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COVID-19 Prevention | Response

CURRENT STATUS

SWCC COVID-19  Document #5
Updated 3/30/20

All classes continue through distance learning only.  Faculty may, at their own discretion, choose to include both synchronous and asynchronous activities, but no face-to-face meetings are allowed. 

March 30, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam today issued a statewide Stay at Home order to protect the health and safety of Virginians and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The executive order takes effect immediately and will remain in place until June 10, 2020, unless amended or rescinded by a further executive order. The full release and a link to Executive Order Fifty-Five can be found here.

The executive order directs all Virginia institutions of higher education to stop in-person classes and instruction.

Southwest Virginia Community College previously migrated all programs to alternative delivery formats as of March 23, and we are positioned well to continue in this manner. However, there were select courses in healthcare and workforce training requiring in-person labs or instruction that were being held with only a few students. Those activities will be suspended immediately. While we may open up those opportunities again at a later date, we will begin offering alternative methods of instruction for these activities for the time being.

The health and safety of our students and employees are always a top priority and we are immediately complying with these new orders. While the method of delivering courses is changing, we are committed to providing the high-quality education Southwest is known for and our students expect. I am grateful to our motivated and trained faculty and staff who can adjust to this ever-changing landscape.

Southwest Virginia Community College is still open. Most of our employees have adopted teleworking and are operating, business-as-usual, just from different locations. We are still accepting applications to the college, registration for classes is available, financial aid continues to be processed, and student advising is available via video, voice, or text. Southwest is here for you in these changing times.

Dr. Tommy Wright
President

Read previous Southwest messages here

This page will be updated frequently, so please check back often. Resources & information added after the last document revision are indicated with an arrow instead of plus symbol.

CLASSES

ALL CLASSES CONTINUE THROUGH ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY. Please refer to the student resources and FAQ sections for helpful resources and more information. The academic calendar has been modified to reflect Pass/Fail opt out deadlines by session.

LOCATIONS & EVENTS

All campus-events have been cancelled. The state-wide ban on travel remains in effect.

If visiting Southwest's main campus, please refer to temporary signage for direction to currently available staff and resources.

LOCATIONS & SERVICES CLOSED/SUSPENDED

  • Bookstore | Online services only
  • Booth Center
  • King Community Center/YMCA
  • Lebanon Center
  • Library | Online services only
  • Testing Center | The Testing Center will be closed. Some proctoring services will be available via the Lock-Down-Browser, if desired.

EVENTS POSTPONED OR CANCELLED

  • Appalachian Arts Center is closed.
  • Business Education Contest has been cancelled.
  • Career Fair & Opportunity Showcase | Employer registration suspended and event postponed.
  • Festival of the Arts Events Cancelled – To be rescheduled in its entirety in the fall.
  • Scholarship Banquet previously scheduled for April 7th is cancelled | Note that the Scholarship application for 2020-21 is open through March 31st and awards will continue to be processed without interruption. 

STAY SAFE ONLINE

As we transition to working and learning remotely, please be extra vigilant when responding to email/phone requests for information or clicking into websites for information. Southwest employees are available to respond to your requests and concerns, but will not contact you to request any personal information or login credentials.
Read more about how to STAY SAFE ONLINE

STUDENT RESOURCES

COMPLETING COURSES THROUGH REMOTE INSTRUCTION & RESOURCES

I NEED HELP!
All student support activities will move online. Library services, tutoring, advising, financial aid, and technical support will be offered online. The testing centers will be closed.  Some proctoring services will be available via the Lock-Down-Browser if desired.
MYSouthwest application services at https://sw.my.vccs.edu are still available to you 24/7 to access course materials through CANVAS or review your student account information.
DOWNLOAD THE Online Student Manual (UPDATED 3/18/20) for detailed instructions on accessing your courses through CANVAS, resetting your password, and other functions available online.

STUDENT SUCCESS ADVISOR – VIRTUAL ADVISING AVAILABLE Monday -Friday, 8am-4pm
To speak with a Student Success Advisor, please click on the Zoom link. The Student Success Advisors will be available, to talk and chat, Monday – Friday from 8am to 4pm. If you need advising outside of those hours, please contact the Student Success Advisors by email.  Zoom sessions are first come, first served. You may have to wait a few minutes before an advisor is available. Please keep the Zoom window open and the advisor will be with you as soon as possible.

Christopher Hess
https://vccs.zoom.us/my/ckh007

276-964-7664
christopher.hess@sw.edu

Brandon Hensley
https://vccs.zoom.us/my/brandonhensley

276-964-7762
brandon.hensley@sw.edu

Emily Farmer
https://vccs.zoom.us/my/swccemilyfarmer

276-964-7676
emily.farmer@sw.edu

Jacob Richardson
https://vccs.zoom.us/my/jacobrichardson

276-964-7763
jacob.richardson@sw.edu

Lisa Haywood
https://vccs.zoom.us/my/lisahaywood

276-964-7220
Lisa.haywood@sw.edu

Seth Helmandollar
https://vccs.zoom.us/my/msethh

276-964-7627
seth.helmandollar@sw.edu

Workforce/Fast-Track Career Coach
Leslie Brooks
https://vccs.zoom.us/my/lesliebrooks

276-964-7534
leslie.brooks@sw.edu

Career Services
Jessica Dotson
https://vccs.zoom.us/my/swccjessicadotson

276-964-7262
jessica.dotson@sw.edu

CONNECT WITH TUTORS AVAILABLE NOW Southwest Tutors

CLINICAL PLACEMENTS, INTERNSHIPS, OR GROUP SIMULATION ACTIVITIES

  • Clinicals and work-based learning activities may continue as long as the sponsoring organization deems them safe.  Program coordinators will stay in frequent contact with their students to keep them informed of any changes.

SOUTHWEST BOOKSTORE UPDATE! | FOLLETT OFFERS FREE eTEXTBOOKS WHERE AVAILABLE & EXTENDED RENTAL DUE DATE

RedShelf offers FREE eTextbook Options
As a service to customers, the bookstore has partnered with RedShelf and participating publishers to provide FREE eBooks where available to affected students. For details, click the link below.

follett.com/RedShelf 

Textbooks rental due date has been extended an additional 15 days and may be adjusted as things progress.  Students can log into their rental account and print free shipping labels to send their rental back.  Help is also available to any student by phone at 276-963-3627.

HOME INTERNET ACCESS
Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are offering free or increased access to home internet service. A few options are listed below. All ISPs do not service every house. You will need to call an ISP that services your area to see if they are offering any assistance. Staff and students may also access free WiFi from our campus in the areas indicated on this SWCC WIFI coverage map .

Spectrum:
https://www.spectrum.net/support/internet/coronavirus-covid-19-educational-internet-offer 

Comcast/Xfinity:
https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19

Charter:
https://corporate.charter.com/newsroom/charter-to-offer-free-access-to-spectrum-broadband-and-wifi-for-60-days-for-new-K12-and-college-student-households-and-more

Shentel:
https://www.shentel.com/news/2020/march/covid-19%20update 

ON-CAMPUS WIFI ACCESS

  • FREE WIFI access will be available in the King Community Center parking lot, and on either side of Tazewell Hall. See a map of WIFI coverage.

EMPLOYEE RESOURCES

TELEWORK RESOURCES

NEW! Download the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) poster to learn more information about FFCRA
Download the Working from Home Tips and Tricks for Success, Wellness, and Connection
Download the COVID-19 Telework IT Information Sheet for tips on working remotely.
Download the Southwest Alternative Work Arrangement for information about working remotely.
Download GOLF: Get Online Fast |  Helpful Guidelines for VCCS Faculty SWCC.
Download a listing of COVLC Required Annual Training
Download the Weekly Time Log SW
Visit DHRM COVID19 resource page for updates, telework tips, and HR information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

STUDENT FAQ

I SPECIFICALLY SIGNED UP FOR AN IN-PERSON CLASS AND HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT DISTANCE LEARNING. IF I DROP THE CLASS NOW, WOULD I BE ABLE TO RECEIVE A REFUND?
Don’t be overwhelmed. It is our top priority to keep our community safe, and to support students as they transition to remote learning experiences. We are dedicated to helping you achieve your learning goals in spite of this difficult situation.
SWCC has not cancelled any classes for the Spring 2020 term and must adhere to the academic calendar deadlines. To determine if you are eligible for a refund, click here to view the academic calendar.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I DON'T HAVE A COMPUTER OR INTERNET ACCESS?
Please contact a Southwest Advisor and they will help facilitate contact with your faculty members. Faculty will be flexible and provide a list of options to help you.  Wifi will be available in the parking lot of the King Community Center, and the parking lots at Tazewell Hall for students who need to access Wifi from their vehicles. See WIFI coverage map.
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE TO ME?
Advising, Financial Aid, Admissions, Library Services, and Tutoring will be available online and by phone through phone numbers and links found in these sections on our website. Click here for the employee directory.

ARE WORKFORCE-FAST TRACK TRAINING & CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES BEING HELD?
All onsite/classroom workforce/fast track training and continuing education programming (non-credit) has been temporarily halted and will resume or be rescheduled as soon as possible.  However, there are numerous online workforce and continuing education courses available for students to complete from home through our digital platform at https://www.ed2go.com/swcccwes/  or by visiting  sw.edu/workforce. Any inquiries about workforce and continuing education courses can be made directly to instructors for in-process courses, or by reaching out to workforce@sw.edu or 276-964-7534 with any other questions.
WILL THE CAMPUS AND EDUCATIONAL SITES BE CLOSED TO STUDENTS?

  • Southwest is not “closed”, but the physical campus will only be staffed with Campus Police. Support services and faculty will be available by phone and online through phone numbers and links found in these sections on our website. Click here the employee directory.
  • The Lebanon Center and Booth Center will be closed until further notice.
  • All testing centers will be closed until further notice.
  • The Library will be closed until further notice.
  • Wifi will be available in the parking lot of the King Community Center, and the parking lots at Tazewell Hall for students who need to access Wifi from their vehicles. See WIFI coverage map.

ARE CAMPUS EVENTS CANCELLED?
Yes.  Campus events will not be held again until May 1.
HOW WILL I ACCESS MY ONLINE LEARNING?
All classes will have content and assignments loaded into Canvas, which is accessible via MySouthwest. Please be aware that some classes may continue to have optional live meetings via distance learning software.  These will also be accessible via Canvas. Please contact your advisor if you need training on how to use Canvas. ALSO REFER TO THE Online Student Manual (Updated 3/18/20) for useful step-by-step guides on many online activities.
I DON'T KNOW MY USERNAME OR PASSWORD?
You may reset your password yourself using instructions in the Online Student Manual (Updated 3/18/20) or click here for a listing of people you can call to reset your password for you.
HOW CAN I GET HELP ORDERING A BOOK?
Bookstore personnel are available for phone support and to process online orders. Visit the Bookstore Help site or call 276-963-3627.
WHAT IS RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER?
LockDown Browser is a locked browser for taking quizzes in Canvas. Lockdown Browser Quickstart Guide

 FACULTY FAQ

IF I AM NOT USING CANVAS, DO I HAVE TO START NOW?
Of course, SWCC’s policy is that all for-credit courses must have a CANVAS presence.  Given that many students will be engaging in distance learning for the first time, it is critical that they find content where we tell them it will be.  You should provide clear assignment guidelines, prompt feedback, course content, and frequent communication inside your CANVAS shell.
IF I DO NOT HAVE A COMPUTER AT HOME, WILL THE COLLEGE PROVIDE ONE?
If you have any needs, technological or otherwise, please let your dean know immediately.  We have a limited supply of laptops, but teaching faculty will be our first priorities.
AM I ALLOWED TO COME ONTO CAMPUS?
While campus is not closed, we are limiting staffing to essential personnel only at this time. If you have been approved to telework, you must request permission from your supervisor before returning to campus. Brief visits to complete mission-critical work will be allowed on an as-needed basis.
MAY I HAVE A SMALL GROUP MEETING WITH STUDENTS?
Small group meetings may be conducted using Zoom.  At this time, the only activities that should include students are off-campus clinicals and internships.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF A STUDENT EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT ONLINE LEARNING?
Success advisors are ready to help these students.  Please submit the name of any student for whom you are concerned via the “Early Alert” function of Navigate. You may also let me or your dean know.
WHAT RETENTION EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE ON THE BEHALF OF STUDENTS?
Success advisors have set up a virtual advising center in which an advisor will always be present. Likewise, we will rotate through our student lists with the goal of calling every student every three days.  We hope this will allow us to identify and correct issues early. Faculty identification of issues will be a key part of our retention plan..

HUMAN RESOURCES FAQ

CAN I CHOOSE TO STAY AND WORK ON CAMPUS?
While campus is not closed, we are limiting staffing to essential personnel only at this time. If you have been approved to telework, you must request permission from your supervisor before returning to campus. Brief visits to complete mission-critical work will be allowed on an as-needed basis.
CAN I CHOOSE TO GO HOME AND USE LEAVE?
You may leave work and cover your time using paid time off benefits with your supervisor’s approval. However, your supervisor is not required to approve your time off if your department is short on staff or must meet pressing business needs.
WHAT DO I DO IF I AM SICK, OR A FAMILY MEMBER IS SICK?
If you or an immediate family member are sick, please stay home and notify your supervisor through your normal process. Your supervisor, in consultation with Human Resources, will advise you on next steps.
WHAT IS PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY LEAVE?
Specially granted leave that is available to all employees regardless of their classification. See Public Health Emergency Leave.
WHAT SHOULD AN EMPLOYEE DO IF THEY FEEL THE NEED TO SELF-QUARANTINE DUE TO DOMESTIC TRAVEL OR ANOTHER REASON?
The employee is encouraged to seek medical assistance and enforce the self-quarantine period. Also, please let notify your supervisor of your absence and make plans as appropriate to telework.
AS AN EMPLOYEE PAID HOURLY WITHOUT BENEFITS, I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY HOURS AND PAY. WILL I BE PAID IF MY WORK IS CANCELLED?
Please know the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. At this time, the College remains open and it is our objective to provide services to our community and students. In cases where operational decisions have affected available assignment of work, your supervisor may also consider whether an alternate work schedule and/or telework is appropriate. Unfortunately, not all positions will be suitable for telework or alternative work arrangements. The first full day you miss your hours are eligible to apply for unemployment through the Virginia Employment Commission. Please note, if you or an immediate family member are being treated for an illness directly related to COVID-19, you may be eligible for leave benefits under the DHRM Public Health Emergency Leave. Please contact Kim Steiner, kim.steiner@sw.edu or 276.964.7389.
I DO NOT HAVE CHILDCARE READILY AVAILABLE TO RESPOND TO THE K-12 CLOSURE. WHAT DO I DO?
Talk with your supervisor about your options related to utilizing appropriate paid time off benefits or making alternative work agreements. Decisions may be made in consultation with Human Resources.
DOES OUR COMMONWEALTH MEDICAL INSURANCE PLAN OFFER ANY OPTIONS FOR VIRTUAL CARE?
Yes, for information regarding online doctor’s visits available through the Commonwealth Health plans, please follow this link: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits/health-benefits/online-doctor-visit. Virtual care services can be used in place of seeing a physician in-person for minor medical conditions and cost less than emergency room or urgent care visits. Virtual care services can be a good option when you need to limit exposure to the public and free up emergency room resources for true emergencies..
I AM VERY WORRIED AND FEARFUL ABOUT COVID-19 AND THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS TO ME AND MY FAMILY. WHAT RESOURCES DOES THE COMMONWEALTH HAVE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST EMPLOYEES DEALING WITH STRESS?
The Commonwealth offers resources to employees and members of their household who may need support through the state’s medical plans. Please visit the employee assistance web page for more information at https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits/employee-assistance.
WHO NEEDS TO COMPLETE A WEEKLY TIME LOG?
Any employee who is teleworking should complete a weekly time log. Hourly employees should also continue to put their hours into HRMS if they are able. If employees do not have access to HRMS, they should report their hours weekly to their supervisor who will report the hours to Judy Yost.

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES FAQ

IF I DON'T HAVE A COLLEGE LAPTOP, OR IF I DO NOT HAVE A COMPUTER AT HOME, WILL THE COLLEGE PROVIDE ONE?
The college has a limited supply of laptops for loan, please work with your supervisor to facilitate this request.
HOW DO I ACCESS THE TECHNOLOGY I NEED WHILE I'M TELEWORKING?
Most campus resources can be accessed through MySouthwest or sw.edu Please see the Technology Resource guide for more information.
DO I NEED VPN SOFTWARE INSTALLED TO TELEWORK?
VPN is only needed if there is a need to access local college shared drives (Not SharePoint/OneDrive), Perceptive Content/ImageNow, or other special software. Contact Charles.Musick@sw.edu with any questions.
HOW DO I CONNECT MY HOME PRINTER OR PRINTER/SCANNER TO MY COLLEGE LAPTOP?
You should not need to create paper or scan any materials while working from home. Information for the College and things you receive from students will all be sent to you electronically. No one will be submitting a paper or sending it through the post office.
WILL THE INTERNET BECOME OVERLOADED WITH EVERYONE WORKING FROM HOME?
There may be slowdowns from time to time, but the internet providers are working on increasing capacity and speed. If it is slow, you may need to try connecting at a later time. If you do not have an internet connection at home, see if there are special arrangements from one of the internet providers during the emergency. Keeping attachment size smaller, avoiding long real-time sessions, and posting material so students can access them when they can connect will help.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

The novel coronavirus (known as COVID-19) outbreak – and the resultant media coverage – has led to concern and uncertainty among many in our community, as well as across the nation and globe. Southwest Virginia Community College is closely monitoring the situation with the VCCS, the VA Dept. of Health and the CDC to ensure we are taking appropriate precautions.

There are several steps you can take to ensure you remain as healthy as possible:

Stay informed: US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Practice preventative care: Prevention (CDC)

Stay calm: While the progression of COVID-19 is still emerging, the CDC is reporting that for the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to the virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.

Please be assured that the health and safety of our employees and students are paramount.

MEDIA CONTACTS: John Dezember, Director of Strategic Communications or Travis Roberts, Director of Marketing & Community Engagement

STAY SAFE ONLINE

Commonwealth Security has been monitoring the uptick in malware due to the COVID-19 virus. Phishing campaigns and fake websites are being used by attackers to steal sensitive information and to get malware installed on devices. As with other phishing campaigns, emails with COVID-19 in the subject are asking users to provide login credentials to get COVID-19 updates and/or information. Southwest Virginia Community College nor VCCS will need you to login or sign up to receive this type of information.

Some phishing campaigns are requesting donations to help find a cure, thus collecting a user's personal information to include credit card numbers. Other phishing campaigns are using malicious attachments to download malware to the machines. Use extreme caution when interacting with websites or emails that make these claims or request that you download anything.

As we move forward during this pandemic, please remember:
Report all phishing messages with headers to the Southwest helpdesk.
Report any suspicious websites to VCCS or Southwest's helpdesk.
Official sites are as follows: