COVID-19 Campus Announcement

Precautionary measures will be put in place beginning March 23

Announcement from President Ramage:

Parkland leadership has been actively tracking the developments of the COVID-19 virus and collaborating with local and state public health agencies to take the necessary precautions to address this viral threat on campus. Following the guidance from World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we have been issuing regular updates and implementing measures to ensure that we are being vigorous in our approach to health and safety.

The College’s response seeks to strike a balance between preparedness and caution. Today, we will be taking additional steps to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 transmission to our campus and community. The College will implement this plan through April 3, 2020, and continue to reevaluate as new information becomes available.

· The College has launched a new informational website, www.parkland.edu/covid19, aimed at informing the campus community about COVID-19.

· Starting March 23, 2020, Parkland College will be shifting as many courses as possible to an online format. This measure is intended to decrease the overall concentration of students on campus without disrupting the work of teaching and learning. For students, this means that the majority of courses will shift to the online format upon their return from next week’s spring break.

· Lecture components of all courses will move online beginning March 23, 2020, while lab and studio components of all courses will continue to meet on-campus.

· Students should continue to check their Parkland email accounts for updates from their faculty regarding the status of their classes. Students will receive further communication from the College regarding the shift to the online format.

· The Parkland Child Development Center will remain open so long as it is safe for families, staff, and students. Leadership will communicate directly with Child Development Center families regarding any new developments.

· The College will minimize large gatherings on campus for the duration of this alternate format.

· Some Parkland Community Education courses may be cancelled. Students should check their email for forthcoming updates regarding class availability.

· Students, faculty, and staff returning from a CDC Level 2 or 3 country will continue to be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Let me reiterate that this is not a campus closure and that Parkland will remain open and operational. Administration and staff will remain on campus for regular working hours.

Thank you all for your commitment to health and safety on campus. Your dedication and flexibility are appreciated.

Sincerely,

Tom Ramage