7/13/20

The contents in this document are subject to change as Western responds to the evolving COVID-19 situation.

Western Wyoming

Community College

Covid-19 Protocols PHASED REOPENING PLAN JULY 2020 THRU MAY 2021

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Table of Contents

I. Introductory Statement .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

II. Western’s Mitigation of COVID-19 .......................................................................................................................................... 4

A. Identification of the Institution’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) .....................................................................................................4

B. Standard Protocols for Public Health and Safety Including Limiting Capacity ........................................................................................5

C. Specific Courses and/or Programs Included ........................................................................................................................................6 Summer 2020 Schedule .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Fall 2020 Schedule ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Spring 2021 Schedule ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Changes to Schedule .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Students – Maximum per room ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7

D. COVID-19 Protocols for Students ........................................................................................................................................................8 Symptom Monitoring ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Physical Distancing ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Face Coverings ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Housing ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Resident Assistants and Ambassadors .................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Student Events .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

E. COVID-19 Protocols for Employees ................................................................................................................................................... 14 Symptom Monitoring ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Physical Distancing ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Face Coverings .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Phased Return to Campus ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 16 Shared Spaces and Common Surfaces ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Employee Responsibilities........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17 How to Respond If an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19 ................................................................................................................................................ 17 Sick Leave, FMLA ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

F. COVID-19 Protocols for Ancillary Services ......................................................................................................................................... 19 Aquatic Center .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Bookstore.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19 Children’s Center ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Contractors ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

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Fitness Center ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Food Services ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22 Library Services ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Visitors & Campus Events......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26

G. COVID Protocols for Intercollegiate Athletes and Athletic Competition .............................................................................................. 26 Athletes ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Athletic Competition ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 27 Procedures for Competitions ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28

H. Declaration of any Required Waiver or Approvals from the Institutional Accreditor ........................................................................... 30

Appendix A: Summer 2020 Academic Calendar ............................................................................................................................ 31

Appendix B: Fall 2020 Academic Calendar .................................................................................................................................... 32

Appendix C: Spring 2021 Academic Calendar ................................................................................................................................ 33

Appendix D: Instructional Room Capacity .................................................................................................................................... 34

Appendix E: Face Coverings ......................................................................................................................................................... 37

Appendix F: Approval from The Higher Learning Commission ....................................................................................................... 38

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I. Introductory Statement

This plan will cover the period from July 20, 2020, through May 14, 2021, and is in direct response to protocols mandated due

to COVID-19. Western Wyoming Community College (Western) will follow all Wyoming Department of Health rules related

to COVID-19 and will update its procedures in response to any changes in these rules.

As with the College’s prior Covid-19 plan, this plan has four primary objectives:

1. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, employees, and community members, as well as the security of all

Campus property.

2. To ensure the completion of all AY 2021 academic courses.

3. To ensure essential business continuity.

4. To ensure support for the local and outreach communities.

II. Western’s Mitigation of COVID-19

A. Identification of the Institution’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) It shall be the responsibility of all employees, students, and the general public to follow all necessary Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and to report any health and safety hazards to the appropriate College authority. The

membership of the College’s COVID-19 Task Force, establishing the authority and responsibilities of campus officials and

staff members is listed below.

Kim Dale President

Joy Adams Associate Vice President of Human Resources

Debbie Baker Associate Vice President of Finance

Nicole Castillion Director of Financial Aid

Dustin Conover Dean of Students

Kasey Damori Director of Outreach

Kim Emerson Director of Student Marketing & Communications

Jim Gustafson

Audrey Harton

Professor of Spanish/Faculty Rep

Public Relations Specialist

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Stu Moore

Burt Reynolds

Registrar/Senate Rep

Vice President for Administrative Services

Mark Rembacz Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness

Cliff Wittstruck Vice President for Student Learning

Kandy Frink Recorder/Paraprofessional Rep

B. Standard Protocols for Public Health and Safety Including Limiting Capacity

Prio to July 20, 2020 most of Western’s students, staff, and faculty will work or attend class from home. Starting July 20,

2020, Western will begin a phased return to work for some employees with all faculty and staff working from campus by

August 17. Students will fully return to campus on August 24 (See Section C for detailed academic calendar). For all

individuals, social distancing rules will be in place and Covid-19 notification protocols for all Western facilities shall be

implemented. The protocol will include the following steps:

a. Signs will direct anyone with COVID-19 symptoms (which may include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty

breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell) or who has been in contact with a

known case of COVID-19 to contact the designated COVID-19 Coordinator (See Section D & E for COVID-19

Exposure Protocols for Students and Employees)

b. Six-foot distancing markers will be placed where lines of individuals are possible.

c. All individuals will be required to wear a face covering over nose and mouth. Face coverings are required at all times,

with exceptions related to ensuring the ability to verbally communicate between parties and if workspaces are

designated at least six feet apart.

i. Human Resources will coordinate face covering protocols for employees.

ii. Student Learning will coordinate face covering protocols for faculty and classrooms.

iii. Dean of Students will coordinate face covering protocols for students.

d. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors will maintain a distance of six (6) feet whenever possible.

e. Hand sanitizer will be available at college entrances, throughout the building, within or immediately adjacent to all

bathrooms and occupied classrooms and workspaces.

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f. Western buildings, including all classrooms, lab spaces, and student areas, will be cleaned and sanitized via CDC

guidelines; High-touch areas will be cleaned on a regular basis. Custodial staff will be trained in the guidelines to

ensure compliance.

g. All classrooms, class areas, individual student areas, supplies, and equipment, i.e. computers, keyboards, welding tools,

etc., will be cleaned between classes and individual student usage.

h. Western will follow guidelines from CDC, Sweetwater County Health Officer, and Wyoming State Health Officer

directives.

i. All College-related travel, both employee and student, will be limited and must be pre-approved by the President’s

Cabinet.

C. Specific Courses and/or Programs Included

Summer 2020 Schedule

Summer 2020 Semester will begin June 1, 2020, and end August 7, 2020

• Where practical, instruction has been moved online.

• Lab intensive courses will conduct on-campus labs

See Appendix A: Summer 2020 Semester

Fall 2020 Schedule

Fall 2020 Semester will begin August 24, 2020, and end December 11, 2020

• Addition of a 13-week block for additional flexibility

• Face-to-face courses will be transitioned to an online format for the remainder of the semester on November 20, 2020

• A, B & C Blocks have been converted from 5-weeks to 4-weeks

• E & F Blocks have been converted from 7-weeks to 6-weeks

See Appendix B: Fall 2020 Semester

Spring 2021 Schedule

Spring 2021 semester will begin January 25, 2020, and end May 7, 2021

• Addition of a 13-week block for additional flexibility

• Face-to-face instruction will be transitioned to an online format for the remainder of the semester on April 23, 2021.

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• A, B & C Blocks converted from 5-weeks to 4-weeks

• E & F Blocks converted from 7-weeks to 6-weeks

See Appendix C: Spring 2021 Semester

Changes to Schedule

During a semester – Once a semester begins, academic delivery is expected to remain static unless the Governor, State and/or

County Health Officials deem additional restrictions necessary.

• The College will only alter its academic delivery within the semester in one direction: face-to-face to virtual (as

reverting to virtual, then resuming face-to-face presents too great a disruption to students & faculty in addition to

exponential custodial/mandatory PPE challenges).

▪ “Virtual” can be both synchronous (students & faculty meet at specified times) or asynchronous (students

complete work by specified deadlines BUT do not meet with faculty at specific times) or a combination of the

two delivery methods. • In the event the college deems it necessary to move instruction online, all courses will transition from face-to-face to

virtual in the shortest time possible and without extending the length of the semester. • Should restrictions be necessary within the semester, the College will enact/enforce mandatory PPE/Social Distancing

classroom/lab requirements.

• The number of participants, including instructors, in face-to-face versus hybrid or online sections, will be determined

on a case-by-case basis based on classroom size, lab space, and equipment availability.

• The number of students and faculty will not exceed the determined limit in any classroom, and/or section; enrollment

caps will be adjusted to reflect limitations.

Students – Maximum per room

The College completed a study of the size of the rooms that are used for instruction. Based on this study, there has been a

determination as to how many students can be in each room that will allow for the determined social distancing expected by

the CDC. See Appendix D: Instructional Capacity by Room.

There have been several rooms on the Rock Springs campus that have previously been saved for community events that have

been recently approved to be used for instruction. These rooms include: 1302, 1309, 1333, 3605 A, 3605 B. These additional

rooms will be used when previously designated rooms are deemed too small for the course section.

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If a room is deemed too small and there is not a larger room available, the faculty member – in conjunction with their Division

Chair – will look at dividing the course section into groups that will split their instruction between face-to-face and

participating in the course via Zoom.

D. COVID-19 Protocols for Students

As the Western campus and outreach centers are gradually reopened, we are committed to ensuring a safe transition, and we

will be relying on each student to exercise common sense, good judgement and to comply with guidance from federal, state,

and local officials, as well as Western’s protocols.

Western has modified its operations to protect the health and wellbeing of our students, faculty, staff, and community. We are

continuing to monitor the situation and follow the advice of experts to limit and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Guidelines

for returning to campus will be updated as appropriate and students are advised that protocols may become more or less

stringent as circumstances with this pandemic dictate.

Through the efforts of virtual student orientations in August 2020, and January 2021, all students will be provided with

information and education before the semester begins regarding best practices and expectations of personal and community

COVID-19 safety on Western’s campus and outreach centers.

Students who move into the residence halls will be screened through a questionnaire and temperature check before being

allowed to move in. Students will be assigned to a single bedroom and will not have a roommate in their bedroom to provide

social distancing and will be asked to use a face covering when interacting with other residents in common areas in the

residence halls.

Symptom Monitoring

Western students who are sick should self-isolate. Students are encouraged to monitor their own health for the following

symptoms:

• Cough

• Shortness of Breath

• Sore Throat

• Muscle Aches

• Headache

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• Chills/Shaking

• Lost Sense of Smell/Taste

• Fever greater than 100.4°F

Students who have symptoms of respiratory illness must stay home and not come to campus until they are well.

According to the Wyoming Department of Health, a patient is considered fully recovered “when there is a resolution of fever

without the use of fever-reducing medications and there is an improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of

breath) for 72 hours AND at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.”

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing and personal hygiene are important safeguards. Students are to:

• Maintain a distance of six feet

• Avoid close contact with others

• Wear face coverings whenever it is not possible to maintain six feet of separation

• Wash hands frequently

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow

• Avoid contact with frequently touched surfaces

• Routinely clean their own academic and personal workspace

• Respect the personal space of others

Face Coverings

Face coverings are required for all students, employees and visitors on campus. Dr. Jean Stachon, on behalf of our local Health

Department, recommends face coverings at nearly all times.

Appropriate use of face masks or coverings is critical in minimizing risks to others. People can spread COVID-19 to others

even if they do not feel sick.

Cloth face coverings must only be worn for one day at a time and must be properly laundered before use again. Having a

week’s supply of cloth face coverings can help reduce the need for daily laundering. See appendix regarding use of facial

coverings and care.

See Appendix E: Type and Intended Use of Face Coverings/Masks

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How to Respond if a Student Tests Positive for COVID-19

The following steps for responding when a student tests positive for COVID-19 are based on the U.S. Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention's Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employees.

Immediate Response

• Students who have COVID-19 symptoms, or who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be asked to complete the

“COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form” found at

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?WesternWyomingCC&layout_id=2 Forms submitted by students will be

routed to the Dean of Students. Students can also contact the Dean of Students at 307-382-1644.

• Students who have COVID-19 symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) should notify the Dean of Students

and should not come to campus. Those who live in the residence halls should remain in their room.

• Students who appear to have symptoms upon arrival to campus or who become sick during the day should immediately

be separated from other students, employees, customers, vendors, and visitors, and instructed to go for testing.

• Students who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should immediately go to a testing station and self-isolate

pending results.

• The Health Department will notify the student of the test results and the designated Western contact in the event of a

positive test result so that the Health Department may begin contract tracing.

• Sick students should follow the CDC-recommended steps. Students should not return to campus until the criteria to

discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

• Students who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify the Dean of Students

and follow CDC recommended precautions.

• In all cases, the Dean of Students will work with the Wellbeing & Accessibility Center and any faculty members who

teach classes in which the student’s physical absenteeism due to COVID-19 symptoms may impact their academic

achievements and provide accommodations for the missed work to be done at a later time, virtually, or in other ways.

Protect Other Students

• If a student is confirmed to have COVID-19, the Dean of Students should inform fellow students of their possible

exposure, but maintain confidentiality as required by FERPA and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Fellow students should self-monitor for symptoms.

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• Identify where the infected student was on-campus, as well as those individuals—including students, employees, and

other visitors to campus—the infected student came into contact with during the 14 days prior to testing positive or first

displaying symptoms.

• The Dean of Students should notify those students, employees, and others who came into contact with the sick student

within the 14-day period. These individuals must self-isolate for 14 days, attending class virtually or working remotely.

Human Resources should notify employees, the Dean of Students should notify students, the Vice President for

Administrative Services should notify vendors and provide instructions.

• Students should not return to class until the criteria to discontinue self-isolation are met.

Living and Learning Environment

• Based on the size of the infected student’s living and/or learning space(s) and the potential breadth of exposure to

COVID-19, Western will consider whether it is appropriate to close immediately, coordinating with students to live

and/or learn remotely if necessary.

• Perform enhanced cleaning and disinfection after persons suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 have been in our

facilities, following CDC cleaning and disinfection recommendations.

• Collaborate with local and state health departments to ensure appropriate protocols and guidelines, such as

updated/additional guidance for cleaning and disinfection, are followed, including for identification of new potential

cases of COVID-19.

Accommodations

• In the event that a student is asked to self-quarantine or self-isolate due to documented COVID-19 concerns, the

College will work closely with the Dean of Students and Wellbeing & Accessibility Center to provide for appropriate

accommodations in both academic and student life areas that apply to the student.

Housing

The Housing Office, in conjunction with College administration, will implement the most recent Federal, State, and local

health and safety requirements when creating the anticipated residence hall occupancy model that limits potential/anticipated

resident disruptions. This model will be that only one resident will be assigned per bedroom in all seven residence halls.

Rooms will be assigned in the following fashion:

1. 1-bedroom apartment (Snowy Range Hall, White Mtn. Hall, Teton Hall) = 1 resident

2. 2-bedroom apartment (Snowy Range Hall, White Mtn. Hall, Teton Hall) = 2 residents

3. 4-bedroom apartment (Wind River Hall) = 4 residents

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4. Private room (Rocky Mtn. II and Aspen Hall) = 1 resident

5. Semi-private room (Rocky Mtn. I Hall) = 1 resident

6. Ground-level semi-private room (Snowy Range Hall, White Mtn. Hall, Teton Hall) = 1 resident

During the duration of the academic year, a total of eight rooms on the first floor of Rocky Mtn. Hall I and II will be left

unoccupied and prepared for immediate quarantine spaces should the need ever arise.

• Upon arriving at the residence halls to move in, students will be required to complete an electronic form on their

mobile device that asks questions to demonstrate they are asymptomatic for COVID-19 before moving in.

Furthermore, temperatures of every resident will be taken by housing staff to assure that residents do not move into

housing if they have a fever or 100.4 degrees or higher. Thereafter, residents will be encouraged to take their own

temperature on a regular basis and to report to the Dean of Students if they ever have a fever or other symptoms of

COVID-19.

• Residents will be provided training, education, and expectations regarding using personal protective equipment (i.e.

face coverings) while in the residence halls when they encounter a roommate or other residents, as well as social

distancing expectations in all rooms and common areas. Common areas and common restrooms in the residence halls

will be deep cleaned daily by custodial staff.

• Residents will be allowed to live in their room during the duration of the entire contracted semester and all housing

requirements (i.e. housing eligibility, housing costs, refund periods and rates, meal plan requirements, etc.) will remain

in place unless the College implements significant restrictions/limitations to all residents.

• After the semester begins, should any additional restrictions be necessary due to a surge in cases in the state, local area,

or on-campus, the College may implement significant restrictions/limitations to all residents, including but not limited

to requiring all residents to terminate their housing lease and vacate the residence halls at a prorated rate. Additionally,

residents who may contract COVID-19 related and documented illness by a healthcare provider may receive an

individual accommodation and/or exception to move out of the residence halls early at a prorated rate if the College

deems it appropriate and in the best interest of the housing operation and all residents.

International Students

International students will be asked to arrive in Rock Springs at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

These students will arrive on campus between August 3-12. This time period will allow for all international students to spend a

fourteen-day period in “self-isolation” before they begin to attend face-to-face and virtual classes on August 24. Self-isolation

will involve social distancing, limiting travel, wearing facial coverings, and the practicing of regular hand hygiene.

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To assure that all international students are in compliance with federal SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)

regulations over the duration of the entire Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, international students will take the required

minimum number of face-to-face credits, as well as participate in a weekly face-to-face study hall facilitated by a Western

employee who serves as a DSO (Designated School Official) of the SEVP program, or designee. These study hall gatherings

will be held in a location and executed in a manner that mandates wearing facial coverings and enables social distancing

between the international students and the employee(s) involved.

Resident Assistants and Ambassadors

To most effectively contain the virus and mitigate its spread among Western RAs and Ambassadors, the College will enact

various changes to standard procedures. These changes will come in various forms but are meant to, first and foremost, keep

our student-leaders, and those around them, as safe as possible, while also continuing to provide our student-leaders the ability

to be trained to work in their positions in Housing and Mustang Central. The Housing and Admissions Departments will

observe all CDC, state, and county, and requirements, as have been implemented during the pandemic.

The two student-leader groups have hired a combined 22 students to work in their various positions. Those students are from

the following areas,

• Rock Springs, WY = 4

• Bridger Valley, WY = 5

• Star Valley, WY = 9

• Flagstaff, AZ = 1

• Japan = 2 (one of these students is currently located in Rock Springs, WY, the other is currently in Japan)

• Brazil = 1 (this student is currently located in Boston, MA)

Arriving on Campus

• With the exception of one student currently in Japan, all student-leaders will arrive on-campus on August 11, 2020, and

move into the residence halls with no roommate, to begin training on August 12, 2020.

• The student currently in Japan will be required to arrive on campus and move into the residence halls by no later than

July 29, 2020. This student will immediately enter a fourteen-day self-isolation with no roommate.

• Student-leaders will be urged to socially distance at all times, wash hands regularly, increased sanitization in hallways,

stairwells, and other common areas.

• When outside their individual rooms, all student-leaders will be required to wear a facial covering.

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• Housing and Admissions staff (and others) who might come into contact with the student-leader during the self-

isolation period will also maintain all CDC, state and county protocols.

• Meals will be arranged by the Housing and Admissions Departments.

• Any student-leader who shows any COVID-19 symptoms would be shifted into quarantine status.

Student Events

To maintain a safe environment on-campus for all students, protocols will be in place to assure all student events adhere to

institutional, county, and state health regulations regarding COVID-19. All student life activity requests (i.e. student life,

Student Government Association, student clubs, residential life, intramurals, game room, etc.) will be submitted via an

electronic request form and routed to the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students, or designee, will review each request in

detail to assure that all health regulations will be met during the event before the event is approved.

E. COVID-19 Protocols for Employees

As the Western campus is gradually reopened, we are committed to ensuring a safe transition, and we will be relying on each

employee to exercise common sense, good judgement, and to comply with guidance from federal, state, and local officials, as

well as Western’s protocols.

Western has modified its operations to protect the health and wellbeing of our students, faculty, staff, and community. We are

continuing to monitor the situation and follow the advice of experts to limit and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Guidelines

for returning to campus will be updated as appropriate and employees are advised that protocols may become more or less

stringent as circumstances with this pandemic dictate.

Symptom Monitoring

Western employees who are sick should stay home. Employees should monitor themselves for the following symptoms before

reporting for work each day:

• Cough

• Shortness of Breath

• Sore Throat

• Muscle Aches

• Headache

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• Chills/Shaking

• Lost Sense of Smell/Taste

• Fever greater than 100.4°F

Employees who have symptoms of respiratory illness must stay home and not come to work until they are well.

According to the Wyoming Department of Health, a patient is considered fully recovered “when there is resolution of fever

without the use of fever-reducing medications and there is improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of

breath) for 72 hours AND at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared”.

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing and personal hygiene are important safeguards. Employees are to:

• Maintain a distance of six feet

• Avoid close contact with others

• Wear face coverings whenever it is not possible to maintain six feet of separation

• Wash hands frequently

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow

• Avoid contact with frequently touched surfaces

• Routinely clean their own workspace

• Respect the personal space of others

Face Coverings

Face coverings are required for all employees working on campus when in the presence of others and in public settings where

other physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Dr. Jean Stachon on behalf of our local Sweetwater County Health

Department recommends face coverings at nearly all times.

Appropriate use of face coverings is critical in minimizing risks to others. People can spread COVID-19 to others even if they

do not feel sick.

Cloth face coverings must only be worn for one day at a time and must be properly laundered before the next use. Having a

week’s supply of cloth face coverings can help reduce the need for daily laundering. See appendix regarding face covering use

and care.

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See Appendix J: Type and Intended Use of Face Coverings/Masks

Phased Return to Campus

Under the direction of Western’s Cabinet, departments will be returning employees to campus in a carefully planned phased

approach. When planning for the return of employees, Cabinet will consider the following factors along with general business

requirements:

• Employee’s overall risk profile

• Obligation of the employee to provide dependent care

• Suitability of the position for remote work

• Level of hardship created either by exclusion from or inclusion in the workplace.

Managers and supervisors will work closely with their employees to determine how to maximize productivity while

minimizing health risks and remaining sensitive to the circumstances created by closures of elementary and middle schools,

daycare facilities, and summer camps.

Managers and supervisors will monitor and manage the number of employees in the workplace. In areas where workspace is

shared, this may require:

• Flexible work schedules

• Alternating days in the workplace with days of remote work

• Continuation of telecommuting

• Staggered start and end times to limit the number of employees arriving or departing at the same time

Shared Spaces and Common Surfaces

Maintain cleanliness of shared spaces and common surfaces such as:

• Light switches

• Faucets

• Cabinet doors, drawers, and countertops

• Copiers

• Worktables

• Break areas and conference rooms

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Employee Responsibilities

Each employee is to clean areas of touch after use. Employees are to maintain physical distancing within common areas,

waiting until sufficient space is available to enter and respecting the personal space of others. This includes:

• Breakrooms

• Elevators

• Stairwells

• Restrooms

• Conference Rooms

• Other areas where ingress/egress provide limited space

How to Respond If an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

The following steps for responding when an employee tests positive for COVID-19 are based on the U.S. Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention's Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employees.

Immediate Response

• Employees who have COVID-19 symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) should notify their supervisor

and should not report to work.

• Employees who have COVID-19 symptoms, or who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be asked to complete the

“COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form” found at

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?WesternWyomingCC&layout_id=2 Forms submitted by employees will be

routed to the Associate Vice President of Human Resources. Employees can also contact the Associate Vice President

of Human Resources at 307-382-1832.

• Employees who appear to have symptoms upon arrival at work or who become sick during the day should immediately

be separated from other employees, customers, vendors, and visitors, and instructed to go for testing.

• Employees who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should immediately be sent to Memorial Hospital of

Sweetwater County’s swabbing station for testing and will be in quarantine pending results that will come from the

Health Department. If the employee is ill and needs to be seen, MHSC has an urgent clinic in addition to the ER

Department.

• The Health Department will notify the employee of the test results and the designated Western contact in the event of a

positive test result so that the Health Department may begin contract tracing.

• Sick employees should follow CDC-recommended steps. Employees should not return to work until the criteria to

discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

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• Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor

and follow CDC recommended precautions.

Protect Other Employees

• If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure

but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Fellow employees should self-monitor for symptoms.

• Identify where the infected employee worked, as well as those individuals—including colleagues, students, and

vendors—the infected employee came into contact with during the 14 days prior to testing positive or first displaying

symptoms.

• Employers should notify those employees who came into contact with the sick employee within the 14-day period to go

home and self-isolate for 14 days, working remotely if possible. Human Resources should notify employees, the Dean

of Students should notify students, the Vice President of Administrative Services should notify vendors and provide

instructions. The Vice President of Administrative Services can be contacted at 307-382-1621.

• Employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met.

Workplace Environment

• Based on the size of the infected employee’s workspace or office and the potential breadth of exposure to COVID-19,

Western will consider whether it is appropriate to close immediately, coordinating with employees to work remotely if

possible.

• Perform enhanced cleaning and disinfection after persons suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 have been in our

facility, following CDC cleaning and disinfection recommendations.

• Collaborate with local and state health departments to ensure appropriate protocols and guidelines, such as

updated/additional guidance for cleaning and disinfection, are followed, including for identification of new potential

cases of COVID-19.

Sick Leave, FMLA

Through December 31, 2020, FFCRA mandates that Western provide workers with paid sick leave or paid family and medical

leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. Employees should contact HR to discuss any concerns they have about

returning to work as well as COVID-related sick leave or FMLA. Western is willing to consider on a case-by-case basis any

requests from employees for reasonable accommodations relating to COVID-19, including all the CDC-listed medical

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conditions that may place people at higher risk of serious illness if they contract COVID-19, or flexibility on an individualized

basis and all such requests should be directed to Human Resources.

F. COVID-19 Protocols for Ancillary Services

Aquatic Center

• Western’s Aquatic Centerre-opened July 6, 2020, per Governor’s Orders.

• The pool will be opening for lap swimming only from 11:30 a.m. to1:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

• The pool will not have access to the locker rooms so customers will need to arrive in their swimsuits.

• Lap swimmers will need to enter through the main College campus doors and must wear a face covering. They will

then have their temperature checked, sanitize their hands, and fill out a short questionnaire.

• Swimmers will walk through campus and enter through the side deck doors to sign in for the pool. There will be a

plexiglass shield between the gate attendant and the customer.

• The small family handicap locker room will be the only toilet available during this phase and will be disinfected after

each use.

• Only two lap swimmers per lane will be allowed, stopping on opposite sides of the pool to avoid face-to-face contact.

• The pool will not take reservations at this time but may have to implement that process later if attendance reaches more

than 16 people (the pool has 8 lanes). If the College lap swim equipment is used, it will be disinfected with a liquid

chlorine/water mixture between swimmers. The hot tub will remain drained during this phase.

• The pool will be closed July 31, 2020, to August 17, 2020.

Bookstore

• Western’s Bookstore will be open to the public beginning July 13, 2020, to August 21, 2020.

• Hours of operation 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Fridays included starting August 14, 2020.

• Employees will clean before opening each day.

• Employees and customers will always maintain a distance of six feet.

• Six-foot distancing markers will be shown on the floor where lines must form.

• The maximum occupancy is 25 people.

• Staff will always be required to wear face coverings.

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• Signs will be placed at the entrance of the Bookstore in compliance with the Wyoming Department of Health.

• Students, faculty, and staff who have COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter the store.

• Plexiglass barriers will be in place for all registers.

• Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and each register.

Children’s Center

To protect children and staff during COVID-19, Western’s Children’s Center will implement social distancing strategies,

intensify cleaning and disinfection efforts, modify drop-off and pick-up procedures, and implement screening procedures upon

children arriving at the Center.

Social Distancing Strategies will Include:

• Ensuring children’s naptime mats are spread out as much as possible (six feet apart), with children lying head to toe to

reduce potential spread.

• Keep teachers in one room, rather than going between rooms as much as possible during the busy morning hours.

• Canceling holiday performances.

Parent Drop-Off and Pick-Up

• Set up hand hygiene stations at the entrance so the children can clean their hands before they enter.

• Parents will be greeted at the door, rather than being allowed inside to take children to their classrooms. Staff members

will wash or sanitize their hands between taking each child from the door to the classroom. Children will be picked up

at the front door.

• Lines will be taped off to allow parents to maintain a six-foot distance from other parents and children.

• Watch for (and ask parents) about signs of illness (fever, shortness of breath, cough) in children and staff.

• Take temperatures of children and staff upon arrival. Those with a temperature of 100 or above will not be admitted to

the facility (This is the Center’s regular policy).

• Teachers and aides who are welcoming and accepting students should wear a face covering.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

• Hand soap will be easily accessible, and hand sanitizer will be available in each classroom.

• Routinely clean, sanitize and disinfect frequently used toys and games.

• Routinely clean, sanitize and disinfect doorknobs, light switches, classroom sink handles, tables, nap mats, toilets,

chairs, cubbies, playground equipment, and bikes.

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• Toys such as stuffed animals, dress-up clothing, and other toys that can’t be sanitized will not be used at this time.

• Blankets will be washed weekly with bleach and will not be shared with other children.

• Sleeping mats will be sanitized daily.

Diapering

• Staff members will wash their hands and put on gloves before and after changing diapers

• Clean the child

• Remove soiled diapers and wipes

• Replace diaper

• Wash child’s hands

• Clean station with disinfecting solution

• Wash hands

Washing, Feeding, Holding Children

• Staff will wash their hands, neck, or anywhere touched by a child’s tears, and other secretions.

• Contaminated clothing will be placed in a plastic bag and sent home with the child.

• Children will have extra clothing available for unexpected changes.

• Children and staff will wash their hands before and after eating snacks and meals.

• Staff will leave a space between all children at lunch and snack tables whenever possible.

• Staff who prepare and serve snacks will wash their hands thoroughly before preparing and serving food to children.

• Food preparation will not be done by staff who diaper children.

• Staff will wash hands before and after helping children to eat.

• Staff will follow state and local regulations related to health and sanitation.

If a Child or Staff Member Becomes Sick

• Parents who have children with COVID-19 symptoms or who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be asked to

complete the “COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form” found at

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?WesternWyomingCC&layout_id=2 Forms will be routed to the Associate

Vice President of Human Resources and Children’s Center Director. Parents can also contact the Associate Vice

President of Human Resources at 307-382-1832.

• A child who is sick will have to wait for parents in an isolation area near the Director’s office.

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• The classroom and isolation area will be cleaned and disinfected after the child leaves.

• All areas used by sick staff or child will be closed off until sanitized and disinfected by a person wearing gloves and a

face covering.

• Windows will be open to allow circulation in the classroom.

• Substitute teachers will be utilized to cover for staff who become ill.

• If a child or Children’s Center staff member tests positive, it will be reported to Western through the Health

Department, and a determination will be made regarding the closure of the Center.

Contractors

Contractors will be required to follow Western’s COVID-19 directives.

Fitness Center

• Fall 2020 dates of operation are August 24, 2020, to November 20, 2020.

• Spring 2020 dates of operation TBA.

• Members will be required to space themselves on the equipment using every other machine or every third machine.

• Members will be required to clean the equipment after each use.

• Face coverings are required when not on the equipment and highly recommended when on the equipment.

• Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms are prohibited from entering and using the facility.

• Failure to follow recommendations may result in loss of fitness center access.

Food Services

Mitchell’s

• Mitchell’s Dining Hall will open for regular service beginning August 21, 2020.

• There will be no self-service available at any station.

• Dining hall staff will also serve fountain drinks.

• Reusable to-go containers (including cups) will not be allowed.

• Dining hall staff will wear face coverings at all times.

• Tables will be set six feet apart.

• A maximum of four patrons will be allowed at each table.

• Patrons will be required to wear face coverings when traveling between stations and tables.

• Grab and go will be available.

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• Markers will be placed on the floor to indicate six feet in all queueing areas, as well as to indicate the direction of flow.

• Dining hall staff will be required to sign in daily and complete a form to acknowledge that they have had no symptoms

and have not been in contact with anyone with symptoms.

• Dining hall staff will be responsible for daily self-health monitoring.

• Dishes will be disinfected using a soap and a hot water dishwasher after each use.

T-Rex

• T-Rex dining location will open on July 20, 2020.

• There will be no self-service available at any station.

• The soda fountain can be self-service – but no reusable cups will be allowed.

• Reusable to-go containers (including cups) will not be allowed.

• Dining hall staff will wear face coverings at all times.

• Tables will be set six feet apart.

• A maximum of four patrons will be allowed at each table.

• Patrons will be required to wear face coverings when traveling between stations and tables.

• Grab and go will be available.

• Markers will be placed on the floor to indicate six feet in all queueing areas as well as to indicate the direction of flow.

• Dining hall staff will be required to sign in daily and complete a form to acknowledge that they have had no symptoms

and have not been in contact with anyone with symptoms.

• Dining hall staff will be responsible for daily self-health monitoring.

• Dishes will be disinfected using a soap and a hot water dishwasher after each use.

Library Services

July 6, 2020, to August 9, 2020

• The Library will be closed.

• All Library personnel will report to work at the Library.

• The Library will be fully staffed Monday-Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Full-time staff working from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Part-time staff working from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Curbside checkout and ILL will continue.

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August 10, 2020, to August 16, 2020

• The Library will open to employees.

• Regular semester working schedules begin.

• Full-time Library staff will work 8 hours per day, Monday-Friday.

• Part-time Library staff will work 5 hours per evening, Monday-Thursday.

• Curbside checkout and ILL will continue.

August 17, 2020, to May 14, 2021 (excluding periods when the college is closed)

• The Library will fully reopen.

• Regular Semester Hours:

▪ Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

▪ Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

▪ Saturdays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

▪ All 'normal' and adapted library services will fully resume.

▪ Regular working schedules/open hours continue.

▪ Curbside checkout will remain in place to accommodate high-risk students/ patrons.

Service Modifications

• Research/reference interactions will take place via instant chat, Zoom, or email. Office visits will not occur until further

notice.

• Patrons with urgent need of face-to-face research assistance may meet with a librarian in the 'library instruction space'

by appointment, or walk-in if the space is available. The librarian and student will maintain six feet of distance between

themselves during each session and face coverings will be required of librarians and strongly encouraged of patrons,

per CDC recommendation.

• Librarians will provide in-class, face-to-face instruction per faculty request if social distancing can be maintained.

• Librarians will be available to provide real-time instruction for all classes via Zoom.

• Pre-recorded instruction will be available in the Canvas Commons for faculty/student use.

• Library staff will not be available to work with students 'in person' for various tasks such as printing, saving files, etc.

Written instructions for common tasks such as printing pamphlets, or saving a document as a PDF, for example, will be

7/13/20 25

available at each computer station. Library staff can assist students using Zoom screen sharing should they need more

intensive assistance.

• Library card activation/registration will occur at the Library's front service desks. During these interactions, library

staff will be required to wear face coverings, and library patrons will be strongly encouraged to wear them as well, per

CDC recommendation.

Health and Safety 1

• Patrons should sanitize their hands upon entering the Library. Hand sanitizer is available.

• Patrons are encouraged to wear face coverings per the CDC's advice.

• Patrons are asked to observe social distancing.

• Patrons should not rearrange the Library's furniture as it is spaced to allow for social distancing.

• Patrons must disinfect computers and study areas after use.

• Patrons may disinfect computers and study spaces before use.

• Patrons are asked not to reshelf any library materials, but to place used materials in a designated area.

• Patrons who are sick with a fever or are experiencing a cough or other symptoms are asked to stay at home.

• Visibly ill patrons will be asked to leave the Library.

• Patrons who intentionally disregard social distancing guidelines, or who threaten the health and safety of staff or others,

will be asked to leave the Library.

• Staff are encouraged to wear a face covering at all times.

• Staff are required to wear a face covering when others are within six feet of them.

• Staff will wear gloves, and a face covering when handling returned materials.

• Staff will quarantine all used materials for the recommended amount of time per item type.

• Staff will routinely disinfect high-use areas - no fewer than four instances per 14 hours the Library is open.

• Staff will be restricted to the use of their own workstations, computers, and phones.

• Staff will wash hands often, no fewer than four instances per 8-hour shift.

• Staff will maintain social distancing between each other and library patrons.

1This Health & Safety list was copied, modified, and re-mixed with permission from its original creator, Sheridan College Library Director, Michelle Boule.

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• Staff will enforce the health and safety protocols put into place by the Library and by Western.

Preparations

1. Label East-facing isles directionally for walking to the back of the Library.

2. Label East-facing isles directionally for walking to the back of the Library.

3. Label bridges limiting traffic to one patron at a time.

4. Limit computer stations to allow for social distancing.

5. Remove the second chair from study rooms and study cubbies to encourage social distancing.

6. Remove and/or block-off couches/cushions to encourage social distancing.

7. Create and hang capacity signage for all rooms and cubbies.

8. Create and hang capacity signage for isles between library stacks.

9. Place 'Sanitation stations' (wet wipes & hand sanitizer) throughout the Library.

10. Create and hang 'Wipe-down your study spaces' signage.

11. Prepare new digital adaptive service videos and instructions.

Visitors & Campus Events

All visitors to campus are required to follow the rules and Western’s COVID-19 directives. On-site events are subject to the

following disclaimer: Western will follow local, state, and national health directives regarding COVID-19 as they pertain to

events. All on-campus events are subject to space capacities, mitigation protocols, or possible cancellation due to COVID-19.

G. COVID Protocols for Intercollegiate Athletes and Athletic Competition

Athletes

Western will adhere to all NJCAA guidelines with the top priority to keep student-athletes—and those around them—as safe as

possible, while also continuing to enhance the overall student life of the College. Due to the close-working nature of the

interactions between athletes, the Athletic Department will observe all CDC, state, and county requirements, as have been

implemented during the pandemic. These requirements include temperature-taking of student-athletes, potential quarantine,

social distancing, hand washing, and extra cleaning of athletic facilities.

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Fall athletes will arrive on campus on August 14, 2020. Prior to their arrival on campus, they will be asked to self-isolate for

14 days. Once on campus, athletes will adhere to social distancing and face covering guidelines stipulated in this document as

well as any additional rules set by the NJCAA.

Athletic Competition

The NJCAA has released a plan of action for the fall and winter sports season in response to COVID-19, Western will adhere

to these recommendations.

The NJCAA National Office, along with the NJCAA Health and Safety Council, has also issued a list of safety protocol

recommendations for member colleges during regular-season competition and championship events.

Safety Protocol Recommendations for 2020-21 Regular Season Competition

The NJCAA has provided safety protocol recommendations below for member colleges for the 2020-21 academic year.

• Member colleges should adhere to all state and local regulations and guidelines regarding COVID-19 and re-opening.

• Temperature checks are encouraged for all student-athletes, coaches, and game personnel prior to each competition.

• Visiting teams are encouraged to check temperatures before departing from their home location.

• Provide sports medicine staff with necessary personal protective equipment.

• Limit contact between teams when possible, including the elimination of the pre-game and post-game handshake.

• Limit student-athlete fan engagement before and after a competition.

Safety Protocol Recommendations for Athletic Facilities and Equipment

The NJCAA has provided the safety protocol recommendations below for member college athletic facilities and equipment.

• Member colleges should adhere to all state and local regulations and guidelines regarding COVID-19 and re-opening

facilities.

• Member colleges should clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on the field, court, or playing surface.

• Develop a schedule for increased, routine cleaning, and disinfecting.

• Limit the use of shared objects and equipment when possible.

• Eliminate the sharing of water bottles and towels amongst teammates.

• Limit facility access for student-athletes as deemed appropriate.

• Implement social distancing for team benches when possible.

• Encourage fans, staff, and other event attendees to wear face coverings.

• Encourage social distancing for fans during the event.

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Procedures for Competitions

Visiting Teams

• Visiting teams will confirm that prior to arrival on campus, temperatures checks were done on all members of the travel

party.

• Soccer teams will go directly to the field. Western’s matches are held at either Rock Springs Junior High, Rock Springs

High School, Green River High School, or Crossroads Field. The Athletic Director will work with the individuals in

charge/responsible at each of these venues to ensure all safety protocols required by these parties are adhered to.

• Visiting volleyball teams will have a designated locker room:

• It will be disinfected and locked with no one allowed to enter two hours before the match start time.

• Upon arrival, the team will be provided access and this room will be locked upon team leaving locker room

until it can be disinfected.

Fans

The College does not anticipate fans will attend games. If the College determines it is appropriate to have fans attend it will be

done according to the following rules:

• Indoor sports:

• Social distancing of fans/designated spaces will be established in bleachers.

• Sideline seats will be grouped and socially distanced from one another.

• Face coverings will be required by all attendees.

• Scorer table personnel will be required to wear face coverings and be socially distanced as much as possible.

• Players and athletic staff on benches will not be required to wear face coverings during the contest.

• Volleyball – procedures for changing benches between sets will be established and communicated to the

opposing teams prior to their arrival on our campus, minimal chairs will be provided on each bench and in

between sets, the chairs will be wiped down by games management staff.

• Outdoor sports

• Social distancing will be implemented for fans.

Team Travel

• Prior to travel, temperatures will be checked, and screening will occur.

• All persons will be required to wear a face covering on the bus (if required by the bus company when LeBus is utilized).

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• As possible, social distancing will be enacted on the bus.

• Hand sanitizer will be available on the bus.

• Teams will avoid sit-down restaurant meals unless the restaurant is able to socially distance the team from other diners.

• When staying in hotels, each athlete will have their own bed.

• Med kits will include sanitation kits.

• Athletes/athletic staff who show symptoms during travel to another venue will be removed from play and isolates until

they are able to return home and proceed with quarantine guidelines.

Home Competitions

• At the conclusion of each competition, the facility will be locked until it has been disinfected.

• Prior to leaving the gym, the Mustangs will give their uniforms to a coach for washing – no exceptions (on road trips,

uniforms should still be given to coaches immediately so they can be washed as soon as possible). If the road trip

consists of more than one contest, athletes will wear a different uniform for the subsequent match when possible.

Otherwise, as soon as possible upon returning to campus, coaches will wash the gear.

• There will be minimal members at the pre-game coin toss. There will be no post-play handshakes. Social distancing will

occur for discussions with officials.

• Locker rooms for officials will be provided with social distancing precautions.

• If concessions are available, pre-packaged items only will be sold and the staff will wear gloves and face coverings.

General Procedures

• PPE is required in all situations involving bodily fluids including blood, saliva, vomit, etc.

• All practices will be closed except for student-athletes, coaches and necessary athletic personnel.

• Reducing games management staff on game days will help with budgets as well as the safety of those competing and

working.

• Gameday broadcasts or tape-delayed broadcasts will be utilized as much as possible.

• External doors will be open for indoor practices for airflow when possible.

• Regular handwashing, wearing gloves and face coverings, and taking temperatures will be the new normal.

• In the event that a student-athlete is exhibiting symptoms or does not feel well, they should notify their coach.

• Employees exhibiting symptoms or those who do not feel well should notify the Athletic Director.

The following PPE supplies will be utilized, and communication and coordination will occur with the Mustang Athletic Staff

and Physical Resources staffs:

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• Face coverings (each athlete, coach and athletic staff member will have his/her own), but disposable ones will also be

available should they be needed

• Eye protection including face shields and googles

• Gloves

• Disposable gowns

• Surface disinfectant

• Shared equipment disinfectant

• Hand soap

• Hand sanitizer

• No contact thermometers

H. Declaration of any Required Waiver or Approvals from the Institutional Accreditor

From the Higher Learning Commission: “Your institution is approved at the highest level of distance education approval,

“Approved for distance education courses and programs,” and does not require any waiver or approval to change its offerings.”

See Appendix F– Approval letter from The Higher Learning Commission

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Appendix A: Summer 2020 Academic Calendar

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Appendix B: Fall 2020 Academic Calendar

7/13/20 33

Appendix C: Spring 2021 Academic Calendar

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Appendix D: Instructional Room Capacity

Room

Max # of students if 6 ft Social

Distancing and 49 student

max.

1005 18

1006 10

1121 21

1123 46

1124 22

1202 40

1204 24

1211 34

1212 35

1221 12

1223 21

1225 21

1302 26

1306 18

1309 26

1312 3

1314 18

1328 22

1330 21

1332 19

1333 17

1345 22

1346 25

1350 28

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1403 18

1404 8

1405 9

1406 14

1408 18

1438 11

1439 18

1440 9

1441 20

1444 29

1445 20

1501 39

1502 9

1512 9

1515 9

1518 10

1521 10

1526 15

1656 43

1657 29

1661 22

1662 40

1666 19

2021 9

2023 10

2025 10

2027 8

2028 10

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2030 18

2605 26

3654 35

1430 (A&B) 46

3605 A 31

3605 B 26

A101 12

A102 10

A200 11

A202 11

A203 11

A204 11

A206 9

A207 11

A208 11

A209 10

B103 12

B105 15

B106 7

B109 10

B110 17

B111 3

B120 7

O & G BLDG 44

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Appendix E: Face Coverings

Cloth Face Covering

Homemade or commercially manufactured face coverings that are washable and help contain wearer’s respiratory

emissions.

Intended use: Recommended for use in areas where six feet of physical distancing cannot be consistently maintained

and required in designated areas. Must be washed or replaced daily. Not required when working alone in an enclosed

office.

Disposable Mask

Commercially manufactured masks that help contain wearer’s respiratory emissions.

Intended use: Recommended for use in areas where six feet of physical distancing cannot be consistently maintained

and required in designated areas. Must be washed or replaced daily. Not required when working alone in an enclosed

office.

Medical-Grade Surgical Mask

FDA-approved masks to protect the wearer from large droplets and splashes; helps contain wearer’s respiratory

emissions.

Intended use: These masks are reserved for healthcare workers and other approved areas with task-specific hazards

determined by OESO.

N95 Respirator

Provide effective respiratory protection from airborne particles and aerosols; helps contain wearer’s respiratory

emissions.

Intended use: These masks are reserved for healthcare workers and other approved areas with task-specific hazards

determined by OESO.

Information on Type and Intended Use of Face Coverings/Masks has been adapted

from Duke University’s Guide for Returning to the Workplace.

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Appendix F: Approval from The Higher Learning Commission

May 5, 2020

VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL Dr. Kimberly Dale President

Western Wyoming Community College 2500 College Dr.

Rock Springs, WY 82901 Dear President Dale: Thank you for notifying the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of your institution’s efforts in response to the coronavirus outbreak. These efforts demonstrate the institution’s commitment to the public good and

attention to the general well-being of its constituents. As you may be aware, on March 5, 2020, the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) posted Guidance for Interruption of Study related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Federal Student Aid website. In the case of institutions, the Department is allowing the use of online technologies to accommodate students on a temporary basis, without requiring strict adherence to its

approval processes by institutions that would otherwise be required to seek Department approval for the use or expansion of distance learning programs. The Department is also permitting accreditors to waive their

distance education review requirements for institutions working to accommodate students whose enrollment is otherwise interrupted as a result of COVID-19. Your institution is approved at the highest level of

distance education approval, “Approved for distance education courses and programs,” and does not require any waiver or approval to change its offerings. The institution is reminded of its obligations to portray itself accurately to its constituents. In this context, regular updates to students, faculty, staff, administrators and the public related to the institution's activities in

managing this public health issue are appropriate. If at any point, the institution anticipates ceasing operations in a manner that would unreasonably disrupt the academic pursuits of students currently enrolled in one or more programs, please submit a Provisional

Plan that conforms to the requirements articulated in the guidance document related to teach outs (http://download.hlcommission.org/Teach-OutRequirements_PRC.pdf). Finally, please notify the institution’s assigned HLC staff liaison as soon as possible once a determination has been made that routine on-ground instruction and/or operations can resume. Thank you for your cooperation. President Dale, May 5, 2020 2 Sincerely,

Higher Learning Commission Cc: Mark Rembacz, Accreditation Liaison Officer, Western Wyoming Community College Jeffrey Rosen, Vice President of Accreditation Relations, Higher Learning Commission Anthea Sweeney, Vice President of

Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Higher Learning Commission