Path to Fall Semester 2020
Guiding Principles
This plan provides a path forward for fall semester, designed to accommodate the dynamic environment we are facing and enable us to adapt to changes in the prevalence of COVID-19 in Brainerd, Staples and throughout Minnesota.
At CLC, we are committed to providing the highest-quality education, developing a safe environment for our students, employees and visitors, and serving the central Minnesota region.
Keeping students safe and healthy is our primary goal. We are ready to open our doors to students with a strong safety plan in place.
Health and Wellness
We’re in this together
Wearing cloth masks at all times when inside college buildings is mandatory, except when alone in a private office or eating in a campus dining facility. Wearing cloth masks outdoors is required when social distancing isn’t possible.
Keeping social distance (at least 6 feet) and hand hygiene remain crucial.
Daily symptom screenings are required for students and employees to help keep the campus community safer. Please use CLC’s screening webpage before going to class or going to campus. www.clcmn.edu/selfscreen
Campus Operations
Running CLC Safely
CLC is committed to keeping the campus community healthy while learning, living, teaching and working.
The college maintenance department focuses additional daily efforts on cleaning high touch areas such as door handles, vending machines, copy machines, community computers and equipment, money machines and restrooms. All classrooms and work areas will be provided disinfecting sprays and rags or disinfecting wipes to clean areas of concern between customers or classes. Hand sanitizer stations are located at the entrances of the buildings and areas that are high traffic.
The CLC air-handling systems ensure the best efficiency, providing the most fresh air exchanges possible as needed for the situation.
Academics
Teaching and learning may look different, as we allow flexible options for students.
Fall semester starts as planned on August 24 and the college will follow the normal Academic Calendar through December.
Students now have even more options to personalize their education with new class delivery methods, including fully remote, fully on campus and options in between.
Classrooms will look different to allow for social distancing.
FAQs
Will I need to wear a face covering while on campus?
Following the guidance of public health organizations, all CLC students, employees and visiting community members will be required to wear face coverings in all campus buildings. Exceptions include private offices or while eating in the cafeteria. Students and employees will receive one complimentary CLC face covering.
How will we follow social distancing guidelines on campus?
In order to observe continued social distancing guidelines, the college is developing social distancing logistics/procedures for each learning, living and communal space on campus. Classes will be taught in a combination of in-person and online, and all in-person classes will be scheduled in larger rooms to aid in social distancing.
Social distancing will also be critical in spaces outside of the classroom. For example, furniture in communal spaces will be rearranged to ensure social distancing is observed as much as possible.
What does this mean for those planning to live in student housing this fall?
CLC’s Parkway Apartments will be open and the college is working quickly to continue to provide a home on campus to our students – while also prioritizing our community members’ health and well-being as it relates to COVID-19.
Will there be temperature checks or coronavirus testing on campus?
All students, employees and campus visitors are required to complete self-screening each day before coming to campus. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay home and contact your medical provider.
What is the plan for keeping learning and working spaces disinfected when everyone returns to campus in August?
CLC Facilities Management has increased cleaning and sanitization procedures. Staff focus additional daily efforts on cleaning high touch areas such as door handles, vending machines, copy machines, community computers and equipment, money machines and restrooms. All classrooms and work areas will be provided disinfecting sprays and rags or disinfecting wipes to clean areas of concern between customers or classes. Hand sanitizer stations are located at the entrances of the buildings and areas that are high traffic.
Will other events – concerts, athletics, live performances – take place this fall?
CLC is monitoring guidance from the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health. Detailed schedules and plans related athletics, concerts, and other events – as well as safety protocols designed to protect the health of event participants – will be released in the coming weeks.
What changes are happening in offices around campus to help protect people?
Offices that provide services to the public are being provided transaction barriers, stickers and signs that provide physical distancing directives and hand sanitizer. All employees and students are also required to wear face coverings.
Do I need to wear a face covering in restrooms and elevators?
Yes. Face coverings are required in all public areas of campus buildings, including elevators, restrooms, hallways and corridors.
Are drinking fountains and bottle filling stations going to be available and are they safe to use?
Drinking fountains and bottle stations will be available and will be disinfected daily.
Are restrooms going to be cleaned more often?
Custodians will perform at least one deep cleaning per day.
Is the air inside classrooms safe?
HVAC systems constantly circulate air through the buildings. CLC has Digital Data Control systems that allow staff to monitor the HVAC systems 24/7 from anywhere. This system insures the systems are working as efficiently as possible, providing the most fresh air exchanges possible as needed for the situation.
How is physical distancing going to work in classrooms?
Classes will be taught in larger classrooms or will have fewer students to allow for social distancing.
What tools and resources do I need for online learning?
Students can access all remote services here: https://www.clcmn.edu/remoteservices/.
I don’t have a computer at home. How do I complete my online coursework?
Students have access to computers in the computer lab and in the Learning Commons during regular building hours.
What if I need academic help during this time?
All of our student success services are still available, both in person and online. To access in-person services, call 218-855-8000 or to access remote student services, please visit https://www.clcmn.edu/remoteservices/.
Will student loans still be available if classes continue to be taught online this fall?
Whether in person or online, all federal aid financial (including grants and loans) will still be available as usual to students based on their fall enrollment.
Are campus tours still being offered for prospective students?
Yes! You can choose between virtual or in-person tours. Sign up here: https://www.clcmn.edu/admissions/visit-the-college/
Can I still apply for admission for Fall 2020?
Yes, you can still apply for Fall 2020! Apply here: https://eservices.minnstate.edu/adm/public/studentWelcome?campusId=301&appType=underGrad
Will orientation still be held?
Yes! New Student Orientation Day will be a virtual event held Friday, August 21 from 10 am – 12 pm. Sign up here: https://www.clcmn.edu/new-student-orientation-day/