October 2020

Oct. 30, 2020 - Student Town Hall Link

Oct. 30 - COVID-19 Case at Eastern Campus

Oct. 29 - COVID Contingency Plan and Fall and Spring Semester Changes

Oct. 28 - COVID-19 Cases at Tri-C Campuses

Oct. 28 - Collegewide email from Provost - Spring 2021 Athletics

Oct. 26, 2020 - COVID-19 Cases at Tri-C

Oct. 21, 2020 - COVID-19 Cases at Tri-C

Oct. 30, 2020 - Student Town Hall Link

Watch the Oct. 30 Student Town Hall - Watch it here.

Oct. 30 - COVID-19 Case at Eastern Campus

Please see below for details on a new case that has recently been reported on one of our campuses and the measures taken to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.

Cases continue to climb in Ohio and Cuyahoga County. For your own safety and that of others, please wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and maintain six feet of social distancing.
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Eastern Campus

A massage therapy student taking classes at the Eastern Campus received a positive COVID-19 test result on Thursday, Oct. 29. The student was last on campus Monday, Oct. 26, in HCT 120, during the morning and afternoon.

Plant Operations fogged and sanitized HCT 120 Thursday.

During the student’s classes, all parties wore masks. However, due to the close proximity of massage therapy, it’s been determined this student was within six feet of other individuals for at least 15 cumulative minutes.

Students, faculty and staff who were in contact with the above-mentioned individual have been notified, advised to self-quarantine for 14 days through Monday, Nov. 9, self-monitor using the College’s health assessment 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.

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IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• If you are exposed to COVID-19, you must quarantine for 14 days, even if you receive a negative test result during that time (the virus may be incubating).
• Perform the Daily Health Assessment before visiting any Tri-C campus or facility. Do not come to campus if you answer “yes” to any of the questions.
• Please notify Risk Management* and contact your instructor if you:
  • Are exposed to COVID-19
  • Answer “yes” to any of the questions on the Daily Health Assessment
  • Begin experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
  • Test positive for COVID-19

*Email risk.management@tri-c.edu and cc:
• benjamin.carlson@tri-c.edu
• joseph.amschlinger@tri-c.edu
________________________________________

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have contracted COVID-19, we remind you that Tri-C offers free testing through our partnership with Care Alliance. Anyone can get tested at the Care Alliance Health Center (E. 30 and Central) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or on a Tri-C campus every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit tri-c.edu/covidtest for the most up-to-date testing dates and information. Testing will take place at the Western Campus next Thursday, Nov. 5. NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY. NO COST. NO ONE TURNED AWAY. Testing is free and open to the public.
________________________________________

Tri-C COVID-19 Resources

• Tri-C/Care Alliance COVID-19 hotline: 216-317-1250 (for students, faculty and staff)
• Return-to-campus guidance
• All Tri-C COVID-19 updates and information available at tri-c.edu/coronavirus
  

Oct. 29 - COVID Contingency Plan and Fall and Spring Semester Changes (Rev. 11-2-20)

As the holidays approach, and as coronavirus cases continue to rise, the College is taking additional steps to prevent the spread of the virus and safeguard the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff. This includes changes to the fall and spring semester schedules and a contingency plan should cases increase in Cuyahoga County. This information was shared at the Student Town Hall on Friday, Oct. 30. Watch the town hall, or revisit past town hall meetings, here.

CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR LEVEL 4 (PURPLE) STATUS IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY

Cuyahoga County is currently at Level 3 (red) status, which indicates very high exposure and spread of the virus. Level 4 (purple) status indicates severe exposure and spread. Neither designation comes with a mandated shutdown, but the governor or the County Board of Health could make that recommendation.

If the county remains at Level 3/red:

• The College will continue current on-ground classes and services through Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving.
  
  
• During that time, we will continue to closely monitor guidance from the state and county and adjust our plans if needed.
  
  
• Updated post-Thanksgiving plans are outlined in the following section under “Fall Semester.”

If the county moves to Level 4/purple:

• All classes, student services and workforce programs will go completely remote until the county returns to a lower level. Work with your instructor(s).
  
  
• Make-up skills labs, if needed, would occur when the county has returned to a lower level.
  
  
• Offsite clinicals will continue at the discretion of the clinical site.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR ADJUSTMENTS
A series of adjustments to the academic calendar for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 will further limit potential on-campus exposures by extending remote operations after the fall and winter holidays, eliminating Spring Break and ending the spring semester a week early.

Fall Semester

• As initially planned, the majority of classes will take place remotely after Thanksgiving through the end of the Fall term (Nov. 30 – Dec. 13), with a few exceptions for hands-on classes or labs such as health careers.
  
  
• ProctorU stations will be open for finals week by appointment only on Thursday, Dec. 10 and Friday, Dec. 11.
  
  
• NEW: All on-ground student services will go remote for two weeks following Thanksgiving (Nov. 30 – Dec. 9). This will happen regardless of whether the county is at a level of red or purple.
  
  
• NEW: On-ground student services will resume Dec. 10 and run through Dec. 23 on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
  
  
• Campus bookstores will be open Dec. 7-18 for book buybacks, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  
  
• Virtual Commencement will take place on Dec. 17.
  
  
• The College will be closed for Winter Break from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1.

Spring Semester

• NEW: All on-ground student services and administrative operations will take place remotely for two weeks following Winter Break (Jan. 4-13).
  
  
• NEW: Beginning Jan. 14 – Feb. 4, on-ground student services will be available on Mondays and Thursdays, with extended hours (10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.). 
  
  
• Beginning Feb. 8, on-ground student services will return to regular hours (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) on Mondays and Thursdays.
  
  
• Super Saturday Enrollment Events will take place on Jan. 16 and Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  
  
• On Jan. 19, 16-week (full-term) classes and first 8-week (Session A) classes will begin as scheduled.
  
  
• On. Feb. 1, 14-week term (Session O) will begin as scheduled.
  
  
• NEW: Spring Break (March 15-21) is cancelled, and second eight-week (Session B) classes will begin March 15 (rather than March 22).
  
  
• NEW: Spring semester will end one week early, on May 9. Finals week will occur May 3-9.
  
  
• Plans for Spring Commencement will be announced during the Spring semester.

There are no changes to the Summer 2021 term at this time, but we will advise of any changes prior to summer registration. Summer term is scheduled to start June 1.

Oct. 28 - COVID-19 Cases at Tri-C Campuses

Please see below for details on a new case that has recently been reported on our campuses and the measures taken to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.

Cases continue to climb in Ohio and Cuyahoga County. For your own safety and that of others, please wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and maintain six feet of social distancing.

Eastern Campus

An Eastern Campus nursing student received a positive COVID-19 test result on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The student was last on campus on Friday, Oct. 23, in the nursing skills lab (HCT 150) and nursing test-out room (HCT 168). They began experiencing symptoms on Sunday, Oct. 25. Both rooms have been cleaned several times since Friday; however, Plant Operations fogged and sanitized them again in light of the positive test result.

This is considered a low-risk exposure since all parties wore masks and maintained social distancing.

Western Campus

A Western Campus student received a positive COVID-19 test result on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The student was last on campus on Monday, Oct. 26, in the Advanced Automotive Technology Center (AATC). Another student is quarantining due to exposure to this individual from time spent together at work, not due to this incident at AATC.

Plant Operations fogged and sanitized the AATC on Tuesday.

This is considered a low-risk exposure since all parties wore masks and maintained social distancing.

Students, faculty and staff who were in contact with the above-mentioned individuals have been notified, advised to self-monitor using the College’s health assessment and provided with testing information. The individuals who tested positive have been advised to follow all medical and public health guidance and College protocols prior to returning to campus.

________________________________________

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• If you are exposed to COVID-19, you must quarantine for 14 days, even if you receive a negative test result during that time (the virus may be incubating).
• Perform the Daily Health Assessment before visiting any Tri-C campus or facility. Do not come to campus if you answer “yes” to any of the questions.
• Please notify Risk Management* and contact your instructor if you:
  • Are exposed to COVID-19
  • Answer “yes” to any of the questions on the Daily Health Assessment
  • Begin experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
  • Test positive for COVID-19

*Email risk.management@tri-c.edu and cc:
• benjamin.carlson@tri-c.edu
• joseph.amschlinger@tri-c.edu
________________________________________

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have contracted COVID-19, we remind you that Tri-C offers free testing through our partnership with Care Alliance. Anyone can get tested at the Care Alliance Health Center (E. 30 and Central) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or on a Tri-C campus every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit tri-c.edu/covidtest for the most up-to-date testing dates and information. Testing will take place at the Eastern Campus this Thursday, Oct. 29. NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY. NO COST. NO ONE TURNED AWAY. Testing is free and open to the public.
________________________________________

Tri-C COVID-19 Resources

• Tri-C/Care Alliance COVID-19 hotline: 216-317-1250 (for students, faculty and staff)
• Return-to-campus guidance
• All Tri-C COVID-19 updates and information available at tri-c.edu/coronavirus

Oct. 28 - Collegewide email from Provost - Spring 2021 Athletics

Given recent surges in COVID-19 cases and lingering uncertainties related to the pandemic, the College has made the difficult decision to continue the suspension of its athletic programs through the Spring 2021 semester. Specifically, this affects three Tri-C teams: men’s baseball, women’s softball and women’s track.

When we suspended fall and winter sports in June, we delayed a decision on spring sports in hopes that the outbreak would subside. Unfortunately, that is not the case —and the risk of spreading the virus during athletic activities is still too great at this time.

Our concern for the safety of our student-athletes, coaches, and college and community spectators was the driving factor in our decision. It would be challenging – if not impossible – to implement the precautions and protocols needed to ensure a safe environment during games, practices and other aspects of athletic programs.

We are not alone in our decision. Several of the College’s rivals in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference have also decided to suspend sports for some or all of the 2020-2021 academic year.

Student-athletes make a big commitment to Tri-C — some relocate to join our programs, and all dedicate their time and energy to represent the College while pursuing their studies. We will fulfill our commitment to them by honoring their scholarships and working with them to identify other resources as needed.

Tri-C values its 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.

For these reasons and more, the College looks forward to the day when we can safely resume all sports.

Oct. 26, 2020 - COVID-19 Cases at Tri-C

Please see below for details on new cases that have recently been reported on our campuses and the measures taken to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.

Cases continue to climb in Ohio and Cuyahoga County. For your own safety and that of others, please wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and maintain six feet of social distancing.
________________________________________

JSTC — Alere Restaurant

A Hospitality Management student tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, Oct. 23. The student was in the Alere restaurant at JSTC on Thursday, Oct. 22. The student did not report visiting any other areas in the building.

Plant Operations fogged and sanitized the restaurant and kitchen.

Westshore Campus/Manufacturing Technology Center

A Westshore campus employee tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, Oct. 23. The employee was last on campus on Thursday, Oct. 22, in the SHCS front lobby, SLT 216 and SLT 312. They also used the back entrance at the MTC on Metro Campus that day.

Plant Operations fogged and sanitized SLT 216 and 312 and sanitized the door handles at SHCS and MTC.

Students, faculty and staff who were in contact with the above-mentioned individuals have been notified, advised to self-monitor using the College’s health assessment and provided with testing information.
________________________________________

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• If you are exposed to COVID-19, you must quarantine for 14 days, even if you receive a negative test result during that time (the virus may be incubating).
• Perform the Daily Health Assessment before visiting any Tri-C campus or facility. Do not come to campus if you answer “yes” to any of the questions.
• Please notify Risk Management* and contact your instructor if you:
  • Are exposed to COVID-19
  • Answer “yes” to any of the questions on the Daily Health Assessment
  • Begin experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
  • Test positive for COVID-19

*Email risk.management@tri-c.edu and cc:
• benjamin.carlson@tri-c.edu
• joseph.amschlinger@tri-c.edu
________________________________________

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have contracted COVID-19, we remind you that Tri-C offers free testing through our partnership with Care Alliance. Anyone can get tested at the Care Alliance Health Center (E. 30 and Central) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or on a Tri-C campus every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit tri-c.edu/covidtest for the most up-to-date testing dates and information. Testing will take place at the Eastern Campus this Thursday, Oct. 29. NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY. NO COST. NO ONE TURNED AWAY. Testing is free and open to the public.
________________________________________

Tri-C COVID-19 Resources

• Tri-C/Care Alliance COVID-19 hotline: 216-317-1250 (for students, faculty and staff)
• Return-to-campus guidance
• All Tri-C COVID-19 updates and information available at tri-c.edu/coronavirus

Oct. 21, 2020 - COVID-19 Cases at Tri-C

Last week, Gov. Mike DeWine announced that Cuyahoga County has been upgraded from Level 2 (orange) to Level 3 (red) due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in our area. He has stressed the continued importance of social distancing, frequent handwashing and mask-wearing.

As is to be expected, this increased spread has not left our College community untouched. Please see below for details on several cases that have recently been reported on our campuses and the measures taken to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.

Eastern Campus

A student at Eastern Campus tested positive for COVID-19 this past weekend. The student was in EMHC 119 on Wednesday, Oct. 14, and began experiencing symptoms the next day. The student did not report visiting any other areas on campus.

Plant Operations fogged and sanitized the classroom and, as an added precaution, the nearest restroom.

Western Campus

A Vet Tech staff member tested positive for COVID-19 this past weekend. The employee was last on campus on Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Vet Tech lab, office and surgery areas.

Risk Management and Plant Operations worked with the Vet Tech program director so that the area could be fogged and sanitized while keeping the animals safe.

Additionally, there were three unrelated exposures at the Public Safety Training Center (PSTC):

• A police officer from an outside agency tested positive for COVID-19 after being at the firing range on Thursday, Oct. 15. The officer did not access any other areas of the building.
• A PSTC administrator, last on campus on Friday, Oct. 16, also tested positive this past weekend.
• An instructor, last on campus on Tuesday, Oct.13, subsequently tested positive. This instructor was outside for most interactions with students and other staff members.

Plant Operations fogged and sanitized the firing range and all PSTC and Police Academy offices.

Westshore Campus

A Health Careers instructor received a positive test result on Monday evening. They were last on campus on Wednesday, Oct. 14, in SHCS 253 (as well as the adjacent control room).

Plant Operations sanitized the lab and control room on Thursday, Oct. 15; however, the areas were treated again in light of the positive test.

Students, faculty and staff who were in contact with the above-mentioned COVID-19 positive individuals have been notified, advised to self-monitor using the College’s health assessment, and provided with testing information.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have contracted COVID-19, we remind you that Tri-C offers free testing through our partnership with Care Alliance. Anyone can get tested at the Care Alliance Health Center (E. 30 and Central) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or on a Tri-C campus every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit tri-c.edu/covidtest for the most up-to-date testing dates and information. Testing will take place at the Metropolitan Campus this Thursday, Oct. 22. NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY. NO COST. NO ONE TURNED AWAY. Testing is free and open to the public.

Tri-C COVID-19 Resources

• Tri-C/Care Alliance COVID-19 hotline: 216-317-1250 (for students, faculty and staff)
• Return-to-campus guidance
• All Tri-C COVID-19 updates and information available at tri-c.edu/coronavirus

If you should begin experiencing symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, please email the College’s Risk Management department.