Wallace State to extend Spring Break for COV-ID 19 precautions

Wallace State Community College, by directive of the Alabama Community College System, and consistent with higher education institutions in Alabama and across the country, will EXTEND SPRING BREAK from Tuesday, March 17, through Friday, April 3, in an effort to protect the health and safety of our communities and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

NOTE: Students should check the College’s website, Blackboard and/or their Wallace State email prior to returning to campus after spring break. Many classes at Wallace State are already available in a hybrid or online environment, and others will be transitioning to these modes of instruction when classes resume after the break.

A plan for compressing time to completion of the semester for students who are enrolled in programs that require competency check-offs, labs, and clinical hours will be communicated with students by their departments.

During the extended spring break, the Wallace State Library, enrollment services, and other student services offices will remain open and available to serve students. Virtual advising is available to students during normal business hours through the Wallace State Advising Center. Tutoring is also available electronically through Upswing. Basic services for students living on campus who do not have alternative accommodations will continue.

The College will consider any exceptions that need to be made during the break on a case-by-case basis for students with unusual academic, apprenticeship, clinical, or other requirements. Following the break, accommodations will be made for students without access to high-speed internet whose classes have transitioned to online instruction.

Travel restrictions for all College-related international and domestic travel continue until further notice. All non-essential College-related meetings, gatherings and events on campus are cancelled for the remainder of the crisis. An interim employee sick leave policy has also been issued.

The COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving and, as a result, our response continues to evolve. Any updates to our schedule, method of class delivery, and interim policies will be communicated via the College’s website, Blackboard, and email. This information will be updated as circumstances require.

REMINDER

Everyone is encouraged to follow CDC guidelines to Stop the Spread of Germs:
1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
5. Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
6. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. (Video)

The College is following CDC Recommendations for Institutions of Higher Education and engaging in enhanced disinfecting practices consistent with CDC recommendations during the duration of this emergency.

CDC flyers about COVID-19 symptoms, facts (Video), and disease prevention (Video) have been posted across campus.

Resources:
www.accs.edu/coronavirus
www.coronavirus.gov
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
www.alabamapublichealth.gov
www.who.org