General Information

Beginning August 23, 2021 (officially considered "Phase Four"), all WCJC Coronavirus response protocols attempt to establish guidelines which will allow for restoration and stabilization of College procedures, with a return to normal operations across the institution, as feasible.  In addition, all Phase Four regulations adhere to state requirements, as outlined in the Governor’s Executive Order GA-38, issued on July 29, 2021.

Employees

1. 1. All employees will be on campus during standard work hours, with all instructional duties, office hours, and work operations attended to, based on the needs of the unit, area, department, or division.
   2. Faculty are expected to manage office hours based on their schedule and course load and through approval of their Department Head/Program Director and Division Chair.
   3. Student service offerings and all administrative functions will be available during standard operating hours and at full capacity.

Students

1. 1. Training materials will be provided at the start of each semester to all students via their WCJC Student Email regarding Coronavirus risk factors, proper hygiene, quarantining requirements, and necessary cleaning protocols before returning to campus. Additional training will be provided, as necessary, in subsequent semesters.
   2. Athletic offerings, on-campus housing, and dining services will return to their standard operations and, where applicable, full capacity.
   3. Students are encouraged to maintain social distancing, where feasible, while on WCJC campuses, including in study spaces, lounge/lobbies, recreational areas, etc.

Facilities

1. 1. All buildings will continue to be open and accessible during standard business hours.
   2. All in-use classrooms will be sanitized once per day by custodial staff, as will other shared spaces and high-touch surfaces, including restrooms, handrails, and handles.

Mitigation Measures

1. 1. Large events and gatherings of 40+ individuals will be considered on an individual basis and are subject to approval by the supervising Vice President and President.
   2. The use of PPE is optional and up to the discretion and responsibility of the individual employee or student. WCJC strongly encourages individuals to follow good hygiene practices, including regularly washing your hands and staying home when sick.
   3. WCJC strongly encourages individuals to get immunized to help protect themselves and others from SARS-CoV-2 variants
   4. WCJC strongly encourages the use of face masks/coverings for all individuals, regardless of immunization status, most particularly when unable to maintain social distancing.
   5. WCJC is no longer responsible for supplying disposable face masks, shields, or cleaning/sanitation materials within individual offices or classrooms. Units will need to purchase hand sanitizer, wipes, disinfecting spray, etc. from their supply budgets.

Instructional Protocols

Instructional Protocols provide specific details related to course offerings, including identification of courses that can be offered online or in a hybrid capacity and courses that must be offered face-to-face.  Instructional Protocols will be maintained by the VPI for reference throughout the response effort.  Modifications to Instructional Protocols may be required depending on changes to federal, state, local, or institutional guidelines or recommendations.

1. Beginning with Phase Four, all classroom capacities will be expanded to 100%, allowing for increased enrollment in face-to-face sections.
2. The use of face masks/coverings will be optional for all faculty, staff, and students and may not be required within an individual classroom, laboratory, or office.
3. The use of hybrid and online course modalities will continue to be offered, allowing for a greater variety of instructional options for students. In addition, all courses will maintain a course shell in Blackboard for ease of access and use in all sections.
4. Students who are required to self-isolate or quarantine for any reason must maintain regular contact with their instructors and are responsible for ensuring that all work requirements for their courses are attended to within the course deadlines or that they drop the course by the appropriate deadline.
   • Faculty must coordinate with quarantined students, as needed, based on the standard WCJC guidelines related to excused absences.
   • There will be no extensions, exemptions, or modifications to WCJC student rules, institutional deadlines, payment refunds, or other WCJC policies for any reason, including student illness or absence.

Employee Self-Reporting

Employee Self-Reporting

Employees must self-report to the college for any of the following conditions:

• Experience new or worsening symptoms associated with COVID-19; or
• Received a confirmed positive test, are diagnosed with, or being treated for COVID-19; or
• Are residing with an individual who has been diagnosed with or has been tested positive for COVID-19.

Self-Reporting Requirements

To self-report, employees must submit a WCJC COVID-19 Employee Self-Reporting Formand notify their direct supervisor and Division Chair, if applicable.  Employee self-report forms will route to the Dean of Human Resources who will notify the individual’s direct supervisor, Division Chair, if applicable, supervising Executive Cabinet member, and the WCJC President.  Names of individuals who self-report will not be released publicly in order to maintain confidentiality. 

As a general guideline, an employee who meets any of the criteria listed above must:

• Submit the WCJC COVID-19 Employee Self-Reporting Form and notify their direct supervisor immediately (within 24 hours);
• Notify their healthcare provider and get tested (highly recommended);
• Self-isolate, monitor their symptoms, and refrain from coming on any WCJC campus. Specific quarantine requirements will be determined following consultation with the Dean of Human Resources.

An employee who fails to submit a WCJC COVID-19 Employee Self-Reporting Formwithin 24 hours will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. The health, safety, and security of the college is dependent on all employees adhering to the protocols outlined within this plan.

Quarantine Period and Return-to-Work Guidelines

Any employee who has tested positive will be excluded from work until:

• At least 1 day (24 hours) has passed since recovery, defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and,
• At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

Employees who must take leave due to COVID-related illness or self-quarantine will be contacted, as appropriate, by the Dean of Human Resources regarding their leave options.

Employees who are able to work in a remote capacity may be permitted to do so without taking leave, pending approval from their direct supervisor and supervising Executive Cabinet member. 

Faculty who are teaching in face-to-face classes and who are required to self-quarantine for any reason must immediately notify their Division Chair and make arrangements for their course to be converted to online instruction.

In the event that an individual becomes too sick to work remotely, leave must be taken.

WCJC will continue to follow CDC guidelines with regard to quarantine requirements.