A Message to Students
Regarding the Fall 2020 Semester
Dear YC Students,
I am writing to you today to inform you of Yavapai College’s plans for the fall 2020 semester.
YC personnel have worked tirelessly over the last few months to develop a plan that includes appropriate precautionary measures that prioritize the health and safety of all students, employees, and visitors, while also enabling the College to continue to offer premier academic programs, services, and activities to our communities.
We are being cautious in our processes and are making all decisions with compassion, mercy, and love. We are utilizing data, science, and guidance from local, state, and national health officials to help make these decisions.
A detailed plan, including the different phases of the College’s full re-entry plan will be available once it is finalized in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, I want to provide you the below information regarding fall classes, the fall semester schedule, new safety protocols, and how Yavapai College is planning to keep you safer and healthier.
While we do not know what the future of the COVID-19 pandemic will look like, I am confident that the steps the College is taking will still allow you to continue or complete your studies with YC, while mitigating your risk to COVID-19.
Fall 2020 Semester Classes
Yavapai College’s fall 2020 semester will include a blend of in-person and online classes.
In-person classes will be offered for those programs that require hands-on learning opportunities, such as lab-based or experiential. To reduce risks of COVID-19 exposure, these in-person classes will provide their lecture portions online, reserving the face-to-face time primarily for hands-on experiences.
Roughly 30% of YC’s total courses will be offered in-person this fall, including classes from Career and Technical Education, Health and Wellness, Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts.
The other 70% of YC courses this fall will be offered in a Remote format. Remote classes come in two varieties:
WebLIVE meets on scheduled days at certain times, allowing interactive remote learning opportunities between faculty and students via Zoom on the internet.
Online courses provide flexibility with weekly lectures and assignments on demand to fit the need of students' busy schedules.
Classes that do not require hands-on, experiential, or lab-based learning, such as most general education courses, will be offered in a remote format.
This blend of class delivery modes positions YC, and you, to continue with classes in all community health circumstances. Please note that YC will be prepared to pivot the remaining in-person classes to an online format in a short period of time if needed.
Fall semester begins Monday, August 17, 2020
Register for Fall Classes Now
New Safety Protocols
As part of the College’s re-entry plan, new protocols have been established for all students, employees, and visitors.
These protocols are in place to help mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19 to not only protect yourself, but also the health of others. The protocols, which are required effective immediately and until further notice, are as follows:
- Face Coverings required for all employees, students, and guests except when outside with adequate social distancing.
- Social Distancing maintain at least 6 ft. between others at all times. Avoid hugs, high fives, handshakes, fist bumps, etc.
- Illness/COVID-19 Test Stay home if you or someone you have had close contact with, experience any symptoms of COVID-19 or are awaiting results for a COVID-19 test results.
- Obligation to self-report if Tested Positive for COVID-19 – Employees who test positive for COVID-19 must notify their supervisor. Students who test positive for COVID-19 must notify their instructor. This is necessary to conduct contact tracing in order to prevente spreading of the disease on our campus.
- Cleaning & Sanitizing – In addition to our YC custodians' cleaning, YC will provide employees, faculty, and students with cleaning supplies so they can disinfect their respective areas.
- Personal Hygiene - Students, employees, and guests are required to follow CDC recommendations for safe hygiene:
- Frequently wash hands and use hand sanitizers
- Do not touch your face, mouth, or eyes
- Practice sneeze/cough etiquette (using the crook of your elbow, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze) DAB!
- Temperature Checks - During some Phases, YC will require temperature checks for students and staff who are at higher risk of exposure. This includes:
- Essential employees
- Students and faculty in First Responder programs, Family Enrichment Center, and Performing Arts Center
- Coaches and athletes
- Residence Halls students
- Any staff whose position requires significant community interaction.
- Wellness Check - YC students and employees are expected to conduct a daily wellness self-check PRIOR TO coming to campus. See CDC COVID-19 symptoms for self-wellness check.
Fall Semester Student and Public Services
All student and public services will be available to help you either in-person or remotely. Each department is developing a phased in approach to return to campus throughout the fall semester. This includes services such as advising, financial aid, testing, tutoring, and many more.
Facility/Building Enhancements
Our facilities team has developed and implemented new procedures to keep our classrooms and buildings safe for students, employees and visitors.
Deep cleaning and regular disinfecting practices have been implemented and new safety enhancements are being installed in high-traffic buildings. Some of these new enhancements include:
- Touchless bathroom fixtures, including toilets, sinks, paper towel dispensers, and foot-pull door openers
- Improved air filters and circulation in buildings
- Hand sanitizer dispensers placed throughout buildings
- Social Distancing and face cover signage
- Acrylic shields in front-line service areas
I hope that you find this information beneficial and that it helps you feel confident that Yavapai College is doing everything we can to keep you safe while allowing you to continue on your educational journey without disruption.
Remember, Yavapai College is here for you.
We have proven during this pandemic to be agile and innovative, informed and decisive, and have done so together. I thank you in advance for your continued support and additional efforts to ensure the health and safety of everyone.
I am proud of our College and I am proud of you for your perseverance to better yourself and better your family during difficult, trying times.
If you have any questions, please call (928) 717-7777.
I look forward to seeing you this fall semester,
Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D.
President
