May 2021
May 24 - COVID-19 Case at Metropolitan Campus
May 18 - COVID-19 Safety Protocols
May 18 - COVID-19 Vaccine Updates and Available Clinics; Link to Vax-a-Million Registration
May 18 - President's Faculty and Staff Virtual Town Hall
May 13 - Announcements on COVID-19 Safety Protocols
May 7 - Provost Message: Convocation, Commencement, Town Hall
May 6 - COVID-19 Case at Eastern Campus
May 4 - Update on Athletic Programs and Recreation Center Activities
May 3 - Available COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
May 24 - COVID-19 Case at Metropolitan Campus
Please see below for details about a new COVID-19 case that has recently been reported at our Metropolitan Campus and the measures taken to ensure the health and safety of students, faculty and staff.
Yesterday, the Ohio Department of Health reported 683 new cases of COVID-19 in Ohio. For your safety and that of others, please wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, maintain six feet of social distancing and do not come to any Tri-C campus or facility if you are experiencing symptoms, even if you have already been vaccinated.
METROPOLITAN CAMPUS
An individual received a positive COVID-19 test result Thursday, May 20. The individual was last on-site Tuesday, May 18, in MCC 059A. The individual began experiencing symptoms on Thursday, May 13.
Per the College’s Statement of Personal Responsibility, students, faculty and staff, including contractors, should not come to any Tri-C campus or facility while experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness, and masks must be worn at all times while in a Tri-C building. The case will be reviewed and the individual may be referred for appropriate disciplinary action.
The area the individual visited was cleaned and sanitized repeatedly in the course of normal operations.
Students, faculty and staff who were in close contact with the above-mentioned individual have been notified, advised to self-monitor using the College’s health assessment and/or self-quarantine for 14 days, and provided with testing information. The individual who tested positive has been advised to follow all medical and public health guidance and College protocols prior to returning to campus.
VACCINE REGISTRATION INFORMATION
- Vaccine appointments are available at multiple locations. Visit tri-c.edu/vaccine for the most current communication and registration links.
- See the State of Ohio’s COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet: Priority Populations and Vaccine Distribution for detailed information on all phases currently eligible for vaccination.
- U.S. military veterans currently enrolled and eligible for VA health care can schedule a vaccination appointment here or by calling 216-707-7660.
- The ArmorVax digital scheduling system allows eligible residents of participating counties to schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments as they become available. Create an account at armorvax.com or by downloading the app.
TESTING INFORMATION
Tri-C offers free testing through our partnership with Care Alliance Health Center. Anyone can get tested at the Care Alliance Central Clinic (2916 Central Ave., Cleveland) by calling 216-535-9100 (Option 6) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. A government-issued ID (with your name, address and photo), phone number, social security number and insurance card (if applicable) are required for testing.
Testing is free. Test results are communicated to individuals by phone within approximately one week. Reporting could take longer during periods of high-volume testing.
Visit tri-c.edu/covidtest for the most up-to-date testing dates and information.
May 21 - Provost Message: Commencement, Student Absence Tracking, Town Hall, Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, DWS Course Training
- We are excited to celebrate Commencement with our spring graduates on Wednesday, June 9 at one of three ceremonies. As a reminder, we will hold two in-person ceremonies at Byers Field at Robert M. Boulton Stadium in Parma. Our team had hoped to be able to have a limited amount of faculty participate in our traditional processional for Commencement. However, we had a very strong student response, and so we have had to maximize student participation which, unfortunately, means we do not have the safely-distanced room to include faculty in our in-person processional or ceremonies as we are continuing with our previously established safety protocols. We invite all faculty who want to attend the commencement ceremony to check their emails to sign up in TEC and join us in the faculty/staff seating section to wish our students well.
- Thank you to all faculty who, as a part of our COVID-19 prevention efforts, consistently reported student absences through our risk management protocol. Your efforts were an important part of keeping all of our staff, faculty and students safe this past year. As we move into summer, and case numbers continue to drop, we will no longer be asking our faculty to report student absences past the required attendance tracking timeframes.
- Dr. Johnson will be holding a faculty and staff Town Hall next Monday, May 24 at 2 p.m., which you can watch here: Town Hall. We’ll be discussing the ongoing safety protocols for summer as well as making some special announcements. Please join us if you’re able.
- Additionally, a new FAQ with responses to questions specific to faculty and returning to campuses is now available here. More questions and responses will be added in the next few days and we will continue to add as more come forward.
- The Internet Provider Assistance: FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will help households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. Beginning May 12, eligible households will be able to enroll in the program to receive a discount of up to $50 per month off the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers if they contribute between $11 and $49 toward the purchase price. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. Enroll through an approved provider or at getemergencybroadband.org. Check out the Broadband Benefit Consumer FAQ for more information, and continue to check the FCC website for program updates.
- The synchronous teaching method (DWS courses) was launched last summer as an alternative online modality. Since then, it has remained a popular option with approximately 21% of Fall 2021 course schedule. As faculty began teaching in this new format, several questions arose about FERPA/privacy, academic integrity and the intellectual freedom of faculty. At the request of our AAUP Labor Management Committee, a group of faculty and administrators met regularly this past year to research and define best practices. New training for faculty, staff and administrators on recordings of class sessions and FERPA guidelines will begin later in May and continue through August. Training dates and times are below. An on-demand recording will also be made available once the training begins. And lastly, in collaboration with ICD, this committee developed an easy to use decision tree and short video.
- Title: FERPA and Synchronous Teaching FDEV6393 (virtual training)
Class Description: To provide direction and best practices for faculty when teaching in the new synchronous environment particularly in terms of FERPA, student privacy and protection of faculty intellectual property.
This session is eligible for Service Credits for full-time faculty or 1 Stipend Eligible Unit (SEU) for adjunct faculty.
Session Dates/Times
May 26, 2:30 – 4 p.m.
June 21, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
July 19, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
August 27, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
- Title: FERPA and Synchronous Teaching FDEV6393 (virtual training)
We look forward to seeing some of you as we start summer courses and bring back our staff and administrators on Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., after the Memorial Day holiday in June. Enjoy the beautiful weather!
May 18 - COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Last week, Gov. Mike DeWine and the CDC announced changes to COVID-19 safety protocols allowing fully vaccinated individuals to forgo mask-wearing and physical distancing in most settings. Both emphasized that private businesses, workplaces and schools could continue to enforce masking requirements and other safety guidelines as they deem appropriate.
For the protection and peace of mind of our students, faculty and staff, Tri-C will continue to follow the protocols outlined in the Return to On-Ground Work Guidance until further notice. These protocols include:
- Performing a daily health assessment before coming to any campus or facility, and reviewing and electronically signing the COVID-19 Statement of Personal Responsibility once per semester
- Wearing a mask properly
- Staying 6 feet apart
- Washing your hands frequently, for 20 seconds
- Isolating at home for 14 days if you’ve been exposed to the virus and are not fully vaccinated. Notify Risk Management for specific instructions.
Tri-C students, faculty and staff whose class requirements or jobs require them to visit or work at locations other than the College should follow the safety protocols of those locations while there.
The College will continue to monitor the number of COVID-19 exposures and cases, adjusting plans as appropriate.
We will address this topic during the President’s Virtual Town Hall on Monday, May 24, at 2 p.m. Watch the livestream here.
May 18 - COVID-19 Vaccine Updates and Available Clinics; Link to Vax-a-Million Registration
UPDATES
- The FDA authorized the use of the Pfizer vaccine for youth ages 12-15. Anyone age 12 and older can get their first Pfizer dose at the Wolstein Center Mass Vaccination Clinic in downtown Cleveland May 18-31. Read the full announcement here.
- Governor DeWine announced a series of statewide drawings to help incentivize vaccination, including four-year college scholarships for Ohioans under age 18 and a weekly lottery of $1 million for adults over 18. Read the full announcement here. The state’s new Vax-a-Million program will require vaccinated individuals to sign up to participate. Starting today at 8 a.m., permanent Ohio residents who are vaccinated can register at ohiovaxamillion.com or by calling 1-833-427-5634.
Below is a list of vaccination clinics offered through May 26.
HOMEBOUND INDIVIDUALS
To refer a homebound person for a vaccine, call the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging at 216-621-0303. Be prepared to provide the individual's name, demographic information, DOB, phone number and address. Read more here.
STANDING CLINICS
- Wolstein Center | 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
2000 Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland
May 18-31: Pfizer Dose 1 (12+) and Dose 2 (16+)
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Register online or via phone (1-833-427-5634 or 2-1-1). Walk-ins accepted. - Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital | Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Castele Learning Center, 1730 W. 25th St., Cleveland
Call 216-448-4117 to register. - The Centers and Circle Health Services (Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, both 18+)
Various locations throughout Cleveland
Register online or call 216-325-WELL (9355). - International Community Health Center Akron| Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
370 E. Market St., Akron
Call 234-300-3400 to register.
POP-UP CLINICS
Tuesday, May 18
- St. Paul’s Community Church | 10 a.m.
4427 Franklin Blvd., Cleveland
No appointment required. Call 216-651-6250 for information.
Wednesday, May 19
- Shaw High School | 2-6 p.m. | Pfizer Dose 1 (16+)
15320 Euclid Ave., East Cleveland
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Register online
Thursday, May 20
- Third Federal Savings Corporate Campus | Noon – 7 p.m. | Pfizer Dose 1 (16+)
7409 Fleet Ave., Cleveland
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Drive-thru only
Register online or call 216-778-6100.
Friday, May 21
- St. Ignatius High School | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Pfizer (12+)
1911 W. 30th Street, Cleveland
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Register online or call 216-664-2222. Walk-ins accepted. - MetroHealth Northfield Road Clinic | 2-7 p.m. | Pfizer Dose 1 (12+)
5398 Northfield Road, Maple Heights
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Register online
Saturday, May 22
- Central Catholic High School | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
6550 Baxter Ave., Cleveland
Register online or call 216-664-2222. Walk-ins accepted.
Tuesday, May 25
- St. Paul’s Community Church | 10 a.m.
4427 Franklin Blvd., Cleveland
No appointment required. Call 216-651-6250 for information.
Wednesday, May 26
- May Dugan Center | 10 a.m. – noon | Johnson & Johnson (18+)
4115 Bridge Ave., Cleveland
Drive-thru only
Call 216-631-5800 ext. 300 for information.
May 18 - President's Faculty and Staff Virtual Town Hall
Join us Monday, May 24, at 2 p.m. for a President’s Virtual Town Hall. Watch the livestream here
- COVID-19 Safety Protocols
- Special Announcement
- Live Q&A — Submit questions during the Town Hall
To submit questions in advance, email today@tri-c.edu by 11 a.m. on May 24.
May 13 - Announcements on COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Yesterday, Gov. Mike DeWine announced that he will lift all state health orders on June 2. Today, the CDC announced that fully vaccinated people can go without masks or physical distancing in most settings. Naturally, this has raised questions about the College’s safety protocols and procedures. We are discussing the implications of these announcements, determining how we will respond and will provide guidance early next week.
May 7 - Provost Message: Convocation, Commencement, Town Hall
Happy end of the semester everyone! Hope you all survived (or are surviving) finals week.
I’m looking forward to celebrating a unique but successful year with you during our Spring Convocation next Wednesday, May 12 at 9 a.m. This year’s theme, Resilient and Brilliant: Celebrating Success, captures the hard work, innovative teaching and dedicated spirit of all our faculty, which helped all of our students succeed during this most challenging of academic years. You can join the morning Convocation program by clicking here: Spring Convocation. Other sessions will provide our faculty with Ohio Transfer Module and Curriculum updates, virtual networking opportunities, and include scheduled full-time faculty counterparts meetings and a Joint Faculty Senate Council/American Association of University Professors meeting. You should have received links for these additional meetings by email. If you have questions, or need information on how to join any of these activities, please contact Kara DePaul at kara.depaul@tri-c.edu.
We are also excited to celebrate Commencement with our spring graduates on Wednesday, June 9 at one of three ceremonies. We will hold two in-person ceremonies at Byers Field at Robert M. Boulton Stadium in Parma. Our team had hoped to be able to have a limited amount of faculty attend these events in-person, but we had a very strong student response, and so we have had to maximize student participation which, unfortunately, means we do not have the safely distanced room to include faculty in our in-person processional or ceremonies.
- The first ceremony will be held from noon – 1:30 p.m., with a second ceremony running from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Each ceremony will allow for 300 graduates with up to four guests per graduate, and as we continue to make safety a priority, safe distancing and masks will be required to attend.
- There will be a virtual ceremony at 7 p.m. on June 9 that our faculty can watch through the link available at Tri-C’s Commencement page: Tri-C Commencement.
- We understand that we all want to personally congratulate our students who have worked so hard to reach this completion milestone in their academic careers, and we’ve created a few ways our faculty can get involved with cheering our students this Spring Commencement. First of all, thank you to all our faculty who participated in our Faculty Commencement Gallery virtual audience, which includes everyone who participated in the December ceremony as well as those who joined the group this April. Additionally, our faculty may still continue to record short congratulatory videos (about 30 seconds long) which will be not only be available on our Commencement page, but will be sent to our students following the ceremonies. To record a message, please visit: Congrats Tri-C Grads!.
For anyone who was not able to join last week’s Staff and Faculty Town Hall with Dr. Johnson, you can view a recording here: Town Hall.
We look forward to our celebrations and virtual end-of-the semester meetings as we also look to get some well-deserved down time as we move into the summer months. Thanks to all of you, both faculty and administrators, who have been on our campuses and sites serving students in person during this past year. We can’t thank you enough for your unwavering commitment, and I can’t wait to see each of you as we safely move forward into the summer and fall semesters.
May 6 - COVID-19 Case at Eastern Campus
Please see below for details about a new COVID-19 case that has recently been reported at our Eastern Campus, and the measures taken to ensure the health and safety of students, faculty and staff.
Yesterday, the Ohio Department of Health reported 1,450 new cases of COVID-19 in Ohio. For your safety and that of others, please wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and maintain six feet of social distancing, even if you have already been vaccinated.
EASTERN CAMPUS
An individual received a positive COVID-19 test result Monday, May 3. The person was last on-site that day in EMHC 220 and 221, ESS 2230, 2208, 3406, and the nearby men’s restroom.
The individual began experiencing symptoms Saturday, May 1. Per the College’s Statement of Personal Responsibility, students, faculty and staff, including contractors, should not come to any Tri-C campus or facility while experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness, and masks must be worn at all times while in a Tri-C building. The individual has been referred for appropriate disciplinary action.
The areas the individual visited were cleaned and sanitized Tuesday, May 4 in light of the positive test result.
Students, faculty and staff who were in close contact with the above-mentioned individual have been notified, advised to self-monitor using the College’s health assessment and/or self-quarantine for 14 days, and provided with testing information. The individual who tested positive has been advised to follow all medical and public health guidance and College protocols prior to returning to campus.
VACCINE REGISTRATION INFORMATION
- Vaccine appointments are available at multiple locations. Visit tri-c.edu/vaccine for the most current communication and registration links.
- See the State of Ohio’s COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet: Priority Populations and Vaccine Distribution for detailed information on all phases currently eligible for vaccination.
- U.S. military veterans currently enrolled and eligible for VA health care can schedule a vaccination appointment here or by calling 216-707-7660.
- The ArmorVax digital scheduling system allows eligible residents of participating counties to schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments as they become available. Create an account at armorvax.com or by downloading the app.
TESTING INFORMATION
Tri-C offers free testing through our partnership with Care Alliance Health Center. Anyone can get tested at the Care Alliance Central Clinic (2916 Central Ave., Cleveland) by calling 216-535-9100 (Option 6) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. A government-issued ID (with your name, address and photo), phone number, social security number and insurance card (if applicable) are required for testing.
Testing is free. Test results are communicated to individuals by phone within approximately one week. Reporting could take longer during periods of high-volume testing.
Visit tri-c.edu/covidtest for the most up-to-date testing dates and information.
May 4 - Update on Athletic Programs and Recreation Center Activities
After carefully considering the timeline for widespread immunity to COVID-19, the College has decided to postpone athletic programs for the 2021-2022 academic year. The safety of the Tri-C community continues to be our highest priority.
We are not alone in our decision regarding athletics. Several of the College’s rivals in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference have decided to suspend sports for some or all of the 2021-2022 academic year.
Campus recreation centers will reopen this fall for on-ground physical education classes, sports and exercise science classes, and some student engagement activities. We can do this safely while meeting academic requirements and providing social and physical fitness benefits to students. The centers will not be open to the public. Swimming pools will remain closed until further notice.
We will use the coming year to strengthen and rebuild our athletics program for the 2022-2023 academic season. This includes hiring a Collegewide athletics director to oversee this effort, recruit student-athletes and relaunch the program.
We value our student-athletes and our athletic programs for the sense of Triceratops pride created in the institution and for the measurable impact on student persistence and success. Student-athletes consistently have above average graduation and transfer rates.
As the number of vaccinated individuals increases and COVID-19 cases decline, we look forward to gradually resuming cocurricular activities later this year and restarting our athletics program in fall 2022.
May 3 - Available COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
The following is a list of upcoming COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Northeast Ohio.
Wolstein Center Mass Vaccination Site
- The Mass Vaccination Site at the Wolstein Center is offering first doses of Pfizer through May 17. Walk-in vaccination opportunities are available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Register online or via phone (1-833-427-5634) or 2-1-1. Info flyer ENG / SPAN
- The Wolstein Center Mass Vaccination team, in partnership with Cuyahoga County and RTA, is now offering free bus transportation for groups of 20 or more who would like to be vaccinated. Community and faith-based partners, workplaces, etc. can schedule a time to be picked up by an RTA bus and driven to Wolstein Center to get vaccinated together. Call 216-615-6313 to request a group vaccination appointment.
STANDING CLINICS
- Wolstein Center | 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
2000 Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland
First shot appointments available through May 17.
Register online or via phone (1-833-427-5634) or 2-1-1. Walk-ins accepted. - International Community Health Center Akron| Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
370 E. Market Street, Akron
Call 234-300-3400 to register. - International Community Health Center Cleveland | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
2999 Payne Ave., Suite 140, Cleveland
Call 216-361-1223 for more information. - The Centers and Circle Health Services (Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, both 18+)
Various locations throughout Cleveland
Register online or call 216-325-WELL (9355).
UPCOMING POP-UP CLINICS
Tuesday, May 4
- Metropolitan Campus | 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. (Moderna, 18+)
2900 Community College Ave., Cleveland
Appointments required 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; walk-ins accepted 2-3:45 p.m.
Register online - Western Campus | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | (Pfizer, Dose 2 only)
11000 Pleasant Valley Road, Parma
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Register online
Wednesday, May 5
- Shiloh Baptist Church | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | (Pfizer, 16+)
5500 Scovill Ave., Cleveland
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Register online - Western Campus | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | (Moderna, Dose 2 only)
11000 Pleasant Valley Road, Parma
Register online - Allen Chapel | 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | (Pfizer, Dose 1 only, 16+)
9333 Miles Ave., Cleveland
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Register online or call 216-664-2222.
Thursday, May 6
- Eastern Campus | 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. (Moderna, 18+)
4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills
Appointments required 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; walk-ins accepted 2-3:45 p.m.
Register online - Thomas Jefferson International Newcomers Academy | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | (Pfizer, Dose 1 only, 16+)
3145 W. 46th St., Cleveland
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Register online or call 216-664-2222. - Third Federal Corporate Campus | Noon – 7 p.m. | (Pfizer, Dose 1 only, 16+)
7409 Fleet Ave., Cleveland
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Register online or call 216-778-6100. Walk-ins accepted.
Friday, May 7
- Lincoln-West High School | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | (Pfizer, Dose 1 only, 16+)
3202 W. 30th St., Cleveland
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Register online or call 216-664-2222. - Cleveland Heights Recreation Center | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | (Pfizer, Dose 1 only, 16+)
1 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Register online. Walk-ins accepted.
Saturday, May 8
- Bethany Christian Church | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | (Pfizer, Dose 1 only, 16+)
3940 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cleveland
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Register online or call 216-664-2222. - Urban Kutz | Noon – 4:30 p.m. | (Pfizer, Dose 1 only, 16+)
11106 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Walk-ins only.
Saturday, May 15
- Urban Kutz | Noon – 4:30 p.m. | (Pfizer, Dose 1 only, 16+)
4491 Pearl Road, Cleveland
Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian
Walk-ins only.
Parking and Transportation
Parking is free at all locations. Call United Way 2-1-1 for transportation assistance. Options include a free RTA bus pass and rideshare services.
Cost
There is no cost to get a COVID-19 vaccine, even if you don’t have insurance. Your provider may ask for your insurance, Medicare or Medicaid information so they can charge an administration fee to the company. You will not have to pay a fee directly.
Questions about COVID-19 vaccines or the vaccination process?