SWOCC & COVID-19, March 16

Updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Southwestern knows that the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout Oregon is of concern to our students, staff and community. Southwestern is committed to providing a safe and healthy educational environment, but recognizes the way we provide service may need to shift for a time in response to recommendations from the Governor, Oregon Health Authority and local health officials, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to help slow the rate of exposure and potential illness. The state does not recommend Oregon’s colleges close at this time. However, Southwestern remains in close contact with state officials, as the situation is changing daily. Student housing and campus services will remain open and be operating with normal hours and services during spring break. The college will implement recommended preventative measures and closures as mandated by state and federal agencies. Actions being taken at Southwestern: Spring Term Classes: Southwestern will shift to remote/online learning tools, where feasible, rather than in-person classes, effective March 30 through April 8. At that time, the college will re-assess the situation. To speak with someone about: Spring term registration or classes – Coos Campus: (541) 888-7405 | Curry Campus: (541) 813-1667.  Student Housing/Dining Services, call (541) 888-7611. Athletic Information, call (541) 888-7208. GED and hands-on CTE programs and labs will continue in-person, but Southwestern will implement social distancing measures to maintain a distance of 3 feet between individuals. The CDC defines Social Distancing as avoiding crowds and mass public gatherings, and when possible, maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet from others. Social distancing also means staying home when ill, avoiding contact with people who have symptoms of illness, and not shaking hands.  Spring Term Community Education: Classes will be on a two-week delayed start of April 13. The college will re-assess the situation on April 8 and notify community members of further changes. Computer labs: All computer labs will be open and available on the Coos and Curry campuses. Library: The library on the Coos Campus will remain open regular hours. Cafeteria: Dining services on the Coos Campus will be available only for students in campus housing. The cafeteria will offer limited food selections to include “grab-and-go” and prepackaged products. Public gatherings: There will be NO large public gatherings/events with more than 250 people, effective immediately, through April 8, 2020. This may impact some college events over the next four weeks. Athletics: The Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) has suspended all spring sports competition until April 13, 2020. For further information please contact the athletic department at swoccathletics@socc.edu or (541) 888-7208. Campus events and activities: Southwestern will cancel college-associated gatherings and group activities that do not allow for individuals to maintain a distance of 3 feet or more from one another (referred to as social distancing).  Travel: Southwestern will limit all non-essential travel, including in- and out-of-state, as well as limit all non-essential meetings above 20 people. Zoom will be used to minimize in-person meetings. Southwestern will continue to re-evaluate the situation based on recommendations from the state and local health authorities, and the CDC to make updates as appropriate. We urge everyone to take personal responsibility to protect your health and others. Wash your hands frequently with soap and lukewarm water. Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms of illness. If you take prescription medications, make sure you have at least a two-week supply. If you have an approved Emotional Support Animal or assistance animal on campus, ensure you have enough food and medicine for it. Southwestern’s priority is to provide students and staff with a safe learning environment. Thank you for your support and sharing the responsibility for the health of our community.