Student Update: On Monday, Alameda County released an updated order that continued the Shelter in Place and made minor changes that do not currently impact students or employees. All students have been advised in our previous Communication, sent on Thursday, May 7, that the college will maintain the online and at-home format for the duration of the Spring Quarter and is planning to resume on-ground classes in some form or another at the campus this Summer Quarter. This means that all students will need to be in the Bay Area to commence the first day of classes on Monday, July 13.
Currently, the CDC recommends that all incoming international travelers should self-quarantine for 14 days. As previously advised, please start to make your arrangements for travel now so you are prepared to be in the Bay Area for the start of the quarter. The Taskforce and Academic Planning Group are working on an appropriate plan for instructional delivery for both on the ground and online delivery in compliance with county and state requirements. We will share more information on this plan once it is finalized.
Employee Update: Employees may be able to return to campus earlier than Monday, July 13, depending on future amendments to the shelter in place order by Alameda County. To this end, the Taskforce is working diligently to make the campus compliant and ensure our staff and faculty return to work in an environment that protects your health, safety and well-being.
Here are a few steps we have underway:
- Surveying every workspace, common area, break room and dining area, drinking fountains and bathrooms to determine proper 6′ distancing
- Installing directional arrows in the corridors to encourage people to stay on opposite sides when going in different directions
- Mounting large vinyl decals on all dining tables reminding to practice distancing
- Installing a thermal imaging camera at the main Health Center entrance to ensure everyone who enters the building is temperature-scanned with a second on order to cover the student entrance once classes resume
- Distancing arrangements in all classrooms and other teaching spaces are being reviewed
- All offices, common spaces and other areas are being and will continue to be sanitized on a daily basis
Once the county has allowed a return to work beyond essential staff, the Taskforce will implement a phased reintegration plan. Our first phase will bring back employees incrementally and ensure and monitor their health and safety. Phase two will return the business back to normal operations. The pace of the return to work will be determined and informed by the county, state and CDC. At all times, we will continue to regularly clean and sanitize work and common spaces, clinical and teaching areas, as well as reinforcing preventative behaviors such as hand washing, social distancing and face coverings among other required standards. The Self-Observation/Health Questionnaire will continue to be used before any employee returns to campus.
The college is offering the following webinars to support employees during this time:
Resiliency: Bouncing Back Stronger
Wednesday, May 20; 10 – 11 am
Resiliency is all about bouncing back. No matter what life throws at us, we can always learn tips and techniques that we can use daily to help us bounce back and become more resilient no matter what we go through. This seminar will leave participants feeling empowered that they have the knowledge of what steps they need to take to become more resilient.
- Join online via Webex
- Conference number: 1-844-992-4726
- Conference access code: 794 672 571
Understanding Mental Health
Friday, June 5; 10 – 11 am
In this seminar, participants will explore different types of mental illness, their warning signs, and how to support and interact with those affected. Participants will also discuss the importance of self-care.
- Join online via Webex
- Conference number: 1-844-992-4726
- Conference access code: 795 621 261
As always, stay safe and up to date by checking the campus Voice online and checking your email daily for updates. If you have any questions or feedback you would like to share, please email us at taskforce@lifewest.edu.
Sincerely,
Life West Taskforce Response Team