COVID-19 Update

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2024

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College has updated our COVID-19 policies and procedures for the 2024 Spring Semester. We use CDC recommendations and resources as our guidelines.

Below are the updates:

1. You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:

1. •  Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
   • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
2. When you go back to your normal activities, take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
   • Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better.  You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
   • If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and not using fever-reducing medication).  Then take added precautions for the next 5 days.

All COVID-19 situations need to be reported as soon as possible. Students and employees must provide a copy of their test results to Susan Ross ().

Please provide the following information when reporting a COVID-19 situation:

1. Southern ID#:
2. Name:
3. Last known date on campus:
4. Covid-19 Test Result Date:
5. Quarantine Start Date:
6. Any other information they are willing to share (i.e. how they came in contact, symptoms, no symptoms, hospitalization, etc.):

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

For personal safety and the safety of others, students and employees should not ignore symptoms of COVID-19.

If you test positive

• Students and employees are expected to follow CDC GUIDELINES.

MASKS

Wearing a mask on campus is based on your personal preference.

TESTING

COVID-19 tests are readily available through local health departments, pharmacies, and through the federal government’s website, covidtests.gov, which allows people to sign up for free COVID-19 tests that will be shipped directly to the individual’s household.

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MONDAY, August 21st, 2023

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College has updated our COVID-19 policies and procedures for the 2023 Fall Semester. We use CDC recommendations and resources as our guideline.

Below are the updates:

1. If you were exposed to COVID-19, you should test for COVID-19 immediately if you have symptoms, or wait at least 5 full days to test if no symptoms present.
2. If you test negative, there is no need to isolate.
3. If you test positive, you will need to begin a 5 day quarantine, with day 1 being the day after you were tested. You will need to wear a mask for 10 days, with day 1 being the day after you were tested.
4. If your symptoms are improving, you may end isolation after day 5. If symptoms are not improving, continue to isolate until your symptoms are improving and you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication.
5. Regardless of when you end isolation, until day 11: avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19; remember to wear a high quality mash while indoors around others or in public; do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask; and follow CDC guidelines for travel guidance.

All COVID-19 situations need to be reported as soon as possible. Student and employees must provide a copy of their test results to Dustin Crisp (), our Covid-19 Project Coordinator.

Please provide the following information when reporting a COVID-19 situation:

1. Southern ID#:
2. Name:
3. Last known date on campus:
4. Covid-19 Test Result Date:
5. Quarantine Start Date:
6. Any other information they are willing to share (i.e. how they came in contact, symptoms, no symptoms, hospitalization, etc.):

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

For personal safety and the safety of others, students and employees should not ignore symptoms of COVID-19.

If you test positive

• Isolate for 5 days and wear a mask for 10 days while in the classroom or other indoor spaces.
• Students and employees are expected to follow CDC guidelines for isolationand notify close contacts.

VACCINATIONS

Southern is making every effort to keep our campuses safe and Covid-19 free. Southern strongly urges but does not require, everyone to stay protected against COVID-19 by getting their primary vaccine series and staying up to date with a booster dose if they are eligible to receive one.

MASKS

Wearing a mask on campus is based on your personal preference.

TESTING

In addition to on campus testing, COVID-19 tests are readily available through local health departments, pharmacies and through the federal government’s website, covidtests.gov, which allows people to sign up for free COVID-19 tests that will be shipped directly to the individual’s household.

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MONDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2022

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College has updated our COVID-19 policies and procedures for the 2023 Spring Semester. We use CDC recommendations and resources as our guideline.

Below are the updates:

1. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are NOT up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations: You need to quarantine for at least 5 days and wear a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask for 10 days.
2. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations: No quarantine is required unless you develop symptoms, however you will be required to wear a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask for 10 days.
3. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and had confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test); No quarantine is required unless you develop symptoms, however you will be required to wear a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask for 10 days.
4. If you tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status: Quarantine for at least 5 days and isolate from others and wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days.

All COVID-19 situations need to be reported as soon as possible. Student and employees must provide a copy of their test results to Dustin Crisp (), our Covid-19 Project Coordinator.

Please provide the following information when reporting a COVID-19 situation:

1. Southern ID#:
2. Name:
3. Last known date on campus:
4. Covid-19 Test Result Date:
5. Quarantine Start Date:
6. Any other information they are willing to share (i.e. how they came in contact, symptoms, no symptoms, hospitalization, etc.):

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

For personal safety and the safety of others, students and employees should not ignore symptoms of COVID-19.

If you test positive

• Isolate for 5 days and wear a mask for an additional 5 days while in the classroom or other indoor spaces.
• Students and employees are expected to follow CDC guidelines for isolation and notify close contacts.

VACCINATIONS

Southern is making every effort to keep our campuses safe and Covid-19 free. Southern strongly urges but does not require, everyone to stay protected against COVID-19 by getting their primary vaccine series and staying up to date with a booster dose if they are eligible to receive one.

MASKS

Wearing a mask on campus is based on your personal preference.

TESTING

In addition to on campus testing, COVID-19 tests are readily available through local health departments, pharmacies and through the federal government’s website, covidtests.gov, which allows people to sign up for free COVID-19 tests that will be shipped directly to the individual’s household.

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MONDAY, August 15^th, 2022

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College has updated our COVID-19 policies and procedures have for the 2022 Fall Semester. We use CDC recommendations and resources as our guideline.

Below are the updates:

1. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are NOT up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations: You need to quarantine for at least 5 days and wear a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask for 10 days.
2. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations: No quarantine is required unless you develop symptoms, however you will be required to wear a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask for 10 days.
3. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and had confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test); No quarantine is required unless you develop symptoms, however you will be required to wear a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask for 10 days.
4. If you tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status: Quarantine for at least 5 days and isolate from others and wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days.

All COVID-19 situations need to be reported as soon as possible. Student and employees must provide a copy of their test results to Joshua May (), our Covid-19 Project Coordinator.
Please provide the following information when reporting a COVID-19 situation:

1. Southern ID#:
2. Name:
3. Last known date on campus:
4. Covid-19 Test Result Date:
5. Quarantine Start Date:
6. Any other information they are willing to share (i.e. how they came in contact, symptoms, no symptoms, hospitalization, etc.):

SAFETY PROTOCOLS
For personal safety and the safety of others, students and employees should not ignore symptoms of COVID-19.
If you test positive
• Isolate for 5 days and wear a mask for an additional 5 days while in the classroom or other indoor spaces.
• Students and employees are expected to follow CDC guidelines for isolation and notify close contacts.

VACCINATIONS
Southern is making every effort to keep our campuses safe and Covid-19 free. Southern strongly urges but does not require, everyone to stay protected against COVID-19 by getting their primary vaccine series and staying up to date with a booster dose if they are eligible to receive one.

MASKS
Wearing a mask on campus is based on your personal preference.

TESTING
In addition to on campus testing, COVID-19 tests are readily available through local health departments, pharmacies and through the federal government’s website, covidtests.gov, which allows people to sign up for free COVID-19 tests that will be shipped directly to the individual’s household.

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MONDAY, March 8^th, 2022

There have been changes in our COVID-19 policies and procedures for the 2022 Spring Semester at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. We use CDC recommendations as our guideline and with their recent updates for quarantine and isolation, we have changed our policy and procedures.

Here are the updates:

1. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are NOT up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations: You need to quarantine for at least 5 days and wear a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask for 10 days.
2. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations: No quarantine is required unless you develop symptoms, however you will be required a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask for 10 days.
3. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and had confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test); No quarantine is required unless you develop symptoms, however you will be required a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask for 10 days.
4. If you tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status: Stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others and wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days.

All COVID-19 situations need to be reported as soon as possible. Student and employees must provide a copy of their test results to Joshua May (), our Covid-19 Project Coordinator.

Please provide the following information when reporting a COVID-19 situation:

1. Southern ID#:
2. Name:
3. Last known date on campus:
4. Covid-19 Test Result Date:
5. Quarantine Start Date:
6. Any other information they are willing to share (i.e. how they came in contact, symptoms, no symptoms, hospitalization, etc.):

For additional information here is the link for the CDC guidelines:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html

Southern is making every effort to keep our campuses safe and Covid-19 free. We strongly urge everyone be vaccinated and boosted. Wearing a mask on campus is based on your personal preference.

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MONDAY, JANUARY 24^th, 2022

Close Contact.pdf

There have been changes in our COVID-19 policies and procedures for the 2022 Spring Semester at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. We use CDC recommendations as our guideline and with their recent updates for quarantine and isolation, we have changed our policy and procedures.

Here are the updates:

1. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are NOT up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations: You need to quarantine for at least 5 days and wear a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask for 10 days.
2. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations: No quarantine is required unless you develop symptoms, however you will be required a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask for 10 days.
3. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and had confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test); No quarantine is required unless you develop symptoms, however you will be required a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask for 10 days.
4. If you tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status: Stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others and wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days.

All COVID-19 situations need to be reported as soon as possible. Student and employees must provide a copy of their test results to Joshua May (), our Covid-19 Project Coordinator.

Please provide the following information when reporting a COVID-19 situation:

1. Southern ID#:
2. Name:
3. Last known date on campus:
4. Covid-19 Test Result Date:
5. Quarantine Start Date:
6. Any other information they are willing to share (i.e. how they came in contact, symptoms, no symptoms, hospitalization, etc.):

For additional information here is the link for the CDC guidelines:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html

Southern is making every effort to keep our campuses safe and Covid-19 free. We strongly urge everyone be vaccinated and boosted. While on campus wearing a N95 or KN95 mask is highly recommended.

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1^st, 2021

COVID-19 PROCEDURES

Southern strongly encourages all of its students, staff, and faculty to wear masks on campus. Mask wearing is still one of the most effective ways for preventing the spread of Covid-19. Everyone should keep in mind, the mask you wear is for the protection of those around you.

All POSITIVE Covid-19 cases need to be reported immediately to Joshua May, Project Coordinator for Southern’s Covid-19 Response, at or by phone at 304-896-7300.  This includes all employees, students, vendors, visitors, etc. that may have been on campus.

Anyone testing POSITIVE must receive a NEGATIVE test result at least 7 days after exposure; or quarantine for 14 days (from time of contact) before returning to campus.  Test results must be sent to Joshua May, Project Coordinator for Southern’s Covid-19 Response, at or by phone at 304-896-7300 before attending class or returning to work.

We are asking everyone to self-monitor their current health conditions each day.  If you have any symptoms, please take the appropriate action and see a health care professional for testing and follow-up treatment.  For faculty and staff, please work with your immediate supervisor to work from home, get tested, or take appropriate action to protect yourself and those around you.

Here is the link to the current CDC Guidelines:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html

As you know, the CDC guidelines change from day to day and we will work together to get through this pandemic.

COVID-19 EXPOSURES and POSITIVE TEST RESULTS

Faculty, when you are notified by a student of a possible exposure or a student who has received a positive COVID-19 test result, you are to report that to Joshua May, Project Coordinator for Southern’s Covid-19 Response, at or by phone at 304-896-7300 and your Campus Director immediately.  We will use the current CDC guidelines regarding quarantine.

VACCINATIONS:

Southern highly encourages ALL employees and students to receive a COVID vaccine and or booster through your primary care physician, pharmacy, or local health department.  This is to protect you, your family, and others around you.

If you are faculty/staff and have received a COVID vaccine outside of Southern, please report it to Joshua May, Project Coordinator for Southern’s Covid-19 Response, at or by phone at 304-896-7300 for tracking.

We are working with our county health departments to provide the best protection for our students, faculty, and staff as we work to make our campuses as safe as possible.

We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will make changes as the COVID-19 Task Force deems necessary.

Announcement from Wednesday, August 25, 2021

COVID-19 PROCEDURES

Effective Thursday, August 26^th, a mandatory MASK mandate is being implemented on all Southern campuses due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in our region as voted upon by our COVID-19 Task Force.

All employees, students and visitors MUST WEAR A MASK (or facial covering) in all campus buildings, whether you have been vaccinated or not vaccinated.  Clear shields are acceptable. This includes classrooms, hallways, restrooms, and any other public areas of the building.  You are free to go without a mask in your office or work area providing social distancing (6 feet) can be observed.

Any and all POSITIVE Covid-19 cases need to be reported to Joe Linville, Chief Facilities Management Officer, immediately upon notification at 304.896.7366 or email .  This includes all employees, students, vendors, visitors, etc. that may have been on campus.

Anyone testing POSITIVE, must receive a NEGATIVE test result at least 7 days after exposure; or quarantine for 14 days (from time of contact) before returning to campus.  Test results must be sent to Joe Linville, Chief Facilities Management Officer, at 304.896.7366 or email before attending class or returning to work.

We are asking everyone to self-monitor your current health conditions each day.  If you have any symptoms, please take the appropriate action and see a health care professional for testing and follow up treatment.  For faculty and staff, please work with your immediate supervisor to work from home, get tested or take appropriate action to protect yourself and those around you.

Here is the link to the current CDC Guidelines:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html

As you know, the CDC guidelines change from day to day and we will work together to get through this pandemic.

COVID-19 EXPOSURES and POSITIVE TEST RESULTS

Faculty, when you are notified by a student of a possible exposure or a student who has received a positive COVID-19 test result, you are to report that to your Campus Director immediately.  We will use the current CDC guidelines regarding quarantine.

VACCINATIONS:

Southern highly encourages ALL employees and students to receive a COVID vaccine through your primary care physician, pharmacy or local health department.  This is to protect you, your family and others around you.

If you are faculty/staff and have received a COVID vaccine outside of Southern, please report it to Joe Linville, Chief Facilities Management Officer, at 304.896.7366 or email office for tracking.

We are working with our county health departments to provide the best protection for our students , faculty and staff as we work to make our campuses as safe as possible.

We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will make changes as the COVID-19 Task Force deems necessary.

Announcement from Thursday, May 27, 2021

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College will open its buildings on all campuses effective on June 1, 2021.

Masks will be required indoors until June 20th, when CDC guidelines are eased. At that point, masks will not be required inside or outside college buildings for those who are fully vaccinated. We recommend individuals who are not fully vaccinated or have weakened immune systems wear masks and social distance.

President Dr. Pamela Alderman says, “Wearing a face mask is still strongly encouraged, especially for those who are not vaccinated. Numerous scientific studies have proven that wearing a face mask can significantly reduce the transmission of COVID-19. For over a year, our college community has embraced mask-wearing as one of the ways we show one another respect and protect each other.”

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College is strongly encouraging but not requiring vaccination against COVID-19 for students by this fall. Masks and physical distancing are no longer required on campus for those who are fully vaccinated, but Alderman says, “Those who have not been vaccinated are expected to continue to wear masks in public settings and to practice physical distancing to the fullest extent possible.”

All campuses and classes will be open for the fall semester’s return to school.

Alderman says administrators will rely largely on the honor system in enforcing the different requirements for vaccinated versus unvaccinated individuals.

Student Resources (COVID-19)

Find student resources for instruction during this COVID-19 related closure here.

SSConnect

Monday – Thursday | 9 AM – 5 PM

You can get one-on-one online help with Admissions, Financial Aid, Advising, Disability Services, and more! Check out our new SSConnect Services with the link below.

Open SSConnect

Online Student Success Tips

Students can find helpful tips and resources for online instruction, tutoring, and other frequently asked questions here.

Time Management and Study Skills Workshop

View a Time Management and Study Skills workshop by Professor Stephanie Mounts here. 

LIVE Online Tutoring

Learn more about Southern’s Online Tutoring here.

IT HelpDesk

Visit our Technology Services page for more information.

HelpDesk – Phone: 304.896.7474 | Email:

Admissions, Financial Aid, Records and Graduation, Tutoring, Advising, Registration, and Disability Services Contacts

Check out our Student Services Page for contact information for advisors, specific departments, or locations.

Student Services Hours: Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., excluding holidays. Student Services is closed on Fridays.

Address and Phone Numbers: Logan Campus, 2900 Dempsey Branch Road Mount Gay, West Virginia 25637 | 304.792.7098 | 1.800.SWVCTC1 (1.800.798.2821) | Fax: 304.792.7113

We are here to assist you in applying for admissions, financial aid, or graduation. We are also ready to advise and register you for courses and provide tutoring assistance. We can even help you with disability services. These services can be accessed remotely. Our attentive staff is ready to help you over the phone, by Microsoft Teams or via email.

Library Resources and Contacts

View the Library page to access resources online.

Logan – 304.896.7378 | Williamson – 304.236.7616

Academics Contacts

Sandra Podunavac – Phone: 304.896.7434 | Email:

Business Office Resources and Contacts

Visit the Business Office page for updates.

Chris Gray –  Phone: 304.236.7614 | Email:

Financial Aid Resources and Contacts

Visit the Financial Aid COVID-19 resource page for more information.

A full financial aid timeline for Fall 2020 new students can be found here.

Beverly McDonald – Phone: 304.896.7060 | Email:

Southern Foundation Resources and Contacts

Visit the Southern Foundation page for more information and scholarship applications.

Rita Roberson, Director of Development – Phone: 304.896.7425 | Email:

Workforce Development Contacts

Visit our Continuing Education page for more information.

Sandra Podunavac – Phone: 304.896.7434 | Email:

COVID-19 Resources

About COVID-19

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus designated SARS-CoV-2. The outbreak of COVID-19 originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. Since then, tens of thousands of confirmed cases have been reported, predominantly in China but in a rapidly growing number of countries worldwide.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, so information and recommendations may change. We will continue to learn more in the coming days and share new information as it is available.  – from WVDHHR 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the leading public health agency for the United States and has all the current information related to COVID-19.  You will find facts about symptoms of the virus and what to do if you become sick, tips on how to prevent the spread of the virus, and answers to frequently asked questions on their designated Coronavirus website.

State of West Virginia Coronavirus Disease Website and Hotline

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources has created a website and to provide the most current information and resources to its citizens.

Website

dhhr.wv.gov/COVID-19

24/7 Hotline

1.800.887.4304

SWVCTC Service Area Health Departments

For information regarding your community’s response to Coronavirus, you can contact your local health department.

The U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State provides an updated list of travel advisories.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins CSSE

This web-based interactive dashboard tracks the spread of COVID-19 in real-time. It is hosted by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

Updated 3.23.20

CARES ACT Emergency Financial Aid to Students

For more information, visit our CARES ACT page.

Reopening Guidelines

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College

COVID-19 Reopening Guidelines

August 16, 2020

Our Fall 2020 semester kicks off tomorrow! Ahead of the first day, we have a special message to students from Guy Lowes, our Interim Chief Academic Officer:

“We are excited to begin another school year with you! While this year looks different and will be like no other year yet, we will work hard and get through this together. Southern is your home, and we want you to be successful.

“Because this semester is already very different, it is vital that you check your Southern emails and pay attention to your instructor’s class details. Each instructor will be sending out specific information about how each class will be meeting.

July 1, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve rapidly and Southern has been and will continue to evaluate and plan for numerous “what if” scenarios.  These guidelines are based on the information that is known today.  We will continue having open dialogue opportunities to reassure students and employees that their health and safety are our number one priority.

Employees will begin transitioning from remote to campus-based work in phases beginning July 20, 2020.  By August 3, 2020, we anticipate the majority of employees will have returned to campus.  Supervisors will communicate specific schedules to increase social distancing where appropriate.

It is the responsibility of the Southern community to monitor their daily health for their own benefit and the safety of others.  Anyone with any COVID-19 symptom will be required to contact their supervisor and with consultation with Human Resources to determine if remote work is appropriate.

If any employee or student tests positive for COVID-19, the College will work with the local health department in accordance with all regulatory guidance and applicable laws to ensure contact tracing occurs. Contact tracing warns contacts of exposure in order to stop the chains of transmission.  The campus(s) affected will close until the facilities can be decontaminated and cleaned by a professional cleaning service.

Face masks or face coverings must be worn by all employees and students in all interior spaces including classrooms, hallways, restrooms, etc.  The College will provide all employees and students with washable face masks, however, everyone is encouraged to have additional face masks/coverings for use.  Each campus will have a limited supply of disposable masks if you happen to forget yours.

Exceptions for employees are private offices except when occupied by more than one person. When not wearing a mask, office doors should be closed to discourage others entering into to your work area and you becoming unprotected.

Instructors may use face shields in classrooms to better facilitate communications.  The Office of Disability Services will work with students who may need appropriate accommodations and Human Resources will work with faculty and staff.

Hand hygiene supplies will be readily available throughout the campuses.

Work related travel will continue to be restricted for the fall.  Required business travel for accreditation and other essential travel will be reviewed and may require you to self-quarantine for 14 days upon return.

Employees should avoid office gatherings, break rooms, and unnecessary in-person meetings and socializing in the workplace. Work spaces will be configured and managed to allow for 6 feet distances. Similarly, students should avoid congregating in groups. Employees and students should wear masks or face coverings in all public spaces and spaces used by multiple people. Meetings should be conducted electronically, even when working on campus. If meetings cannot be conducted virtually, participation should be limited to ten (10) participants while maintaining appropriate physical distancing and wearing of masks or face coverings.  The largest available meeting location should be used.

High touch items have been removed from common areas.  These include magazines, common pens, etc. Community supplies of paper plates, cups and utensils will be discontinued.  Employees and students should keep a supply for their private use only in their offices.

Classroom, computer labs, and common area doors will be open to maximize traffic flow and minimize the need to touch handles.  Elevators will be marked for maximum occupancy.  Only those with physical need should use the elevators.  The College will continue to utilize virtual advising sessions, online tutoring to promote health and safety.

Hand hygiene supplies are available on all campuses and in each building. All common areas will be cleaned daily. Surfaces frequently touched by multiple people, such as door handles, bathroom surfaces, and handrails, will be cleaned with soap and water or another detergent at least daily when facilities are in use. Supplies will be available so that certain high-use surfaces and objects in public spaces, such as telephones, common printers and copiers, and point of sale keypads, can be cleaned and disinfected before each use. If you notice that sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, or other supplies have been depleted, please request additional supplies through the appropriate Director of Campus Operations and they will be replenished. While cleaning alone does not kill germs, it reduces the number of germs on a surface. Wipes or disinfect spray and cleaning rags will be available in all classrooms. Faculty and students are strongly encouraged to wipe the surface areas of their desks, chairs, podiums, etc. upon classroom arrival.

NOTE: At this time cleaning wipes are not available due to high demand.

This plan has been communicated to all Southern employees and students via email and is posted on the Southern Corona Virus web page. Virtual Town Hall meetings for students and families will be held prior to the start of the fall semester and when appropriate after the start of the fall semester. Virtual Town Hall meetings for employees will continue to be held as appropriate.  The date, time, and access information for all Virtual Town Hall meetings will be distributed via email. Southern will provide regular update, reminder, and myth-rumor busting communications throughout the fall semester via email and on our COVID-19 web page.

Signage using Centers for Disease Control guidelines and materials will be posted throughout campuses. Southern uses an emergency messaging system, Southern Alerts (https://southernwv.bbcportal.com/).  All emergency alerts will automatically be sent to  every Southern provided email address (@southernwv.edu), every Southern office or classroom phone, Southern’s website, Southern’s Facebook page, Southern’s Twitter feed, a pop-up window on every Southern owned desktop/laptop computer on the Southern network. In addition, you may also sign up to have alerts delivered via email to any personal email address, text messages sent to any cell phone numbers you provide, and voice calls made to any voice phone number you provide.

Access to College locations is restricted to students, faculty and staff who will be required to follow a daily check-in process. Visitors will not be permitted to enter without College approval. Non-essential visitors will be discouraged.  Access to buildings will be restricted to one entrance, but exit can take place through all doors.

Additional criteria in regards to the COVID-19 crisis:

If you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms you should stay home and continue to monitor for 48 hours.

If an employee travels to a “hot spot” region of the country, you should discuss with your supervisor and self-quarantine for 14 days. If a student travels to a “hot spot” region, you should discuss with your instructors about making up work and self-quarantine for 14 days.

Any student who self-quarantines, needs to report the situation to the Director of Campus Operations at your appropriate campus.

Appropriate mask are to be worn in all public places in buildings, such as entrances, hallways, restrooms and all common areas. You may remove your mask when alone in your office.

If a student does not cooperate in wearing a mask, they would be considered disrupting class and will be ask to leave.

The traffic flow in each building has been laid out to keep social distancing practices in place such as walk on right side of hallways, stairwells are directional (either up or down), only one or two people are allowed on elevators at a time, and limitations have been put on the number of people that are allowed in a restroom at one time.

Signage will be placed to give instructions on traffic flow as mentioned above.

Students and non-employees must have an appointment to enter any Southern building in the interim. An area will be set up on each campus for Student Services staff to deal one on one with students. An eight (8) foot table will be set up and a chair at each end to discuss student matters.

When students return all “Common Areas” will be adjusted to provide Social Distancing.

The President, Vice Presidents and Supervisors can discuss and make decisions on employees who may need to continue working from home due to underlining health issues.

The President will continue to hold Town Hall Meetings to keep staff advised with updates regarding policies and changes that may be made as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.

Employees will be asked to contact trace anyone they may come in contact at all times in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.

These guidelines could change at any time and you may contact your Campus Director or Supervisor if you have any questions or concerns.

• WV State Guidance for Government Office Buildings