Hocking College is dedicated to promoting the health, safety and well-being of our student and employee populations. In support of that goal, we are releasing this information bulletin to inform you of the actions we are taking to assess, prevent, protect and respond to the coronavirus.
To allow staff to initiate safety initiatives, Hocking College Spring Break is extended for all students and faculty through March 20, 2020. We are asking students not to return to campus during this extended break. We will provide accommodations for students that need to be on campus. Please contact Kim Coy, Director of Housing & Student Life, at coyk@hocking.edu to make arrangements.
Hocking College is here to serve as a resource to our community. All Hocking College Offices will be open for business during regular hours beginning Monday, March 16, 2020. All staff should report for work as scheduled. Special instructions will be sent to staff on Monday regarding next steps. Staff that are experiencing flu-like symptoms, should stay home.
We ask that everyone remain flexible as we continue to make changes as the situation evolves and more information becomes available. Please check this page for updates and other information.
While there are no Hocking College campus-associated cases of the coronavirus, we are being proactive in an effort to prevent illness. We continue to align our recommendations with and follow guidelines from Governor DeWine, the Ohio Association for Community Colleges (OACC), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization, and the Ohio Department of Health.
The series of updates below will allow us to continue the education of our students while protecting our community. These changes are being implemented with the safety of our campus community as our top priority. If you have any questions, please contact Jacqueline C. Hagerott, Vice President, Student Affairs & Campus Relations at hagerottj@hocking.edu.
Students
To allow staff to initiate safely initiatives prior to students and faculty returning to campus, there will be no classes held Monday, March 16 – Friday, March 20, 2020. Due to the technical nature of our programs, classes will resume on Monday, March 23, 2020.* Faculty and students should continue to check Hocking College email next week for announcements regarding which classes will be offered online.
If we become aware of any condition that would make our campus unsafe, please rest assured that we will implement immediate safety measures until those conditions have been addressed. Again, the health and safety of our campus community are our top priority and we are committed to doing our part to help keep you safe.
*A separate communication will be sent to all faculty teaching courses this term providing additional guidance related to procedural changes resulting from this extension and any additional exceptions that are necessary to maintain a safe environment while also ensuring academic quality.
Staff
Staff are expected to return to work as originally scheduled beginning on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Employees are encouraged to notify their supervisor and remain home when ill, and disclose symptoms of acute respiratory illness and travel history to their healthcare provider.
All leave policies will apply, staff should contact the Office of Human Resources regarding leave management and associated workplace issues.
Events
All Hocking College events scheduled through March 30, 2020 will be postponed until further notice. We will be contacting external organizations with events scheduled on our campus to determine appropriate next steps to ensure safety.
No new, non-essential events will be scheduled on any Hocking College campus through April 10, 2020.
We will continue to monitor events and will share plans prior to April 10, 2020 to end this restriction early, or, if needed, extend it.
Travel
Effective immediately and until further notice, all College-sponsored travel is suspended. This includes new travel as well as any currently booked trips for the next thirty days.
All domestic travel on behalf of the College is prohibited for the next thirty days unless approved by the president.
Sanitation Efforts
Our housekeeping and sanitation efforts have been greatly expanded. We are frequently disinfecting often-touched surfaces such as door handles, countertops, keypads, and restroom surfaces.
To help employees and students with disinfecting efforts, hand sanitizer bottles and wipes can be found at the front desk of each building and in many of the more commonly used administrative areas. Spray bottles containing bleach, paper towels, and gloves will be provided to students in dorms upon their return to campus.
We embrace our diverse culture. Although we are not recommending widespread use of face masks or respirators at this time for asymptomatic people outside of a clinical setting, some individuals may choose to wear a mask during cold and flu season. Please continue to treat all employees and students with mutual respect and consideration.
Directions for Individuals Experiencing Flu-like Symptoms
Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention and follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with others, especially people who exhibit symptoms of infection
- Stay home while you are sick and seek medical treatment and to prevent further exposure
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Avoid unnecessary travel
Students – if you are unable to meet the requirements of your course(s), contact your Advisor to discuss a plan for your success.
The Hawks Center for Well-Being
- Location: John Light Hall on the Nelsonville campus in room 241
- Hours of Operation - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 10 AM - 2 PM
- Cost – FREE for students and staff
- For more information visit the Hawks Center for Well-Being.
In the event of a campus community outbreak, the Hocking College Emergency Management Team will share plans for continuity of operations with employees and students.
Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the current situation, guidelines are subject to change as new information emerges. We will continue to monitor regularly and make any necessary modifications as needed with a focus on providing a safe environment for our College community. Please check www.hocking.edu for updates and other information.
If you have any questions, please contact Jacqueline C. Hagerott, Vice President, Student Affairs & Campus Relations at (740) 753-7006 or hagerottj@hocking.edu.
Thank you all for your flexibility and cooperation while we work together as a community to create a safe environment in response to this rapidly changing matter.
