Campus Health & Safety: Update To Campus Return

Ozarka College Update- Thursday 7/9/20Returning to Campus-Fall Semester-Academics & Student ServicesFace-to-Face Class Protocols:All face-to-face courses at each Ozarka site for the Fall semester will continue as scheduled; however, class meetings will be limited to no more than 15 students to accommodate appropriate social distancing. If a given face-to-face course has more than 15 students, the instructor will assign meeting times for groups of students within the course on alternating days. For example, if you have a class on Tuesday/Thursday with 20 students, your instructor will have 10 students come in on Tuesday, and 10 students come in on Thursday. Classrooms on all campuses will be arranged to ensure social distancing. Be sure to check your Course Mail in myOzarka for instructions on each of your classes before coming to class on the first day.All Ozarka classrooms have been equipped with cameras that will enable instructors to broadcast class meetings live in myOzarka via Google Meet, so if a class has to be split, or if students cannot come to class due to illness, students can view and interact with the course online during the assigned class meeting time.For technical courses, such as Automotive, Welding, Nursing, Culinary, and Aviation, additional precautions will be implemented to ensure social distancing and cleanliness. Please reach out to your instructor for more information regarding these courses.Face Coverings:While in the class, students are required to maintain a six-foot distance from other students. In addition, masks/face coverings must be worn at all other times while in an Ozarka building. Ozarka will provide students and employees with 1 cloth mask at the beginning of the semester, so students and employees will be expected to have a face covering while on campus.The only exception to this is that when employees are working in their own offices, they will not have to wear a mask; however, when visiting other offices or when visitors come into their office, masks must be worn. Additionally, faculty will not have to wear a mask the entire time they are teaching a class, as long as a 12-foot distance is maintained between them and the students.*If you do not have a mask or face covering while on campus, you will be asked to leave.Meeting with Instructors/Advisors:Instructors and advisors will have office hours as usual. However, if a student needs to meet with his/her instructor, an appointment MUST be made in advance, and both the instructor and student must wear a mask during the meeting.An alternative to a face-to-face meeting would be to schedule a virtual meeting with your instructor/advisor via Google Meet.Temperature Checks:Temperature screening will not be mandatory. Students are required to self-assess prior to attending any on campus course or activity. Students that do not pass the self-assessment must inform the instructor prior to the beginning of the course and will be excused from the course for the day. Assessment criteria include the following elements:who have fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell.who have had exposure of less than 6 feet to someone diagnosed with Covid-19 in the past 14 days.who have been diagnosed positive with COVID-19.Registration: Registration will continue as mostly virtual/phone-based. Face-to-face assistance will occur as needed and by appointment only. Face coverings will be required for both the student and staff/instructor.Testing:Testing will continue on an appointment only basis. Group sessions will be conducted on an as-needed basis both on campus and at high school campuses. Proper sanitation and social distance protocols will be required.Orientation:The orientation for new students will be conducted by Student Services representatives (Director of Admissions, Recruiter, Registrar, or VPSS) online using Google Meet. These sessions will be held on the following dates:Tuesday, August 11 at 10 a.m.Thursday, August 13 at 2 p.m.Thursday, August 13 at 6 p.m.Any student unable to attend a live session may view a recorded session and email questions to the Admissions department. Please be sure to check your campus email for more details as these dates approach.Freshman Seminar: If you are enrolled in a face-to-face section of Freshman Seminar, that course will transition to an online format. Be sure to check your Course Mail for that course for more details as we get closer to the beginning of the semester.At-Risk Employees:Employees with certain conditions may be at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 or may have a higher risk for severe illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) latest guidance suggests that people in the highest risk categories include individuals who:� Are over age of 65;� Suffer from chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma;� Suffer from serious heart conditions;� Severely obese (Body mass index of 40 or higher);� Have diabetes;� Suffer from chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; or� Suffer from liver disease.Employees with these or other high-risk conditions who have concerns about returning to work on campus should contact their supervisor and the Office of Human Resources to discuss their needs.**Please follow Ozarka College website/social media for updates as guidelines are subject to change**Update- Thursday 5/28/20Effective June 1, 2020, Ozarka campuses will be open with restrictions. The following building access protocols must be observed. The health of our state, community, and employees and students will be monitored daily.OPEN AND CLOSED BUILDINGSThe following buildings will be open to students BY APPOINTMENT ONLY with legitimate business related to academic study or enrichment:Student Services Center in MelbourneFitness Center in MelbourneMain Building, Ash FlatMain Building, Mountain ViewMammoth Spring CampusThe computer lab in the Student Services Center at Melbourne and computer labs at all other Ozarka campuses from 9 am to 3 pm Monday-ThursdayThese buildings will be open to employees only or persons with appointments or scheduled meetings:All office buildings not listed above including Administration;Miller AuditoriumMiller Lecture HallAll classroomsAll other locations not specifically identified hereSAFETY PROTOCOLSAppointment Only:Students who wish to meet with college personnel for an in-person meeting regarding registration, financial aid, etc. MUST make an appointment in advance. Face Coverings:When arriving for the appointment, students must wear a mask, and college personnel should do so as well. This mask must be a cloth face covering that covers the nose and mouth. Pulling your face covering down below your nose and/or mouth is the same as not wearing one.The College has the right to ask anyone not wearing a face covering to leave campus.Likewise, face coverings are NOT a replacement for keeping socially distant.Strict social distancing:The minimum social distance of 6 feet will be strictly observed. Distances of greater than 6 feet are preferred. The College has the right to ask anyone not engaging in at least 6 feet of social distancing to leave campus.All seating areas will be marked so that students and others remain 6 feet away from each other or barriers will be used to separate seats.Computers will be marked so that patrons remain 6 feet away from each other or barriers will be used.Places where students may need to form a line will use cones, tape, or other method to mark off the 6-foot required distance.No one will be allowed to gather or interact anywhere on campus for any purpose other than legitimate educational business (i.e., classes, testing). We must prioritize our face-to-face engagement with others and limit ourselves only to that which is absolutely necessary. Social gathering is not a priority.All safety protocols recommended by the State of Arkansas and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will be utilized and enforced. These include:Limiting access, movement, and the number of persons:Groups will be restricted to either 50% of capacity of a particular facility or groups of 10 or fewer in any one area unless prior permission is granted by the President to exceed that allowance.Disinfecting and cleaning:Instructors will disinfect tools or other hands-on materials between students or at least twice a day.Employees should wipe down their immediate work areas including keyboards, mice, desks, door handles, and other high touch areas at least twice a day. Employees are urged to take responsibility for their own health.Regularly touched surfaces and high traffic areas will be cleaned and disinfected twice a day.Restrooms will be disinfected frequently, but if a person is only on campus for a short amount of time, avoiding restrooms that multiple people share is the best practice.Hand sanitizer stations are available in every open building. Use them, but note that the CDC advises that thorough handwashing is the best method of killing germs.Reminders:Reminder signs regarding safety protocols including face coverings, social distancing, and other restrictions will be posted in all open buildingsPer the CDC, persons who should avoid coming to campus include those:who have underlying health conditions including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, severe obesity, asthma, or weakened immunity.Persons who may not come to, or remain on, campus include those:who have fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell.who have had exposure of less than 6 feet to someone diagnosed with Covid-19 in the past 14 days.who have traveled to known hot spots.who have been diagnosed positive with COVID-19.Update-Wednesday 5/13/20Ozarka College continues to take necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of its campus communities.In following state guidance on phased re-openings, the College will adhere to the following protocols until further notice.CAMPUS ACCESSCurrently, Ozarka campuses remain closed to student traffic. Effective June 1, Ozarka Campuses will re-open offices to prospective and returning students by appointment only. Students will also be required to observe health and safety restrictions as prescribed by state officials, to include face masks/coverings and proper distancing, etc. Restrictions will be posted at each entrance and communicated at the time an appointment is made.Appointments may be made at the location most convenient to students:Melbourne: 870.368.2300Ash Flat: 870.368.2380Mammoth Spring: 870.625.0411Mountain. View: 870.269.5600or email an Ozarka team member at studentsupport@ozarka.edu.INTERNET ACCESSSummer I term begins May 26. For students needing internet access, limited computer labs will be open at each Ozarka campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Ozarka also has WiFi available in parking lots adjacent to campus buildings.STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICESThough campus access is limited to appointment only at this time, Student Services staff will also be available via phone and email. You may reach a student services team member at 870-368-2300 or at studentsupport@ozarka.edu.Summer/Fall Registration is NOW OPEN!IMPORTANT DATESMay 26 Summer I classes beginJune 1 Scholarship deadline for fallFinancial Aid Application - Priority deadlineJuly 6 Summer II term classes beginAugust 17 Fall classes beginCAMPUS OPERATIONS AND EVENTSEffective May 26, Ozarka departments will resume normal staffing and begin summer office hours from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.Though campus departments will return to normal hours, the College will continue to exercise limited public access until further notice in accordance with state directives.In accordance with state guidance for phased re-openings, Ozarka will limit meetings/events on campus to ensure proper execution of restrictive measures and will suspend all indoor events of 50 or more participants until further notice. Cancellations or rescheduling will be posted as necessary Update- Thursday 5/7/20Ozarka to Cancel Commencement Ceremony; Recognize GraduatesIn an abundance of caution and to stay within the Governor's health guidance, Ozarka College must cancel its 2020 Spring Commencement ceremony. Commencement is typically scheduled for early May and was recently re-scheduled for June with hopes of a shorter recovery to the now months long COVID-19 pandemic. The decision follows the state guidelines concerning COVID-19 and social gatherings."Until there is greater understanding for the impact of COVID-19 and phased re-openings, we are taking every precaution and unfortunately it necessary to cancel commencement, " said Dr. Richard Dawe, College President. "The college is committed to the health and safety of our students and families, Ozarka employees, and our friends in the community. "The College will still recognize degree and certificate completers in other ways. Ozarka will honor 2020 graduates through local newspapers, social media, and on the College website. "To say 2020 has been interesting would be an understatement and we regret we cannot have the ceremony, " said Dr. Chris Lorch, Vice President of Academics. "Regardless of circumstances, we are committed to honoring the achievements of our students as they have overcome unforeseeable adversities this year. "Ozarka College 2020 graduates are also invited to participate in next year's commencement ceremonies. We are proud of our graduates and wish them great success and happiness for their future. For more information regarding commencement please the Registrar's office at 870-368-2300 or at studentsupport@ozarka.edu.Update- Tuesday 5/5/20CARES Act Funding Coming Soon, Students First to Receive SupportArkansas higher education institutions, including Ozarka College have begun to receive their share of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Ozarka College president, Dr. Richard Dawe announced Thursday, April 30. Of Arkansas' share in federal stimulus aid, Ozarka College has been allocated nearly $800,000. Half of that aid will go directly to support students. "We understand the urgency of getting relief out to our students, said Dawe. "We are working very quickly to advance the relief package and to get these funds to Ozarka students most adversely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. "Starting May 4, Ozarka will begin the process of distributing CARES Act relief funding to students who met eligibility criteria provided by the US Department of Education. Among several program criteria, students must be eligible to participate in Title IV funding programs (e.g., Pell, Federal Student Loans, etc.). If eligible to receive funding, students will be notified through the myOzarka student system. In order to expedite funding, we ask students to(1) login to your myOzarka account,(2) when prompted, indicate your acceptance of CARES relief, and(3) make sure your account information (i.e., phone, mailing address, direct deposit information) is up-to-date.If you have any questions about your status or eligibility please check your myOzarka account or email studentsupport@ozarka.edu.Update - Wednesday 4/8/2020Classes:Ozarka will extend online instruction through the end of Spring semester.If you have questions regarding assignments or course adjustments, please contact your instructor. Students please check your official Ozarka email for course updates; sign up for text alerts in your myOzarka portal for other campus updates.Campus Access: Ozarka Campuses will remain closed through the end of Spring semester. However, for students needing internet access, limited computer labs will remain open at each Ozarka campus from 9a.m. to 3p.m. Monday through Thursday.Student Support Services:Though campus access is limited, Student Services staff will be available via phone and email. You may reach a student services team member at 870-368-2300 or at studentsupport@ozarka.edu.2020-2021 Scholarship Deadline is extended to June 1.Summer/Fall Registration: Registration for summer and fall classes will open April 20.Campus Operations and Events:Ozarka departments will continue to observe office hours from 8am to 4:30pm Monday through Thursday with limited staff reporting. Campus departments will exercise essential functions only and will have very limited public access during this period. If you need assistance during this time you may reach Ozarka staff via phone or email.All on-campus meetings of 10 or more individuals have been suspended through the end of Spring semester. Cancellations or rescheduling will be posted as necessary.Update - Thursday 3/26/2020Ozarka College will adjust student instruction and operations through April 17.Classes:Effective Monday, March 30, all classes will move to online delivery through April 17.Exceptions: Technical programs will meet on a limited basis beginning, Monday, April 6. Enhanced restrictions will be observed to ensure health and safety while working toward timely completion of course requirements. If you have questions regarding assignments or course adjustments, please contact your instructor. Students please check your official Ozarka email for course updates; sign up for text alerts in your myOzarka portal for other campus updates.Campus Access: Ozarka Campuses will remain closed through April 17. However, for students needing internet access, limited computer labs will remain open at each Ozarka campus from 9a.m. to 3p.m. Monday through Thursday.Student Support Services:Though campus access is limited, Student Services staff will be available via phone and email through April 17. You may reach a student services team member at 870-368-2300 or at studentsupport@ozarka.edu.Financial Aid disbursements will proceed as scheduled. Those who did not elect direct deposit will receive their check by mail at the address we have on file. Please update your mailing address in myOzarka under the tools tab.2020-2021 Scholarship Deadline is extended to June 1.Summer/Fall Registration: Registration for summer and fall classes will open April 20.Campus Operations and Events:Effective Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 17, Ozarka departments will observe office hours from 8am to 4:30pm Monday through Thursday with limited staff reporting. Campus departments will exercise essential functions only and will have limited public access during this period. If you need assistance during this time you may reach Ozarka staff via phone or email.All on-campus meetings of 10 or more individuals have been suspended through Friday, April 17. Cancellations or rescheduling will be posted as necessary.With much still ongoing, the College is committed to everyone's safety and mindful of the additional burdens incurred by our campus communities due to pandemic response efforts across the state and nation.Thank you for your understanding and please continue to monitor the Ozarka website and social media for updates.For more information regarding the virus visit these links:Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.govArkansas Department of Health at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/Update - Monday 3/16/2020:Out of abundance of caution, Ozarka College will adjust student instruction and operations through Spring Break. The College plans to resume normal operations, Monday, March 30.Classes:Effective Tuesday, March 17, all classes (Online and On Ground) are cancelled through Spring Break. Classes are planned to resume March 30.Operations:Effective Tuesday, March 17- Friday, March 20, campus offices may have limited staffing in some cases. All campus locations will be closed during Spring Break. Operations are planned to resume March 30.Facilities and Events:The College is suspending all campus events effective Tuesday, March 17 through April 10.*All employees will be off and campuses will be closed during spring break. With much still unfolding, the College is committed to everyone's safety and mindful of the additional burdens incurred by our campus communities due to pandemic response efforts across the state and nation.Thank you for your understanding and please continue to monitor the Ozarka website and social media for updates.Update - Sunday 3/15/2020: Ozarka will hold classes tomorrow, Monday, March 16 as usual. All offices and campus access will remain open until further notice. In response to ongoing public concern, officials will assess the situation and make an announcement tomorrow concerning instructional plans for the remainder of the week.Thank you for your understanding of these changes during these unprecedented times. Please continue to monitor Ozarka website and social media for updates.Update - Friday 3/13/2020:At Ozarka we take every precaution to maintain the health and safety of our campus communities. Given recent events, College officials are monitoring reports regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and have procedures in place to address the situation, should the need arise.College Classes:At this point we are not suspending on-campus classes. However, we are taking steps to transition to online or alternative delivery formats should it become necessary. Our Division of Allied Health will suspend clinicals until after spring break to mitigate risk of exposure. Nursing students will be provided detailed plans from their instructors and the Director.College Facilities and Events:The College is committed to providing safe and open access to our campus and local communities. However, out of an abundance of caution, College officials are taking additional and appropriate steps to keep facilities clean, limit large gatherings to mitigate the spread of potential illness, and assess each campus event to determine if postponement or cancellation is necessary.Travel:Per the Governor's directive, we are restricting out-of-state travel for 60 days and cancelling other conference travel.For more information regarding the virus visit these links:Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.govArkansas Department of Health at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/Please follow our social media and/or the College website for updates.