Spring 2021 Operational Plan

SPRING 2021 PLAN

SPRING 2021 OPERATIONS PLAN OVERVIEW Wallace State’s Spring 2021 Plan includes modifications to the academic calendar, more classes on campus, new weekend hours and course offerings, and a reminder about policies and protocols designed to promote a healthy campus environment and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please note the following updates:

• Spring semester classes begin January 19, 2021 for regular term and Mini Term I • The College will reopen on January 5 following the holiday break • January 11-15 will serve as winter break for faculty and students, replacing spring break originally scheduled for March 29-April 2; the College will remain open to assist students • Classes for Mini Term II will begin March 17 • Flex Start classes are available • New weekend academic and workforce classes are featured • Lion Central has additional Saturday hours from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Final exams will be held May 5-11 The Spring Schedule of Classes is available at www.wallacestate.edu/schedule. Students will find many more on-campus classes this semester, though online and hybrid options are also available.

To protect the safety and well-being of students, faculty and staff, the College will continue enhanced protocols, including the wearing of masks in public areas on campus and maintaining proper social distancing.

Should a rise in COVID cases necessitate a transition to more virtual operations at any point during Spring Semester, Wallace State is prepared to provide continuity of instruction and services for the period required.

Wallace State remains steadfastly committed to student success. The outstanding quality of our online programs and services is just one of the reasons Wallace State was recently ranked Alabama’s No. 1 Online Community College.

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HIGHLIGHTS • Many classes are available in-person at Wallace State’s main campus in Hanceville, in Oneonta, at the Cullman Airport, and other off-campus centers.

Online and hybrid formats are also offered.

• All students coming to a class on campus must sign a waiver available from their instructor. Waivers are also required of event attendees.

• 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 for walk-ins. Virtual visits and appointments are also welcome and encouraged.

• On-campus events and activities will be limited.

• Dorms are open with limited occupancy. Additional temperature screenings, daily self-screening questionnaire, and other protocols are required.

• The WSCC Café and a new Wally’s Grill will be open for to-go items; a Lion’s Kitchen free food pantry is available.

• Clinicals, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities are available and approved as sites allow.

• College meetings should be held virtually as much as possible.

• Travel requests require strict review and should be essential.

• Please check the Wallace State website, email, and Blackboard for updates.

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 advising, mental health counseling, career services, tutoring, 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 Spring semester full term and Mini Term I classes begin on January 19, 2021. Mini Term II begins March 17.

While students will find many more on-campus classes in Spring, online and hybrid options are also available.

Regardless of format, 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 spring will have access to their classes in Blackboard more than a week before spring semester begins, and should check their Blackboard accounts, Wallace State email, and the College website for messages from instructors and other College announcements.

All students coming to class on campus must sign a waiver available from their instructor.

Protocol for Ill Students: Students who are ill from or have been exposed to COVID-19 should notify their instructor as well as the Vice President for Students office as soon as possible to discuss protocols for quarantine, contact tracing, and course assignments.

As a matter of College policy, masks will be required in classrooms and elsewhere on campus until further notice. (See opposite page for additional information.)

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 and contact information will be indicated on the course syllabus, in Blackboard, and on office doors. Student Services Office Hours are published in the Spring Semester Schedule on p. 2.

In addition to office hours, course syllabi/Blackboard shells should include: Remote Instruction Addendum Liability Waiver COVID Self-Screening Information LIBRARY SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY LOANS Full library services will be provided in person and virtually through the Library’s online portal on the College website. The Library has private study rooms and webcams available for students to reserve for Respondus testing. A computer lab is also available in the Library. Laptops are available for checkout. Library hours are Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

WI-FI ON CAMPUS Guest Wi-Fi access is available across campus. Students may also access the Authenticated Wi-Fi using their student login credentials. Drive-in Wi-Fi is available from the Bailey Center parking lot and other buildings.

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SELF-SCREENING / COVID EXPOSURE

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 those participating in on-campus instruction, labs, events or other activities must sign the COVID-19 liability waiver, acknowledging and accepting the risk inherent in attending in-person activities. Instructors are responsible for collecting this form from students. This waiver requirement will be communicated in Blackboard, on syllabi, and by instructors and event organizers. It is also posted on the Wallace State website.

USE OF MASKS Face masks or coverings are required to be properly worn while 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 Spring Semester 2021 may request 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 Spring on-campus events will also follow health and safety protocols, including limiting the size of gatherings and social distancing requirements. The number of students permitted in a classroom or lab will be determined by the instructional square feet available, adhering to social distancing requirements. 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 in person and 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.

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Lion Central One-Stop Center for Enrollment Services Admissions Financial Aid Center for Student Success (Advising) Cashier Tutoring Lab Career Services Mental Health Counseling Food Pantry ADA/Special Populations Recruitment and Student Engagement TRIO - Talent Search and Student Support Services Title IX Vice President for 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.

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DINING SERVICES The Wallace State Café in the School of Nursing and Center for Science will be open during Spring Semester. Also look for a new Wally’s Grill to open in the Student Center in Spring. Meal plan meals and other food will be served in “to go” boxes. No salad bars nor self-serve items will be available. Every effort will be made to serve customers quickly and avoid long lines while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

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 spring 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 Spring athletic schedules will be posted online at www.wallacestate.edu/athletics. Along with regular spring sports, most traditional fall sports will also compete in spring this year. The College will follow NJCAA and ACCC protocols with regard to the resumption of athletics. Go Lions!

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ADULT EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The Wallace State Adult Education and the Center for Career and Workforce Development will provide services in person to walk-ins as well as by phone, email, or virtually. Appointments are also available.

Enrollment in the Adult Education program may be completed online at www.wallacestate.edu/adult-education with assistance provided by staff, or in person at WSCC or Adult Education class locations. 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.

Many workforce training courses are offered in-person this Spring, including CDL, Phlebotomy, Certified Nursing Assistant, Forklift Operation, and more. Several online options are included among the spring offerings. Weekend courses are also available.

See the Spring Semester Schedule of Classes for more information.

WALLI Wallace State’s WaLLi program, for community members age 55 and older, plans to resume this Spring in accordance with the College’s enhanced health and safety guidelines. Any alterations to scheduled activities necessitated by the pandemic will be communicated to participants directly by the program. See the Spring Semester Schedule of Classes for a list of WALLi activities.

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