Campus protocols for Fall 2022 semester

Updated Aug. 15, 2022

As we begin the fall semester 2022, it’s time to update our campus COVID protocols. The following guidelines were developed with input from the Seward County Health Department and recommendations from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Per the advice of these agencies, the best line of defense against COVID infection is to stay home when you feel ill.

According to the latest CDC guidelines, “people who are exposed to the virus no longer need to quarantine at home, regardless of their vaccination status, although they should wear a mask for 10 days and get tested for the virus on Day 5.”

The risks related to COVID have lessened due to the increase in vaccination rates and treatments. However, new variants of the virus seem to be even more contagious and less deadly. Cases among young adults especially have been mild. Our campus response has also shifted.

As always, our priorities are keeping everyone safe (as much as it’s within SCCC’s ability to do so) and keeping campus open for in-person learning. 

Here’s what you need to know about fall semester on the SCCC Campus:

How do I know if I have COVID?

• The local health department recommends vigilant self-monitoring for common symptoms of COVID. To review, these are fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, and sore throat. 
• Testing is no longer available at the Seward County Health Department. There are two options if you are experiencing symptoms: obtain a test (not free, but insurance covers it) at an urgent care clinic or doctor’s office OR do a home test. 
• Students on campus may request a test they can self-administer. To get yours, contact karla.morales@sccc.edu.
• Anyone can keep home tests on hand at no cost by ordering free tests through the U.S. Postal Service. Each household may place up to three orders (with eight tests in each) and they will be delivered to your mailing address.
• Here’s the link to order free COVID tests: https://www.covid.gov/tests

How do I know whether I should stay home?

• The CDC is in the process of updating its advice and isolation calculator tool. For now, regardless of vaccination status, anyone who feels sick and is waiting for a COVID test result, or anyone who tests positive, should stay home.
• Please check the CDC page for updated information as it becomes available: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html#
• People who test positive for the virus should still isolate at home for at least five days. Those who had moderate or severe illness, or are immunocompromised, should isolate through Day 10.
• If you are a student, follow the same process your instructor expects for other absences from class, communicating with them directly via your SCCC student gmail account or via Canvas. 

What is the campus plan?

• Contact tracing is no longer practiced by the county or state health authorities, and SCCC has discontinued use of the COVID reporting tool that was located on our campus website.
• Please refer to this summary of campus protocols and links for guidance. We will continue to update it as information is released by the CDC, KDHE, and Seward County Health Dept.
• The COVID@sccc.edu email address continues to serve as a connection point for anyone who has concerns or questions. If you need help, please let us know!
• If you are concerned about sick leave or missing work, contact your supervisor and HR with questions. 
• Please continue to follow recommended best practices — wash your hands often, avoid close contact with others, cover your coughs or sneezes, and stay home if you feel unwell. 
• Note, the CDC emphasizes that its guidelines about masks have not changed. Health officials recommend that people wear masks indoors in places where community COVID levels are high
• Facilities still has plenty of masks, sanitizer, and air filters on hand. If you need supplies, please file an e-ticket with your request. 

What if I’m still worried about this virus?

• Those who have underlying health conditions or want to avoid possible exposure to infection may opt to continue masking. We are counting on our Saints family spirit to support one another.  
• Instructors (and all employees) can still require masks in their classroom or work area. If you need signs, PR is happy to provide them.
• If you contract COVID, have questions or need support, feel free to email COVID@sccc.edu and we will do our best to help. 
• We are providing links to the latest information from the Seward County Health Department. These are useful for staying abreast of the newest recommendations.

KDHE Full Guidance Document:

https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/134/Isolation–Quarantine-Guidance-and-FAQs-PDF—021522

CDC Recommendations:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/your-health/QI-Guidance-Isolation.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/your-health/QI-Guidance-Quarantine.pdf

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the federal government disbursed emergency funding to colleges and universities through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. As required by law, Seward County Community College distributed funding directly to students and used a portion for COVID-related expenses, submitting quarterly reports.

Click here to view a dynamic dashboard hosted by the United States Department of Education, tracking how SCCC has utilized its HEER funding: https://covid-relief-data.ed.gov/profile/entity/094340338

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