Friday, May 29, 2020: Students – Fall Semester; Employees - PPE
Tuesday, May 26, 2020: Employees – Status of College Operations
Friday, May 22, 2020: Employees – Memorial Day Weekend Reminder
Monday, May 18, 2020: Employees – Three-Phase Return
Monday, May 11, 2020: Students – Summer Term II

Friday, May 29, 2020: Students – Fall Semester; Employees - PPE

Students

Southeast Community College is planning to move forward with its on-site operations for the 2020 Fall Semester. The College will have on-site classes as shown in the 2020 Fall Class Schedule. The College is implementing various directed health measures based on state and local health officials to mitigate virus spread and infection prevention. Detailed information on these safety and control procedures and other critical updates will be available through the College’s COVID-19 website.

The College will notify students of any changes to the delivery format of on-site courses in the event that becomes necessary. SCC is committed to providing the highest quality learning experience for our students. Thank you for choosing SCC as Your Path to Possible.

Questions?
Contact the Dean of Students on your campus:

Employees

Social Distancing
In compliance with current State of Nebraska Directed Health Measures, faculty and staff are expected to maintain social distance of 6 feet or more away from one another. In the case where an office space consists of a cubicle within a room, employees may be required to wear a face mask. Additional social distancing rules include:

• Gatherings on campus will be limited to the greater of 25 people (excluding staff) or 25% of the rated occupancy of a room. (Please note that this limit follows current directed health measures, which may change in the future).
• External groups could be allowed on campus with direct approval from the Campus Director or designee.
• Staff meetings must be conducted in compliance with the College’s social distancing guidelines. Meeting participants should be given the option of attending the meeting virtually.

Face Covering Protocol
Face coverings will be expected to be worn in spaces where at least 6 feet of separation between individuals cannot be maintained.

• Beginning June 1, 2020, the College will provide one cloth face covering (reusable) to employees. Additional face coverings will be available for purchase in the College’s Campus Stores.
• Employees may bring their own face covering or purchase one from the Campus Store.
• Consistent with local public health guidance, employees should use good judgment when interacting with others and are expected to wear face coverings when interacting in-person with other individuals.
• When groups gather in a room or a public space, a minimum of 6 feet of social distance is expected. If that is not possible, face coverings are expected to be worn.
• Wearing of face coverings is expected in congested or high-traffic areas where employees might come in close contact with one another. Examples:
  • Getting mail
  • Using the restroom
  • Visiting the Campus Store
  • Any other public spaces on campus

Personal Hygiene
Consistent personal hygiene practices are critical to mitigate virus spread and prevention. Examples of effective hygiene practices:

• Handwashing remains the primary action that everyone can take to reduce the spread. Employees on site should wash their hands frequently throughout the day and limit how often they touch their nose, mouth and eyes.
• Facilities staff will continue cleaning expected high touch-point public surfaces.
• Employees are strongly encouraged to clean and disinfect their workspace and areas around their work space daily.
• Sharing of foods or potlucks is discouraged during this time.
• Continue to sneeze or cough into your elbow.
• If you are ill or do not feel well, remain home.
• Do not shake hands or touch others.

Self-Monitoring
Employees returning to their on-site work environment should be vigilant in self-monitoring their health and answering the following screening questions each day prior to coming to work.

• If you answer yes to any of these questions, stay home and consult your medical provider.
  • Have you traveled to a highly infected area in the last 14 days?
  • Have you been in contact with anyone who has a confirmed positive test for COVID-19?
  • Do you have a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, or flu-like symptoms?
• While a monitoring app is not required, several options exist to help gauge symptoms or participate in COVID-19-related public health research such as:
  • COVID-19 Self Checker developed by Johns Hopkins University. 
  • COVID-19 Symptom Tracker App Developed by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Massachusetts General Hospital. Available at App Store or Google Play.
  • Sign up and participate in Test Nebraska.
• Remember your mental health during this time. Exercising, stretching your legs, and walking the campus or the area near your SCC location to rejuvenate are examples of how employees can address emotional fatigue.
• If you become positive or come into contact with someone who has tested positive, please see the Exposure Protocols section.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020: Employees – Status of College Operations

The College continues the practice of all employees working remotely, except those designated to be on-site due to their respective position, until further notice.

Status of the College's Operations in Relation to the COVID-19 Situation: No changes

With the loosening of restrictions beginning to occur, the College is in the process of developing a multi-phased Return to Operations Plan. Campus directors are working with campus-level planning teams to create a three-phase approach that will allow all SCC locations to put appropriate safety features, procedures and protocols in place while gradually increasing the number of employees and students on-site. The three phases and the proposed start dates are as follows:

Phase I - Targeted Start Date Based on Safety and Health Recommendations: June 1, 2020: Supervisors will work with their employees to identify individuals who wish to return to their on-site work environments. The College plans to keep the number of employees returning to their on-site work environments relatively low. Campus directors will utilize Phase I to test and modify as necessary the various safety practices and protocols that will be in place. Most employees will continue to work remotely. Please note that campus directors will be providing details to all employees in relation to the safety and social distancing protocols that will be in place throughout Phase I. Planning for Phases II and III will continue during this time.

Phase II - Targeted Start Date Based on Safety and Health Recommendations: July 1, 2020: Students enrolled in classes that have on-site labs will be allowed on campus. Students also will be allowed to come on campus for student services such as advising, registration, financial aid, campus store purchases, and other services. Students may be required to make appointments. Additional employees will be allowed to return to their on-site work environments upon supervisor approval. Please note that campus directors will be providing details to all employees in relation to the safety and social distancing protocols that will be in place throughout Phase II. Campus directors will continue to plan and prepare for a full return to operations in Phase III based on lessons learned during Phase I.

Phase III - Targeted Start Date Based on Safety and Health Recommendations: Aug. 10, 2020: This is the anticipated date that the College will return to on-site operations with the appropriate safety protocols and practices based on the official health recommendations in place at the time. Supervisors will have the flexibility to allow those who have health issues that place them in a higher risk category to continue to work remotely. It is anticipated that the College will have on-site classes as shown in the current 2020 Fall Class Schedule. These courses may take on a combination of various delivery formats, including on-site, hybrid and online. Details in relation to the specific safety protocols, practices and alternative plans will be provided by campus directors over the next several weeks. Alternative plans could include a return to a virtual/remote environment similar to what took place during the Spring Semester.

Please note that detailed planning and preparation for all three phases continues and that the College will be communicating these details as they become available. The multi-phased Return to Operations Plan will be dynamic and responsive to changes in safety and health recommendations over the next several weeks. The number and length of the phases needed to reach a full return to on-site operations may vary. We appreciate your patience and support as we prepare for a phased return-to-operations approach.

If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor. You also are encouraged to visit the College's COVID-19 website https://www.southeast.edu/covid-19/ that includes frequent College updates as well as links to the websites of state and local health authorities.

Thank you for your continued patience. The College is committed to transparent and frequent communication to ensure the safety and wellness of its employees, students and communities.

Friday, May 22, 2020: Employees – Memorial Day Weekend Reminder

College Update

Friday, May 22, 2020

With the Memorial Day Weekend upon us, many SCC employees will be traveling to visit family and friends. Remember to continue to practice safety measures, particularly if you are traveling.

Gov. Ricketts, during his afternoon press briefing Thursday, addressed Memorial Day Weekend travel, saying that if Nebraskans are traveling to a surrounding state, you do not need to self-quarantine upon returning home. However, if upon return home you become ill, or if those whom you visited develop symptoms, you need to self-isolate for 72 hours and contact your medical provider.

Effective June 1, all individuals returning from international travel only will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon returning to Nebraska. The restriction will not apply to individuals traveling in connection with military service or in connection with employment at a health care facility.

If you are traveling to a state where the virus is still spreading, you should self-quarantine and self-monitor for 14 days upon return.

The most current information about restricted travel can be found on the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

For the complete list of travel recommendations from the Nebraska DHHS, go to http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Traveler-Recommendations.aspx

Please continue to monitor your health. If you should develop symptoms such as a fever or respiratory problems, stay home, self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider.

Additionally, keep the following guidelines in mind throughout the holiday weekend:

• Limit gatherings to no more than 10 people
• Practice recommended social distancing, at least six feet between people
• Avoid staying at motels
• Wear facemasks when in public
• Wash your hands frequently
• Use hand sanitizer frequently

If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor. You also are encouraged to visit the College's COVID-19 website https://www.southeast.edu/covid-19/ that includes frequent College updates as well as links to the websites of state and local health authorities.

Thank you for your continued patience. We want you to relax, refresh and maintain your good health. The College is committed to transparent and frequent communication to ensure the safety and wellness of its employees, students and communities.

Monday, May 18, 2020: Employees – Three-Phase Return

The College continues the practice of all employees working remotely, except those designated to be on-site due to their respective position, until further notice.

Status of the College's Operations in Relation to the COVID-19 Situation: No changes

With the loosening of restrictions beginning to occur, the College is in the process of developing a multi-phased Return to Operations Plan. Campus directors are working with campus-level planning teams to create a three-phase approach that will allow all SCC locations to put appropriate safety features, procedures and protocols in place while gradually increasing the number of employees and students on-site. The three phases and the proposed start dates are as follows:

Phase I - Targeted Start Date Based on Safety and Health Recommendations: June 1, 2020: Supervisors will work with their employees to identify individuals who wish to return to their on-site work environments. The College plans to keep the number of employees returning to their on-site work environments relatively low. Campus directors will utilize Phase I to test and modify as necessary the various safety practices and protocols that will be in place. Most employees will continue to work remotely. Please note that campus directors will be providing details to all employees in relation to the safety and social distancing protocols that will be in place throughout Phase I. Planning for Phases II and III will continue during this time.

Phase II - Targeted Start Date Based on Safety and Health Recommendations: July 1, 2020: Students enrolled in classes that have on-site labs will be allowed on campus. Students also will be allowed to come on campus for student services such as advising, registration, financial aid, campus store purchases, and other services. Students may be required to make appointments. Additional employees will be allowed to return to their on-site work environments upon supervisor approval. Please note that campus directors will be providing details to all employees in relation to the safety and social distancing protocols that will be in place throughout Phase II. Campus directors will continue to plan and prepare for a full return to operations in Phase III based on lessons learned during Phase I.

Phase III - Targeted Start Date Based on Safety and Health Recommendations: August 10, 2020: This is the anticipated date that the College will return to on-site operations with the appropriate safety protocols and practices based on the official health recommendations in place at the time. Supervisors will have the flexibility to allow those who have health issues that place them in a higher risk category to continue to work remotely. It is anticipated that the College will have on-site classes as shown in the current 2020 Fall Class Schedule. Details in relation to the specific safety protocols, practices and alternative plans will be provided by campus directors over the next several weeks. Alternative plans could include a return to a virtual/remote environment similar to what took place during the Spring Semester.

Please note that detailed planning and preparation for all three phases continues and that the College will be communicating these details as they become available. The multi-phased Return to Operations Plan will be dynamic and responsive to changes in safety and health recommendations over the next several weeks. The number and length of the phases needed to reach a full return to on-site operations may vary. We appreciate your patience and support as we prepare for a phased return-to-operations approach.

If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor. You also are encouraged to visit the College's COVID-19 website https://www.southeast.edu/covid-19/ that includes frequent College updates as well as links to the websites of state and local health authorities.

Thank you for your continued patience. The College is committed to transparent and frequent communication to ensure the safety and wellness of its employees, students and communities.

Monday, May 11, 2020: Students – Summer Term II

A message about the 2020 Summer Term II:

Southeast Community College will continue to provide the highest quality educational experience during this evolving COVID-19 situation. Please read this important information regarding 2020 Summer Term II classes that begin July 1.

• Lecture-based courses that begin July 1 will be delivered online either synchronously at their designated time via Zoom and/or asynchronously with no designated standard meeting times.
  NOTE: Please contact your course instructor for online/virtual course format and time requirements.
• Lab classes will be delivered face-to-face with a maximum of 10 students in the lab at one time. Faculty will work on a lab schedule that follows recommended social distancing and safety practices.
• Off-site clinicals, practicums and co-ops will be delivered dependent upon site availability and faculty and administrator approval.
• Details regarding Personal Protective Equipment and other requirements will be shared at a later date.

There may be some exceptions that allow for a limited number of students to access campus locations in-person. Those exceptions will be communicated at a later date.

Thank you for your continued patience. SCC is committed to the safety and well-being of our students, employees and communities.

The College continues the practice of all employees working remotely, except those designated to be on-site due to their respective position, until further notice.

Status of the College’s Operations in Relation to the COVID-19 Situation: No change

We will keep you informed of any changes in official recommendations/orders that would allow the College to return to normal on-site operations. If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor. You also are encouraged to visit the College’s COVID-19 website https://www.southeast.edu/covid-19/ that includes frequent College updates as well as links to the websites of state and local health authorities.

Also, if you have not already done so, please go to https://www.testnebraska.com/en and help Nebraska get back on track with statewide COVID-19 testing.

Thank you for your continued patience. The College is committed to transparent and frequent communication to ensure the safety and wellness of its employees, students and communities.

The College continues the practice of all employees working remotely, except those designated to be on-site due to their respective position, until further notice.

Status of the College’s Operations in Relation to the COVID-19 Situation: No change

We will keep you informed of any changes in official recommendations/orders that would allow the College to return to normal on-site operations. If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor. You also are encouraged to visit the College’s COVID-19 website https://www.southeast.edu/covid-19/ that includes frequent College updates as well as links to the websites of state and local health authorities.

Also, if you have not already done so, please go to https://www.testnebraska.com/en and help Nebraska get back on track with statewide COVID-19 testing.

Thank you for your continued patience. The College is committed to transparent and frequent communication to ensure the safety and wellness of its employees, students and communities.

Thursday, April 30, 2020: Students – Return of Computer Assets
Tuesday, April 28, 2020: Employees/Students – Go to TestNebraska.com
Monday, April 27, 2020: Employees – Status of College Operations
Tuesday, April 14, 2020: Employees – Continue Working Remotely
Friday, April 10, 2020: Students – Summer Plans Prior to July 1
Thursday, April 9, 2020: Students – Summer Plans Prior to July 1
Friday, April 3, 2020: Employees – Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Thursday, April 2, 2020: Employees – Explanation of Leave Plans
Wednesday, April 1, 2020: Students/Employees – Spring Graduation Ceremony Cancelled

Thursday, April 30, 2020: Students – Return of Computer Assets

Dear SCC Student.
We hope this finds you safe and healthy. Please read this communication as it pertains to the return of College computer assets loaned to you during the 2020 Spring Semester.

We hope this finds you safe and healthy. Please read this communication as it pertains to the return of College computer assets loaned to you during the 2020 Spring Semester.

When: May 7-15 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Where: We will provide totes at the sentry point for drop-off.

• Campus drop-off points:
• Beatrice: Kennedy Center LRC East Door. Knock or call 402-228-8224 or 402-228-8133.
• Lincoln: 8800 O St., Northeast entrance, T Section
• Milford: Eicher Technical Center, W3

NOTE: Please be aware that all data on these returned devices will be deleted.

SCC Help Desk
Phone: 402-437-2447
Email: helpdesk@southeast.edu
Website: Helpdesk.southeast.edu

Tuesday, April 28, 2020: Employees/Students – Go to TestNebraska.com

Monday’s communication mentioned Gov. Ricketts’ encouragement that all Nebraskans take a health assessment.
He sent this reminder Monday afternoon:

• Nebraskans have completed about 89,000 assessments as of Monday morning.
• We need every Nebraskan to go to TestNebraska.com right now and to fill out this quick assessment
• The first two Test Nebraska testing sites are expected to be Grand Island and Omaha later this week.
  • We need people not just in these cities, but in the surrounding areas, to take the assessment now.
  • We will begin contacting folks to schedule testing in the near future.
• Additionally, I want to let folks know that the assessment is now available in Spanish.
• Again, the website is TestNebraska.com. After taking the assessment, please go on social media and use #TestNebraskaChallenge to challenge five friends to do the same!

Thank you for your continued patience. The College is committed to transparent and frequent communication to ensure the safety and wellness of its employees, students and communities.

Monday, April 27, 2020: Employees – Status of College Operations

The College continues the practice of all employees working remotely, except those designated to be on-site due to their respective position, until further notice.

Status of the College’s Operations in Relation to the COVID-19 Situation: No change

We will keep you informed of any changes in official recommendations/orders that would allow the College to return to normal on-site operations. If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor. You also are encouraged to visit the College’s COVID-19 website that includes frequent College updates as well as links to the websites of state and local health authorities.

Gov. Ricketts is encouraging all Nebraskans to take a health assessment. Take the assessment so that officials can better understand what is currently going on in Nebraska.

Thank you for your continued patience. The College is committed to transparent and frequent communication to ensure the safety and wellness of its employees, students and communities.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020: Employees – Continue Working Remotely

We hope this finds you healthy and safe as Southeast Community College continues to deliver classes and services in an online/virtual format.

The College will continue the practice of all employees working remotely, except those designated to be on-site due to their respective position, until further notice.

On April 10, SCC students were informed that all 2020 Summer Term classes that begin prior to July 1 will be delivered in an online/virtual format. Delivery of classes taught in the Summer Term II (5-week session) that begins July 1 will be determined at a later date

The College will keep employees informed of any changes in official recommendations/orders that would allow the College to return to normal on-site operations. If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor. You also are encouraged to visit the College’s COVID-19 website that includes frequent College updates as well as links to the websites of state and local health authorities.

Thank you for your continued patience. The College is committed to transparent and frequent communication to ensure the safety and wellness of its employees, students and communities.

Friday, April 10, 2020: Students – Summer Plans Prior to July 1

A message about the 2020 Summer Term:

Southeast Community College will continue to provide the highest quality educational experience during this evolving COVID-19 situation. Please read this important information regarding 2020 Summer Term classes.

All classes taught in the following 2020 Summer Terms will be delivered in an online/virtual format:

• Summer Term 3-week pre-session that begins May 18
• Summer Term 10-week session that begins May 27
• Summer Term I (5-week session) that begins May 27
• Summer Term 8-week session that begins May 27

Please contact your course instructor for online/virtual course format and time requirements.

Note: Delivery of classes taught in the Summer Term II (5-week session) that begins July 1 will be determined at a later date.

Thank you for your continued patience. SCC is committed to the safety and well-being of our students, employees and communities.

Thursday, April 9, 2020: Students – Summer Plans Prior to July 1

Southeast Community College will provide students the highest quality educational experience as classes and services continue to be delivered in an online/virtual format. All classes in the 2020 Summer Terms with start dates PRIOR to July 1 will be delivered virtually. Delivery of classes taught in the Summer Term II (5-week session) that begins July 1 will be determined at a later date.

SCC is committed to the safety and well-being of its students, employees and communities. The College continues the practice of all employees working remotely, except the few employees designated to be on-site due to their respective position.

Thank you for your continued patience.

Friday, April 3, 2020: Employees – Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Good afternoon.

Blue Cross/Blue Shield has announced someimportant updates.

Thursday, April 2, 2020: Employees – Explanation of Leave Plans

Good afternoon.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SCC continues its commitment to its employees’ health and safety. The College has already rolled out two additional leave plans, and both comply and/or exceed the federal requirements of the recently passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

1. Reduction in Hours Leave (exceeds FFCRA) is eligible upon request by supervisors for employees who have faced a reduction in their work hours due to the College’s modified operations or the employees’ inability to work remotely/telework.

2. Temporary Emergency Leave (complies with FFCRA) is eligible for all employees who require leave due to a COVID-19 related illness or quarantine order for themselves or family member or to care for the employee’s child. Child is defined by the law as the employee’s son or daughter, or the employee serves as a proxy parent to the child. The leave amount is based on the employees’ average hours worked in a two-week period.

Additionally, the College will offer a third leave option to further comply with FFCRA to support employees:

3. Expanded FMLA leave: Under the FFCRA, an employee qualifies for additional paid leave if the employee is unable to work (or unable to telework) due to a need for leave because the employee:

1. Is subject to a federal, state, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19;
2. Has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19;
3. Is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis;
4. Is caring for an individual subject to an order described in (1) or self-quarantine as described in (2);
5. Is caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed (or child care provider is unavailable) for reasons related to COVID-19; or
6. Is experiencing any other substantially-similar condition specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Treasury.

Full details regarding the federally mandated Expanded FMLA leave is available on Department of Labor website, or simply open the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Full details also can be found on employee eligibility information and length and compensation of the leave information. Expanded FMLA does not apply to non-COVID-19 related FMLA requests or approvals either active/pending or future.

If you have questions or need to apply for Expanded FMLA, please contact Human Resources at hr@southeast.edu.

Wednesday, April 1, 2020: Students/Employees – Spring Graduation Ceremony Cancelled

SCC’s 2020 Spring Semester Graduation Ceremony Cancelled

Commencement is a time of celebration for students and their families. At this time, Southeast Community College, in compliance with a Directed Health Measure ordered by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department as it relates to COVID-19, announces the cancellation of its 2020 Spring Semester Commencement ceremony. The ceremony was originally scheduled for May 6. The DHM, effective through May 6, prohibits gatherings for any reason of more than 10 people in single spaces.

Following is additional important information for SCC students:

• Alternatives to the traditional ceremony are being explored. More information will be shared at a later date.
• Degrees will be awarded and diplomas mailed once all requirements have been completed.

We look forward to planning an event to honor our graduates.

Tuesday, March 31, 2020: Employees/Students – Travel Recommendations
Monday, March 30, 2020: Students – Welcome Back From Spring Break
Friday, March 27, 2020: Students/Employees – Student Emergency Fund Created
Wednesday, March 25, 2020: Employees – Reduction in Hours Leave
Monday, March 23, 2020: Students/Employees – SCC Facilities Closing
Friday, March 20, 2020: Students/Employees – Continuing Education Class Update
Wednesday, March 18, 2020: Employees – Facility Use By External Groups
Tuesday, March 17, 2020: Employees – Emergency Leave Plan
Saturday, March 14, 2020: Students – Communication Remainder of Semester
Friday, March 13, 2020: Students – General Communication
Wednesday, March 11, 2020: Employees – Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Tuesday, March 10, 2020: Employees – Travel
Monday, March 9, 2020: Employees/Students – General Communication

Tuesday, March 31, 2020: Employees/Students – Travel Recommendations

To help protect the health and safety of our College community and help prevent the spread of COVID-19, please adhere to the following:

1. If, during travel, you had close contact with someone with COVID-19, stay home to self-monitor your health and avoid contact with others for up to 14 days after travel. Cases of COVID-19 have been reported in all states, and many areas are experiencing community spread of the disease.
2. If you come in close contact with someone who has returned from a location experiencing widespread COVID-19, you may be required to stay home to self-monitor your health and avoid contact with others for up to 14 days. Crowded travel settings, including airports, may increase chances of getting COVID-19.

As a reminder, you may use SCC’s new temporary Emergency Leave Allowance, which provides employees up to two weeks of paid leave for both full-time and part-time employees to:

1. Quarantine or seek a diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus;
2. Care for a family member for such purposes;
3. Care for a child whose school has closed;
4. Care for a child if the childcare provider is unavailable due to the coronavirus.

Monday, March 30, 2020: Students – Welcome Back From Spring Break

Welcome Back!

We hope you have been able to recharge your battery the past two weeks and are ready to resume the 2020 Spring Semester.

SCC faculty and staff have diligently prepared for the transition to a dynamic, interactive and high-quality virtual environment. Following is important information for ALL SCC students, including credit, non-credit, continuing education, ESL, and Adult Education:

1. All classes, labs and services will be delivered virtually beginning Monday, March 30, through the end of the semester.
2. Access your courses in Canvas at https://mycourses.southeast.edu.
3. Read announcements from your instructors on how to get started.
4. For a list of support services and how to access them, go to www.southeast.edu/covid-19. Toward the top of the page under Virtual Learning Extended Through Spring Semester, you’ll see important information for you in various areas.
5. Based on recommendations from health authorities, ALL SCC FACILITIES ARE CLOSED TO STUDENTS AND THE PUBLIC until further notice.
6. The Lincoln Campus daycare remains open.
7. Adult Education/GED/ESL students, please call 402-437-2840 with any questions you have and to learn next steps.
8. A COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund has been established to support SCC students and their families who are, or could soon be, in need of emergency funds as a result of the global health crisis. The Application Process and Selection Criteria are being developed. Check back to www.southeast.edu/covid-19 for updates. Donations are being accepted.

Southeast Community College is committed to the safety and well-being of our students, employees and communities. We are committed to ensuring all students navigate this time with support and compassion.

If you have any questions, please send us an email to covid19@southeast.edu.

Thank you.

Friday, March 27, 2020: Students/Employees – Student Emergency Fund Created

The Southeast Community College Educational Foundation has created the SCC COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund to support SCC students and their families who are, or could soon be, in need of emergency funds as a result of the global COVID-19 health crisis. Please consider a monetary gift to this fund so that this crisis does not undermine the education of our students and their futures.

You may make a secure donation online.

or, if you wish, you may send a check, payable to the SCC Educational Foundation, and mail it to:

SCC Educational Foundation
301 S. 68th St. Place
Lincoln, NE 68510

Thank you for your consideration.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020: Employees – Reduction in Hours Leave

Thank you for your patience as the situation and details regarding COVID-19 and its impact continues to unfold and change. Please read the following information pertaining to our continued operations and compensation.

SCC plans to do everything possible to provide employees with job reassignments in the event that the employee’s job is deemed no longer necessary or is subject to a reduction in hours due to the COVID-19 global health crisis.

The College is currently on a Modified Level of Operation, with many employees performing their responsibilities remotely, while a limited number of employees work on-site. If an employee’s job is deemed no longer necessary or is subject to a reduction in hours due to the global health crisis related to COVID-19, SCC will attempt to reassign employees to other responsibilities. If the College is unable to identify an appropriate reassignment, it will provide a one-time leave allocation “Reduction in Hours Leave.” This leave will be available beginning Saturday, March 28, 2020.

• Full-time employees are entitled to a maximum of 80 hours at their regular rate of pay;
• Part-time employees (regular, temporary, student) are entitled to the hours in the amount the employee normally works, on average, in a two- (2) week period at their regular rate of pay at a maximum.
• If the employee reaches the maximum hour limit as outlined above, the employee may choose to use accrued vacation and personal leave for any hours the employee is unable to work.

Please consult with your supervisor to ensure the “Reduction in Hours Leave” is properly recorded and reported to payroll.

Approved March 25, 2020

Also, as outlined below, the following Temporary Emergency Leave Plan was approved last week to address the national health crisis related to COVID-19:

Southeast Community Temporary Emergency Leave Plan

Recognizing the potential for increased time off by employees during the current COVID-19 global health crisis, the College will implement the following temporary Emergency Leave Plan.

The Emergency Leave will provide employees leave to:

• Quarantine or seek a diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus;
• Care for a family member for such purposes;
• Care for a child whose school has closed;
• Care for a child if the childcare provider is unavailable due to the coronavirus.

The one-time temporary Emergency Leave will expire December 31, 2020 and will not be available for carry-over or for uses not related to the current COVID-19 health crisis.

Administrative responsibility for implementing, monitoring and interpreting this temporary leave allowance is assigned to the Vice President for Human Resources, in consultation with the SCC President and the Area Administration Team.

Approved by Administrative Team
March 16, 2020

Questions? Please contact one of the following:
Joy Steckly at jsteckly@southeast.edu
Nancy Colton at ncolton@southeast.edu
Sarah Kramer at skramer@southeast.edu

Southeast Community College is committed to the safety and well-being of our students, employees and communities. The College will continue to provide the highest quality educational experience as it transitions to a virtual environment during this evolving COVID-19 situation.

To ensure you are aware of the latest updates, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 website: https://www.southeast.edu/covid-19/.

Thank you.

Monday, March 23, 2020: Students/Employees – SCC Facilities Closing

Students:

Thank you for your patience as the situation and details regarding COVID-19 and its impact continues to unfold and change.

Based on new recommendations from state and local health authorities, all SCC facilities will be closed to students and the public, and all services, classes, and labs will be delivered virtually.

To ensure you are prepared to continue the 2020 Spring Semester on March 30, please review the following items and please contact your instructor if you have questions.

Important Information for ALL SCC Students, including Credit, Non-Credit, Continuing Education, ESL, and Adult Education:

1. ALL Southeast Community College facilities will be closed to students and the general public effective at 5 p.m. Monday, March 23, until further notice.
2. The Lincoln Campus daycare remains open as of Monday, March 23, 2020.
3. ALL student services will be conducted virtually.
4. Adult Education/GED/ESL students, please call 402-437-2840 with questions and to learn next steps.
5. Classes and labs resume Monday, March 30, in an online/virtual format.
6. Access your courses in Canvas.
7. Read announcement(s) from your instructor on how to get started.
8. More details will be shared prior to March 30.

Southeast Community College is committed to the safety and well-being of our students, employees and communities. The College will continue to provide the highest quality educational experience as it transitions to a virtual environment during this evolving COVID-19 situation.

To ensure you are aware of the latest updates, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 webpage.

Questions? Please send an email to sosterthun@southeast.edu.

Faculty/Staff

Thank you for your patience as the situation and details regarding COVID-19 and its impact continues to unfold and change.

Based on new recommendations from state and local health authorities, all SCC facilities will be closed to students and the public, and all services, classes, and labs will be delivered virtually.

Important information for all SCC employees:

1. ALL Southeast Community College facilities will be closed to students and the general public effective at 5 p.m. Monday, March 23, until further notice.
2. The Lincoln Campus daycare remains open at this time.
3. All employees should arrange to work from home (remotely) unless their job duties are such that they must be present. Please communicate with your supervisor in advance if you have questions regarding working remotely or whether you should report to your SCC workplace.
4. Employees who must be at their SCC workplace are allowed into facilities at this time.
5. ALL student services will be conducted virtually.
6. More details will be shared prior to March 30.

Southeast Community College is committed to the safety and well-being of our students, employees and communities. The College will continue to provide the highest quality educational experience as it transitions to a virtual environment during this evolving COVID-19 situation.

To ensure you are aware of the latest updates, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 webpage.

Questions? Please send an email to sosterthun@southeast.edu.

Friday, March 20, 2020: Students/Employees – Continuing Education Class Update

• All non-credit classes are cancelled through April 30.
• Continuing Education and non-credit classes will resume May 1.

See past updates

Wednesday, March 18, 2020: Employees – Facility Use By External Groups

Southeast Community College is taking sensible steps to keep the College and its 15-county service area protected as status of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) changes. Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on meetings and travel, SCC is suspending use of its facilities to external community groups now through April 30.

This suspension applies to all College campuses and locations and its timeframe impacts:

• Community-hosted meetings or events at SCC facilities.
• College-hosted meetings or events involving community guests at SCC facilities.
• New facility-use requests and reservations until further notice.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020: Employees – Emergency Leave Plan

As Dr. Illich announced yesterday, the College has created a new Emergency Leave Benefit that provides two weeks of paid leave for both full-time and part-time employees. The leave applies to employees who may need to be in quarantine or receiving treatment for coronavirus, care for a family member, care for a child whose school has closed, or care for a child if the childcare provider is unavailable due to the coronavirus. The new leave policy is effective immediately and will be available in WebAdvisor tomorrow, March 18, 2020, to begin submitting request for use.

Below are instructions on how to submit a request for Emergency Leave. Additional guidance will be provided soon to part-time employees on how to record leave in Webtime Entry.

1. Full- and Part-time employees will submit Emergency Leave through WebAdvisor on The Hub Employees/Employee Profile/Leave Requests.
2. The employee will select Emergency Leave and complete the required fields* for each date(s) for leave to be applied.
3. Note: Part-time employees’ available balance will initially be set at 40 hours. A one-time adjustment will be made to each employee’s available emergency leave balance to reflect the actual average hours worked over a two-week period. This one-time adjustment will be made as soon as possible.

Bruce Tangeman
Vice President for Human Resources
Southeast Community College
Lincoln, NE.
402-323-3408

Temporary Emergency Leave Plan

Recognizing the potential for increased time off by employees during the current COVID 19 national health crisis, the College will implement the following temporary Emergency Leave Allowance.

The Emergency Leave will provide employees leave to:

• Quarantine or seek a diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus;
• Care for a family member for such purposes;
• Care for a child whose school has closed;
• Care for a child if the childcare provider is unavailable due to the coronavirus.

The Emergency Leave Allowance is defined below:

• Full-time employees are entitled to a maximum of 80 hours;
• Part-time employees (regular, temporary, student) are entitled to hours in the amount the employee normally works, on average, in a two (2) week period

The one-time temporary Emergency Leave will expire December 31, 2020 and will not be available for carry-over or for uses not related to the current COVID-19 health crisis.

Administrative responsibility for implementing, monitoring and interpreting this temporary leave allowance is assigned to the Vice President for Human Resources, in consultation with the SCC President and the Area Administration Team.

Approved by Administrative Team
Effective - March 16, 2020

Saturday, March 14, 2020: Students – Communication Remainder of Semester

Following is information regarding the next couple of weeks:

March 16-20:

1. All classes have been cancelled with the following possible exceptions:
   1. Dual-credit classes, online and face-to-face, taught by high school instructors, as long as the high school remains open.
   2. Online dual-credit classes taught by SCC instructors.
   3. Clinicals, practicums, co-ops, and Professional Truck Driver Training may be held dependent upon site availability and faculty and administrator approval. Please contact your instructor for additional information.
2. All SCC locations will be open and services available.
3. Faculty will use this time to prepare as much instruction as possible for an online format beginning March 30.

March 23-27:

1. Spring Break. No classes will be held with the following possible exceptions:
   1. Clinicals, practicums, co-ops, and Professional Truck Driver Training may be held dependent upon site availability and faculty and administrator approval. Please contact your instructor for additional information.
2. All SCC locations will be open and services available.

March 30:

1. Classes resume, most in an online format.
2. Classes with labs may have a modified schedule. Please contact your instructor for additional information regarding your labs.

Friday, March 13, 2020: Students – General Communication

Dear Students,
As announced in yesterday’s communication to all students, Southeast Community College has cancelled all classes the week of March 16-20. This is a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus to susceptible individuals in our community, to ensure the health and well-being of our students and employees, and to help reduce the strain on our public health system.

During the week of March 16-20, faculty and staff will use the time to convert face-to-face courses to an online format where possible. Faculty and staff will also develop a plan for the continuation of technical and lab-based courses and to finalize a plan for continued campus services. This communication provides you with the additional details we promised yesterday as we work together to meet your educational needs during this challenging time in our communities.

As we know, this is a rapidly changing situation, and we will be making decisions based on the current information we have which has the potential for changing daily, even hourly. We will continue to provide all students with consistent and transparent communication as partners in our response and ask that you continue to stay in contact with SCC, your instructors, advisors, and others who support you in your educational endeavors.

All students, faculty and staff returning from international travel must contact Human Resources to begin the screening process prior to the return to campus.

Instruction:

SCC will use the week of March 16-20 to help faculty continue to prepare to convert their face-to-face courses to an online format and to identify potential opportunities for technical programs. There are two potential exceptions in regard to cancellations of classes:

• Dual-credit classes taught by high school instructors will continue.
• In addition, clinicals, practicums, co-ops and Professional Truck Driver Training could be held during the weeks of March 16-20 and March 23-27 dependent upon site availability and faculty and administrator approval.

Residence Life (Beatrice & Milford Campuses):

• We will continue to provide service to all students living in on-campus housing, including dining (with the originally planned exception of March 21-29 Spring Break).
• For students choosing to leave on-campus housing and not return after spring break, please be certain to check out with the Residence Life Manager before leaving.
• Residence life activities may be revised, curtailed, or canceled to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and ensuring no gatherings of more than 25 people.
• Residence Life and Safety and Security staff will remain on campus as usual and provide consistent service and communication to our residents.

Campus Services:

• All campus services will be open and available to students at all SCC locations. Like classes, some services may be available remotely, and there may be times staff are reduced and/or rotated on site to ensure consistency with social distancing strategies within our facilities.
• At this time, we will maintain the same hours of service, but there may be times when they could vary. We will provide updates as needed if services or hours change.
• Wellness centers will remain open but with stricter rules such as the number of people in the space at one time, personal hygiene expectations, strict adherence to cleaning of equipment, etc. This information will be posted in the centers.
• The campus libraries will remain open however, some services and hours may be limited or accessible remotely.
• Students needing access to Wi-Fi and/or computers to complete their classwork online are welcome to come to campus to use computer labs. We will provide additional cleaning products to allow you to clean equipment both before and after use.
• Student advising will continue but may be done remotely. More information on accessing advising services will be announced.
• Keeping social distancing in mind for the health and well-being of all students, for those who remain in the residence halls, we may begin taking appropriate measures to look at how we might separate students, with less than four to a room, depending upon space.
• Counseling services remain available on the Beatrice, Lincoln and Milford campuses. More details will be forthcoming on specific hours of availability.
• Safety and Security Staff will still be present on campus.
• The decision to hold other scheduled on-campus events will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether it has a group of 25 or more. The final decision to proceed, postpone, or cancel will be made by the appropriate Vice President or Campus Director.

The goal of switching to remote/reduced contact learning is to do everything possible to not disadvantage our students. Due to the rapidly changing nature of this situation, campus leaders are continually evaluating conditions at our respective locations. Updates will be regularly provided on the SCC website dedicated to COVID-19 and through email and SCC Regroup. If you have not signed up for Regroup, please do so by going to The Hub and selecting “Regroup” from the Apps/Bookmarks section along the right side of the screen. Please continue to stay informed personally and take care of yourselves and one another during this time. Follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and follow personal hygiene practices. If you become ill, please contact your physician and follow their directions. Additional resources to help manage response to this pandemic are provided below:

• 7 science-based strategies to cope with coronavirus anxiety (The Conversation website)—suggestions based on psychological science to help with anxiety
• Tips for Managing Stress and Worries (The Jed Foundation)

Southeast Community College is committed to continue to offer the highest quality education programs and services. Thank you for your continued patience as we resiliently work together to address this global pandemic and ensure our campuses and our communities remain safe.

Thursday, March 12, 2020: Employees/Students – Message from SCC President Dr. Paul Illich

Following is a message from SCC President Dr. Paul Illich:

As you know, the College has been carefully monitoring and responding to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation over the last several days. Based on input and recommendations from local health authorities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other institutions of higher education, Southeast Community College is canceling all classes the week of March 16-20. This decision is consistent with the recommended practice of social distancing and the College’s commitment to the health and well-being of its students and employees. Although the College will not be having classes, all College locations will remain open, and services will be available for students. During this week, faculty will prepare to convert their face-to-face courses to an online format. For technical/lab courses, faculty will use this time to identify how to continue to offer face-to-face lab opportunities. All other College employees will continue to perform their respective responsibilities.

The College will be providing additional details to faculty, staff and students in the next few days in regard to how the various divisions will deliver services in alignment with safe practices, including social distancing. I greatly appreciate your patience and support during this rapidly developing situation. The College will continue to provide frequent, reflective and transparent communication. I want to thank you all for helping each other during this challenging time. If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to your supervisor for more information. As always, thank you for everything you do for SCC.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020: Employees – Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Blue Cross/Blue Shield will provide additional coverage at no cost for services such as Telehealth and testing. For complete details go to NebraskaBlue.com/Coronavirus.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020: Employees – Travel

Following is information related to SCC employee travel:

• As COVID-19 remains a rapidly changing situation, please consider if you are comfortable traveling to a region that may be experiencing an outbreak of the virus, and consider the cost to the College should you choose to cancel your travel.
• If you choose to cancel your College-related travel, immediately communicate this change with your supervisor and inform Lisa St. Louis or Stacey Barnard-Dorn to ensure all costs can be recuperated to the greatest extent possible.
• Please consider the health risk and logistical challenges that may be encountered, including that regulatory agencies may require self-isolation for 14 days after traveling to or through an affected area. Customs agents are reporting international travelers arriving from affected countries to state departments of health for this purpose.

Domestic Travel

Exercise caution and check for the latest information available for your specific destination. While the CDC does not recommend canceling or postponing travel to destinations with Level 1 travel notices (this currently includes domestic travel in the U.S.) because the risk of transmission is considered low, some areas are reporting increasing levels of local transmission. The CDC site for states reporting cases of COVID-19 to CDC can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

• Employees who have been pre-approved for College-related travel, and if travel reservations have been made and confirmed, are required to review their travel plans with their supervisor.
• All new College-related travel requests, regardless of destination, must be approved by one of the following administrators:
  • Faculty and Instructional Staff: Dennis Headrick and/or Bruce Exstrom
  • Student Organizations and Clubs: Bev Cummins
  • Staff: Amy Jorgens
  • Athletic Staff: Bob Morgan
• A completed P-17 Professional Leave Form also must be approved.
• As per College Policy, all SCC travel arrangements should be made through the Purchasing Department travel contact. Please contact Lisa St. Louis or Stacey Barnard-Dorn to assist with travel reservations.

College-Related International Travel

All College-affiliated international travel will be allowed to countries with a CDC Coronavirus risk level of 1. More information can be found at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.

Personal International Travel

Also, in alignment with our requirements and recommendations for College-related travel, SCC strongly discourages personal international travel, especially to countries with a CDC risk level for coronavirus of 2 or higher.

• Any international travel, or travel to any CDC Level 2 warning area within the United States, must be reported to the Human Resources Office before returning to work.
• To ensure the health and safety of SCC students and employees, all such travelers will be subject to appropriate screening and health monitoring prior to returning to work.

The College’s Incident Command Structure will continue to evaluate travel recommendations and expectations as conditions regarding the COVID-19 evolve.

Monday, March 9, 2020: Employees/Students – General Communication

Please read the following related to communication on a go-forward basis:

• Coronavirus updates will be provided Mondays and Thursdays, or more frequently as needed, until further notice.
• Primary delivery methods will include email, Regroup, The Hub, Canvas, and the public website, depending on the message.
• Depending on the message, communication will be made to students, employees and the general public. In some cases, parents may also will be contacted.

Please read the following related to cleaning SCC locations:

• Cleaning of multiple surfaces with disinfectant products approved for use against COVID-19, including products from brands such as Clorox and Lysol, is taking place.
• Flyers containing facts about COVID-19 are on display.

Please address any questions you may have to Stu Osterthun at sosterthun@southeast.edu.