By having the NCC community back on campus, COVID-19 protocols have been further put in place. With lack of each student’s COVID-19 vaccination information, it is hard to tell who a positive-testing COVID-19 student has affected. New COVID-19 contact tracing and excused absences rules are in place for the classroom.
COVID-19 contact tracing
In an email sent out by Susan Rickert, Vice president of academic affairs, stated the new COVID-19 contact tracing.
“A student who tests positive in a course may not always know the names of the students who were seated in close proximity to them during a particular class. This situation is exacerbated if class members have also moved around during the class for any number of reasons including small group discussions,” said Rickert.
Protocols for professors are now to apply a seating chart to their classrooms. This way there are the same students in contact with one another. With further relocating around the classroom, the higher chance of spreading COVID-19 to each other.
Class excused absences
In Rickert’s email, excused absences apply to students and professors. If a student is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, they should be reaching out to the professor. A positive COVID-19 result is reported, then a formal contact tracing email is sent to instructors as well as other students in contact.
In an email sent out by Julie Williams, Assistant Provost for student success, explains to faculty about absent students logging in virtually.
“…not required to provide a live stream or video recording of your course. However, you should work with the student according to your syllabus attendance policy and using methods appropriate for delivery of the specific course content,” said Williams.
Resources
For any student who is looking for a COVID-19 vaccine, an on-campus vaccine site is available at NCC. NCC’s COVID-19 contact tracers will reach out to students and will be asked to test through MySHIELD. A saliva-spit test is located in the multicultural center at the lower level of New Hall.
