public for 5 days following exposure or until your test result is negative. You should isolate for 5 days if your test result is positive.
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Unvaccinated · One must quarantine if you have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour period) with someone who has COVID-19. · Get a COVID-19 test on day 5, if possible. · Stay home for 5 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19. · Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. Follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting others. · If possible, stay away from people you live with, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19. After quarantine • If you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or healthcare provider. If you contract COVID, you can be around others after: • 5 days since symptoms first appeared and • 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and • Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving* *Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation Note that these recommendations do not apply to people with severe COVID-19 or with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised). If you test positive but continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others after 5 days have passed from the date of your positive viral test for COVID-19. Common areas As a reminder, masks are strongly encouraged in all common areas. Santikos student lounge and kitchen will be reopened for student/faculty use. The lounge in Urschel will remain closed as the building will remain locked, however, it may be used by those with key access. The 1123 studios will be reopened for individual student use. Vaccinated students may remove their masks when in their private area, but masks are encouraged to be worn in hallways and common areas. Meetings Vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals are encouraged to wear masks in all indoor group gatherings Venue Rentals 7|Page Updated:1/4/2022
The campus is open to venue rentals at 100% capacity at this time. Please contact Marta, with any questions.
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Communicating COVID-19 Cases on Campus If a student/faculty member/staff tests positive, SSA administration will notify all those with whom known contact with the infected person occurred to allow those exposed to self-monitor for symptoms. The identity of the person who tested positive will be kept confidential. If a student/faculty member/staff is exposed to an individual who tests positive, SSA administration will stay in contact with that student/faculty member/staff to monitor their status. Individuals who have been in contact with the student/faculty/staff will not be notified unless that student/faculty member/staff tests positive or becomes symptomatic indicating the threat of direct exposure. Studio/Facility Closures If a student, faculty member, or staff tests positive for COVID-19, the studio, office, or facility they have occupied will be cleared, deep cleaned, and disinfected. Students/faculty/staff will be notified when the facility has been cleared for classes or work to resume in this area(s).
No Cost Testing If you have been in direct contact with an infected individual or are feeling symptoms indicative of the COVID-19 virus, you are encouraged to get tested. The City of San Antonio’s no cost testing sites have expanded testing to asymptomatic individuals. For a list of testing sites, visit: City of San Antonio Testing Sites
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Decision Triggers for Discussion of Closure or Partial Closure Decision Triggers A combination of community and campus criteria might lead to further campus restrictions, partial closure, or full closure.
Community Criteria ❖ Significant government action ❖ Inability for city to do sufficient testing due to supply chain issues ❖ Significant and sustained increases in hospital admissions
Campus Criteria ❖ Significant increases in the percentage of positive symptomatic cases or positive surveillance tests. Overall rate, sustained day-over-day increases ❖ Student or employee COVID-19 infection or exposure is determined after direct contact with others on campus. ❖ Excessive employee/student absenteeism due to COVID-19 ❖ Personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages impacting ability to care for COVID-19 ❖ Campus clusters overwhelm our ability to test, trace and isolate ❖ COVID-19 related fatalities within the SSA community
Possible Actions ❖ Advanced or heightened social distancing, environmental cleaning ❖ Classes are suspended for a duration (either short or long term) with accompanying building closures to clean/disinfect/contact trace in consultation with local health officials. ❖ On-campus closure; full transition to remote learning
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Health and Safety Guidance Symptom Monitoring Employees and students are expected to conduct symptom monitoring every day before reporting to campus. You must be free of ANY symptoms potentially related to COVID-19. Currently, these symptoms include one or more of the following: ❖ Cough ❖ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing ❖ Fever ❖ Chills ❖ Repeated shaking with chills ❖ Runny nose or new sinus congestion
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Muscle pain Headache Sore throat Fatigue New GI symptoms New loss of taste or smell
Please complete the COVID-19 self-reporting web form found on the SSA website (employees should also contact their supervisor), if you have: ❖ The above symptoms, AND ❖ Have been in close contact with an individual that is confirmed positive for COVID-19; AND/OR ❖ Traveled to a high-risk location that has multiple community-transmitted confirmed cases
If you are completing the self-reporting form due to one of the reasons above: ❖ Do not go to campus ❖ Self-isolate (quarantine)
You should self-isolate until cleared by a physician to return to work/class. According to the CDC, individuals with certain conditions may have a higher risk for COVID-19 infection. These conditions may include: Older adults (aged 65 years and older) People with HIV Asthma (moderate-to-severe) Chronic lung disease Diabetes Serious heart conditions Chronic kidney disease being treated with dialysis ❖ Severe obesity ❖ Being immunocompromised ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Staff members whose health condition falls within one of the CDC High Risk Categories or are pregnant may seek a Temporary COVID-19 Workplace Adjustment by contacting Heather Vacek, Vice President for Finance and Administration at hvacek@swschool.org. Students may contact the Student Services Director to discuss possible accommodations due to at-risk conditions.
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Personal Safety Practices Physical Distancing Keeping space between you and others, along with the use of face coverings, is one of the best tools to avoid being exposed to the COVID-19 virus and slowing its spread. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you have no symptoms. Physical distancing is important for everyone, especially to help protect those at higher risk of getting very sick. Staff and students on-site must follow these physical distancing practices: ❖ Always stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people ❖ Do not gather in large groups ❖ Stay out of crowded places and avoid large mass gatherings on or off campus
Handwashing All employees and students will be expected to wash their hands upon entering a building/class/studio and before leaving the building/class/studio for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Everyone is encouraged to 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, sneezing, or touching your face. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with 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.
Coughing/Sneezing Hygiene If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Then throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol.
Maintaining Good Health All members of the SSA community are encouraged to maintain regular checkups with their primary physician and take proactive steps to maintain their overall health and well-being, including routine healthcare, regular exercise, healthy diet, and nutritional supplementation as directed by their health care provider.
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What to do if you are exposed to COVID-19 If you discover that you have been exposed to COVID-19 through close contact with an infected person, stay home and report the exposure by completing the self-reporting web form found on the SSA website (employees should also contact their supervisor). Close contact is defined as: • • • • •
You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes cumulative over 24 hours You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19 You had direct physical contact with the person (touched, hugged, or kissed them) You shared eating or drinking utensils They sneezed, coughed, or otherwise got respiratory droplets on you
If you are completing the self-reporting web form due to exposure: ❖ Do not go to campus ❖ Avoid outings and monitor your health o Self-quarantine after your last direct contact with a person who has COVID-19 o Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19 o Get tested as soon as symptoms begin or after 7 days, if asymptomatic o If possible, stay away from others.
When may you return to campus after exposure or positive test results? After direct exposure to a COVID positive individual, you may return to campus • • •
after a 14-day quarantine with no symptoms or with negative test results taken 7 days or more after direct exposure or after receiving written clearance from a doctor
After testing positive to the COVID-19 virus, you may return to campus • •
after a 14-day quarantine AND after receiving written clearance from a doctor
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Contact Tracing To slow the spread of COVID-19 and to help keep our community safe, it is important that all employees report symptoms and testing regardless of test results by completing the self-reporting web form found on the SSA website as soon as possible. Submitting the form will initiate protocol for administrators to contact the impacted individuals, provide health and leave guidance, and perform important contact tracing.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing Employees Employees with Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBSTX) health insurance can access MD Live. MDLIVE doctors or therapists can help treat the following conditions and more: General Health • Allergies • Asthma • Nausea • Sinus infections
Pediatric Care • Cold/flu • Ear problems • Pinkeye
Behavioral Health • Anxiety/depression • Child behavior/learning issues • Marriage problems
MDLive for virtual visits with doctors, licensed psychiatrists and licensed counselors is available by calling MDLIVE (888-680-8646). For those employees with BCBSTX health insurance, mental and behavioral health services may also be available on your plan. Employees are encouraged to refer to the BCBSTX website for services covered under their plan and for a listing of in-network providers. All fulltime employees are also eligible to use Mutual of Omaha’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Mutual of Omaha’s EAP assists employees and their eligible dependents with personal or job-related concerns, including: ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Emotional Well-Being Family and Relationships Legal and Financial Healthy Lifestyles Work and Life Transitions
Visit mutualofomaha.com/eap or call 800-316-2796 for confidential consultation and resource services.
BFA Students Southwest School of Art offers free counseling services to all students registered in the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Program. Monica Solis-Hoefl, MS, LPC-S is available by appointment. Contact counselor@swschool.org.
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Returning to Campus Campus Expectations and Guidelines for Employees Returning to Campus All employees (faculty and staff) are expected to fully comply with the guidelines in this document as part of Southwest School of Art’s Expectations and Guidelines. Re-opening campus is dependent upon strict adherence to these guidelines. It is everyone’s responsibility to also take off-campus safety precautions, to ensure SSA’s ability to remain open. Failure to follow on-campus guidelines may result in corrective action as outlined in the Administrative Policy manual up to and including termination.
Staggered Staffing During Phase 2 of SSA Reopening, staff will return to the office in a coordinated process to ensure appropriate physical distancing and limit the number of people on campus while adhering to local orders and recommendations. Southwest School of Art will assess expanded staffing based on the ability to control and manage specific work environments and the necessity to access on-site resources to maintain operations. These decisions, once approved, will be communicated through your supervisor.
Phase 2 Staffing Scheduling To ensure that fewer than normal people are on campus at any given time, department heads have worked with staff members to establish a work schedule for every team member with 2 days of oncampus presence and 3 days working remotely. These days may be worked consecutively or concurrently as the department determines necessary. If accommodations for alternate scheduling or flexibility are needed, those requests should be made to your supervisor.
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Campus Expectations and Guidelines for Students Returning to Campus All students are expected to fully comply with the guidelines in this document as part of Southwest School of Art’s Expectations and Guidelines. Re-opening campus is dependent upon strict adherence to these guidelines. It is everyone’s responsibility to also take off-campus safety precautions, to ensure SSA’s ability to continue face-to-face studio classes. Failure to do so may result in the inability to continue on-site studio classes and corrective action as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Students on Campus Access to campus by students is limited to those currently enrolled in the limited number of on-campus classes. Students are asked to bring their own masks or face coverings which are strongly encouraged to be worn inside campus buildings. Students should only be on campus during studio classes or when previously arranged with faculty and Campus Safety. Students are asked not to loiter on campus and open studio access will be limited to prearranged appointments. Lounges will be closed, however, students with gaps between classes that do not allow ample time to travel home between classes or in time to begin an online class should contact the Registrar to schedule a space on campus to use as a remote classroom.
Entrance and Exit Control Daily Health Screening Daily screenings will be discontinued beginning Mon. April 19. All employees are asked to stay home if they are experiencing any symptoms, illness, or have been exposed to anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.
Building Access The campus remains closed to the general public, until further notice. Access to the campus remains limited to registered students, faculty, and on-site staff. Entry to buildings will be regulated and monitored. Your key or entrance code is required for entry to all buildings, and you may not hold or prop open exterior doors for any other person. Signage will be added to the doors of campus buildings informing walk-up visitors that masks are strongly encouraged, and that the campus remains closed to the public. It will provide instructions for them to call to make an appointment to speak with any staff member, as walk-up traffic is prohibited. Violation of these guidelines may result in the immediate removal from campus and possible revocation of building access privileges.
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Disinfection and Cleaning Maintenance will clean office and workspaces based on CDC guidelines for disinfection and Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) protocols. Hand-sanitizer stations will be placed at building entrances, elevator stops and high-traffic areas. Faculty and students should follow the guidelines regarding classroom/studio disinfection listed under the Class Guidelines section of this document. Staff are strongly encouraged to clean their area regularly. Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer will be provided and readily available in all campus buildings. Building occupants should also wipe down commonly used surfaces and studio equipment before and after use with products that meet the EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19 and are appropriate for the surface. This includes any shared-space location or equipment (e.g. copiers, printers, computers, coffee makers, desks, tables, chairs, light switches, doorknobs, etc.)
Signage and Posters Building occupants are expected to follow signage on building entrances, exits, elevator usage and similar common use areas. Specific Studio Rules will be posted in each studio. Violation of these rules may result in removal from studio and possible revocation of building access privileges.
Guidance for Specific Campus Scenarios Public Transportation If you must take public transportation, wear a mask before entering the bus and avoid touching surfaces with your hands. Upon disembarking, wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers with greater than 60% alcohol as soon as possible and before removing your mask.
Working in the Office/Studios If you work in an open environment, be sure to maintain at least 6 feet distance from others. You should wear a face mask or face covering at all times while in shared spaces. Departments should assess open work environments and meeting rooms to institute measures to physically separate and increase distance between employees, other coworkers, and students. If you work in a private office, no more than one person should be in the same room unless the required 6 feet of distancing can be consistently maintained. If more than one person is in a room, masks/face coverings should be worn at all times. A mask or face covering is not required if you are working alone in a private, confined office space (does not include partitioned work areas in a large open environment). However, if a mask is removed when alone in a private office, you should wipe down all surfaces regularly including when leaving the space with products that meet the EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19 and are appropriate for the surface. Masks/face coverings should be worn by any individual in a reception/receiving area. Masks/face coverings should be used when inside any SSA facility where others are present, including walking in hallways where others travel and in break rooms, restrooms, conference rooms, studios, and other meeting locations. 17 | P a g e Updated: 4/8/2021
Using Restrooms Maximum occupancy of restrooms should be limited based on the number of sinks to ensure appropriate social distancing. Avoid entering or exiting the restrooms too close to another person. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward to reduce the potential transmission of the virus.
Using Elevators Use of elevators should be limited to those circumstances when it is not possible to use the stairs to avoid close proximity with others in a confined space. Those using elevators are required to wear a disposable face mask or face covering regardless of traveling alone. You should also avoid touching the elevator buttons with your exposed hand/fingers, if possible. Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers with greater than 60% alcohol upon departing the elevator.
Meetings Convening in groups increases the risk of viral transmission. All employees, even those working on-site, are encouraged to continue virtual meetings using Zoom, Google Meets, or Microsoft Teams. In-person meetings are discouraged unless appropriate physical distancing can be done. When necessary, in person meetings are limited to the restrictions of local, state, and federal orders and should not exceed 50 percent of a room’s capacity, assuming individuals can still maintain 6 feet of separation for physical distancing requirements. Departments should remove or rearrange chairs, stools, and tables or add visual cue marks in meeting rooms to support social distancing practices between attendees. All attendees should wear a mask or face covering while sharing space in a common room. During your time on-site, you are encouraged to communicate with your colleagues and supervisors as needed by email, instant message, telephone, or other available technology rather than face-to-face. You can also use a range of available collaboration tools (e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.).
Meals The Copper Kitchen Café will remain closed until further notice. Employees and students are encouraged to bring their own food to minimize leaving and returning to campus. Before and after eating, you should wash your hands thoroughly to reduce the potential transmission of the virus. Staff are encouraged to take food back to their office area or eat outside if this is reasonable for your situation. If you are eating in your work environment (office, etc.), maintain 6 feet distance between you and others. Individuals should not sit facing one another. Only remove your mask or face covering to eat, then put it back on. Wipe all surfaces, including table, refrigerator handle, coffee machine, water fountains, etc. after using in common areas.
Class Protocol 18 | P a g e Updated: 4/8/2021
Face masks must be worn in all shared spaces including classrooms and studios, even when alone. Students and faculty should maintain 6 feet distance from each other, and tables/workstations should be distanced appropriately wherever possible. Individuals should not sit or stand facing one another. All students will be required to wash their hands for 20 seconds at the beginning of each class and wash hands again before you leave class. Demonstrations or examples of work should be either pre-filmed and shown or demonstrated through use of projector, Elmo or on a whiteboard/chalkboard allowing students to view from a safe distance. Faculty and students will be expected to assist efforts to maintain a healthy learning environment by wiping down work areas, tools/equipment, and surfaces before and after use with products that meet the EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19 and are appropriate for the surface. Students will be required to adhere to any studio rules distributed prior to class and/or posted within the studios. Failure to adhere to these guidelines or studio rules may result in temporary or permanent removal from the class.
Lounges Lounges will be closed, however, students with gaps between classes that do not allow ample time to travel home between classes or in time to begin an online class should contact the Registrar to schedule a space on campus to use as a remote classroom.
Group Gatherings As an institution of higher education, Southwest School of Art is included in exemption from the Bexar County prohibition of group gatherings larger than 10 people, as stated in the Executive Order NW-19 of County Judge Nelson W. Wolff issued December 28, 2020. However, out of an abundance of caution, SSA will limit school-related gatherings to groups where physical distancing of 6 feet can be maintained. According to the CDC, the risk of COVID-19 spreading at events and gatherings increases as follows: • • • •
Lowest risk: Virtual-only activities, events, and gatherings. More risk: Smaller outdoor and in-person gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart, wear masks, do not share objects, and come from the same local area (e.g., community, town, city, or county). Higher risk: Medium-sized in-person gatherings that are adapted to allow individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and with attendees coming from outside the local area. Highest risk: Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area.
Program Specific Guidelines 19 | P a g e Updated: 4/8/2021
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Program The Bachelor of Fine Arts Program at Southwest School of Art, established in 2014, helps students develop their own individualized, independent voices, while providing the tools they need to flourish in their career. Because of the small student to instructor ratio of 4:1, SSA is uniquely equipped to deliver appropriate social distancing measures within campus studios to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus while providing an on-site learning environment for students. During the Fall 2021 semester, studio classes will be held on-site, while all General Education classes will be held online to reduce the number of individuals on campus at any given time. In addition to all other guidelines set forth in this document, the following are protocol specific to the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Program. BFA Classroom absences: Students who feel ill, have any potential COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient should not come to campus and should complete the COVID-19 self-reporting web form found on the SSA website to inform your instructor and the Student Services Director of your status as soon as you know you will not be able to come to campus and get advice from your doctor on whether your illness is COVID-19 related as soon as possible. Failure to notify the Student Services Director and your faculty through the self-reporting web form will result in the accumulation of absences that may affect course grades. You should self-isolate until cleared by a physician to return to class. If a student’s absence is not COVID-19 related the standard SSA attendance policy applies, which is: SSA Attendance Policy Students are expected to attend and participate in all scheduled classes and examination periods. Three absences in a course during a given semester results in the student receiving a letter grade lower for the class. Absences in excess of three in a given semester will likely result in a failing grade for the class. Tardiness, early departure, or other time away from class in excess of 15 minutes per class session is considered an absence for that class session. Southwest School of Art reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw the privilege of enrollment from any student whose conduct is detrimental to the academic environment or to the well-being of other students, faculty, and staff members, or to the School’s facilities. If a student’s absence is COVID-19 related the following guidelines apply: Students in quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure- Students must quarantine for 14 days and will need to participate in classes remotely. This will require computer access and may vary by class and instructor. Please coordinate with the instructor on how to proceed with the course remotely. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with the classwork, make up any demos/assignments upon their return to campus, and stay in communication with the instructor while working remotely. Attendance and remote participation will be required and tracked, and the standard SSA Attendance Policy will apply.
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Students with COVID-19 related illness- Students who are ill are encouraged to participate in classes remotely if they are able to do so. Please follow the same procedures as those in quarantine for COVID19 exposure regarding coordinating remote class participation with your instructor. If at any time a student becomes unable to participate in classes remotely, other arrangements will need to be made through the Student Services Director and course instructor, which may include requesting a grade of Incomplete or withdrawal from the course. Faculty Absences Faculty who feel ill, have any potential COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient should not come to campus. Please get advice from your doctor on whether your illness is COVID-19 related as soon as possible and inform the Academic Director of your status. If illness is not COVID-19 related - please inform the Academic Director as to your status and needs for your class. If illness or absence is COVID-19 related, then the following guidelines apply: Faculty in quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure - Faculty must quarantine for 14 days, and therefore teach assigned classes remotely. Please inform the Academic Director and students enrolled in your assigned classes that this will be the case as soon as possible. Faculty with COVID-19 related illness – Faculty who are able to continue to teach remotely may do so. If at any time a faculty member is too ill to teach classes, then they must let the Academic Director know as soon as possible so that a substitute can be called in for the class. The substitute will teach the class until you feel able to do so again.
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Program Specific Guidelines Adult Community Program Southwest School of Art is a nationally recognized leader in visual arts education. The Adult Community Program provides an opportunity to learn, create and share your talent to strengthen the visual arts in our region. Whether a novice or professional SSA’s adult classes continue to provide an outlet, even during the uncertain times, for you to express your creativity, learn a new skill or perfect your technique. In addition to all other guidelines set forth in this document, the following are protocol specific to the Adult Community Program. Classes and Studios On campus classes will run for a maximum for no more than two and a half hours during the following sessions: • • •
Morning and Weekend sessions (9:30am –12:00pm or 10:00am – 12:30), Evening sessions (6:00 – 8:30pm or 6:30 – 9:00pm). Studios will be closed to community students between 2:00–5:00pm to allow for cleaning.
Limited times for open studio may be made available after or before class time for students to practice techniques taught in class and on the same day as their scheduled class only. Additional open studio times maybe be available for some studios but will require students to register in advance, separate from their class, to have access. We ask everyone help clean and disinfect studio spaces, equipment, and tools before leaving the studios. Instructors Adjunct Faculty can arrive up to 30 minutes prior to the start of their class for set-up and only on the day their class is scheduled. If an instructor requires access before that or outside their normal class hours to support the needs of their class, they must contact the appropriate studio manager or department chair in advance to schedule a time. Instructors should allow for time at the end of class ask the students to put away their work and tools and assist in cleaning and disinfecting. If shared studio tools are used, they need to be disinfected before being put away. Ensure that shared workstations (sinks areas, tables, equipment stations, etc.) are wiped down with disinfectant. Students should be asked to disinfect their individual workstations. Students Students will be permitted into the class buildings 15 minutes before the start of their class and will have building access for 30 minutes following the start time of their class. Students that arrive later than 30 minutes cannot be guaranteed access to their class. • • •
Limit the number of outside supplies and tools you bring to class with you and bring in only essential items. Respect everyone’s personal space; keep a safe 6ft distance from peers and instructors. Disinfect shared tools before and after use. 22 | P a g e Updated: 4/8/2021
• • •
Follow protocols specific to each studio/classroom space. Follow cleaning and disinfecting guidelines, particularly of shared tools and equipment you have handled. Help the instructor clean the classroom before you leave.
Continued access to classes, studios and buildings is dependent upon following these protocols as well as following other guidelines set forth for students.
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Program Specific Guidelines Young Artists Program Southwest School of Art’s Young Artist Programs have served the children and teens of San Antonio for over 50 years. Addressing the needs of the community has been a mainstay of these programs and with the current need to provide safe instruction and quality art education for youth of all ages and skill levels, the program has adapted to an online format to minimize the opportunity for the COVID-19 virus to spread. In addition to all other guidelines set forth in this document, the following are protocol specific to the Young Artists Program. Student/Parent Guidelines Students will be required to check-in daily for temperature screening. All student PPE (personal protective equipment) will need to be provided by the parent/guardian. To limit contact, parents will not be allowed to enter classrooms and studios during drop-off or pick-up times. Parents will have to wait until their child is screened to determine whether they can participate before leaving campus. After class, students will be released outside (with supervision) one by one to stand awaiting pick up in the designated area with social distancing spaces delineated. Students will be required to wash their hands before taking their seat. Late students may enter classrooms/studios on their own provided 6 feet distance is maintained but must wait at the door for a temperature check before sanitizing their hands. No payments or customer service requests will occur at the studios. All fees or tuition must be prepaid online with our customer portal. All customer service requests can be submitted by email or phone. All modified studio classes will last for no longer than 1.5 hours with two 15-minute breaks for cleaning, fresh air, and bathroom breaks. There will be a zero tolerance for any student not following proper social distancing or mask wearing. Any inability to conduct proper behavior will result in being dismissed from class with no refund. There will be zero tolerance for students who grab at or try to pull off any masks or other PPE of themselves, other students, or educators. Any student who has tested positive for COVID 19 will not be allowed back on campus, even to collect their work until the student has been 14 days free of symptoms. SSA/Teaching Staff responsibilities PPE will be accessible on campus and provided by the school for staff. Students will have their own box or bag of supplies and will not be allowed to share items. Any process that requires the use of a shared tool will have to be led by the artist teacher. If there is a tool that needs to be shared it will have to be sanitized after each use.
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Young Artists Program Studio Occupancy SSA will follow the TEA (Texas Education Association) guidelines for the number of people (combined students and instructors) allowed in a classroom/studio. Desks will be spaced 3 feet apart, facing the same direction towards the front of the classroom space.
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Program Specific Guidelines Venue Rentals Southwest School of Art is a favored venue in San Antonio for individuals and organizations seeking a space for special events. During Phase 2 we will operate at 75% of the Chapel’s capacity for venue rentals. All contracts, new and existing, will be amended to include these mandates and must be complied with by both clients (users) and caterers. This may require limitations on the use of the facilities, including, but not limited to, reduction in number of attendees, safe distance regulations, and adding cleaning/safety stations. The obligation for compliance with such mandates is the responsibility of clients, caterers, or both.
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