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| Important Information from HR |
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Memo to Employees from Jackie Jenkins-Scott, Interim President - May 3, 2022
Dear RCC Community,
As we prepare for end of year events and celebrations, it’s important to remember the role that each of us plays in ensuring the health and safety of our community.
Recently, we’ve seen an increase in positive COVID-19 test results among members of the RCC community. Know that any employee or student who was exposed to an individual with a positive COVID-19 test has been notified of the exposure and instructed to isolate and test on day 5. All of us must remain committed to making choices that ensure the health and safety of all, especially our RCC family.
Although both Boston and RCC have seen an increase in positive COVID-19 test results, according to the CDC, the COVID-19 community level is medium in Suffolk County. The CDC’s recommendations are:
- If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions.
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
- Get tested if you have symptoms.
If you are not immunocompromised or otherwise at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, please continue to be mindful of the health and wellbeing of your colleagues, classmates, and friends. If you feel sick, stay home. If your COVID-19 test is negative and you still feel sick, do not risk coming into work or class.
Remember that the Office of Student Life has at-home COVID-19 test kits for students and the Office of Human Resources has COVID-19 tests for employees. If you do not have test kits at home, please pick them up from the appropriate RCC office.
RCC is a mask-optional environment, and many community members are choosing to wear masks to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Please be respectful of the choices of others. When possible, practice social distancing, limit elevator capacity, and consider wearing a mask around individuals from outside of your area of work. The College will have disposable masks at all end of year activities for anyone who wishes to wear one. For those with approved accommodations, please ensure you are following the agreed-upon requirements in your accommodation letter.
Please continue reporting positive COVID-19 test results to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu, so that we can inform any close contacts at the College. Continue looking out for your friends, colleagues, and classmates, and enjoy the end of semester festivities.
Sincerely,
Jackie Jenkins-Scott
Interim President, Roxbury Community College
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Memo to Employees from Jackie Jenkins-Scott, Interim President - March 9, 2022
Mask-Optional Policy Effective Monday, 3/21/2022
As we prepare for the start of spring break, I write to announce that RCC is transitioning to a mask-optional policy, effective Monday, 3/21/2022. Masks will no longer be required inside RCC buildings; however, all community members are welcome to wear masks if they so choose.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, RCC has followed the COVID-19 health and safety guidance issued by the CDC, MA Department of Public Health, and Boston Public Health Commission. These three trusted public health organizations are now offering the same guidance on masks in indoor settings (in areas with low COVID-19 community levels): people may choose to mask at any time. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms. If you are immunocompromised, learn more about how to protect yourself.
Note that the COVID-19 vaccination policy for all 15 MA community colleges, including RCC, remains in effect. Accordingly, only students who have provided proof of their COVID-19 vaccination can attend in-person classes and access in-person services. Additionally, the College’s quarantine guidance, last updated in January 2022, has not changed.
The City of Boston’s B Together policy is no longer in effect. Accordingly, the B Together policy will not be enforced with external entities who host events at the Reggie Lewis Center, Media Arts Center, or in the campus parking lots.
We will continue to follow the guidance issued by public health organizations and make changes to the mask-optional policy if needed. Know that the following COVID-19 health and safety resources remain available to all RCC faculty, staff, and students:
- RCC purchased N95s masks for all employees and students. You can pick up a mask from the Public Safety Department (Room 3-109).
- RCC secured At-Home COVID-19 test kits for all RCC community members. The HR Office has two test kits for each employee. You can stop by the HR suite (Building 2, 3rd floor, Suite 313) on Tuesdays from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm or Thursdays from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm to pick up your kits.
As stated previously, we remain committed to ensuring that RCC is a healthy and safe environment. We have partnered with Whittier Street Health Center to offer a 2nd pop-up clinic for anyone in need of the flu or COVID-19 vaccination, including children ages 5-11. The clinic will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, in the Student Commons. Although walk-ins are welcome, we kindly request that you fill out the pre-registration form to help the vaccination team prepare.
The Office of Human Resources is hosting an information session for anyone with questions or concerns about the mask-optional policy this Thursday (March 10, 2022) at 10:00 am on Zoom. To join the meeting, visit https://zoom.us/j/94285778210?pwd=RXM5Yjk0UGJBeWRGMjA2ZW5ZQktRZz09 (Meeting ID: 942 8577 8210, Passcode: 566518).
If you have questions or require additional information, please email COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
Thank you for your continued commitment to RCC.
Sincerely,
Jackie Jenkins-Scott
Interim President, Roxbury Community College
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Memo to Employees from Dr. Valerie Roberson - November 19, 2022
Students, faculty, and staff at the Commonwealth’s 15 community colleges must be fully vaccinated beginning in January 2022.
BOSTON – The Presidents of the Massachusetts community colleges announced today that students, faculty, and staff at the Commonwealth’s 15 community colleges must be fully vaccinated by January 2022.
During the last eighteen months, the Massachusetts Community Colleges have prioritized the health and safety of our communities while also recognizing that many of our students have been disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic” the Presidents said in a statement shared with their campuses. “While a significant number of students, faculty, and staff are already vaccinated or are in the process of becoming vaccinated, the fifteen colleges are seeking to increase the health and safety of the learning and working environment in light of the ongoing public health concerns and current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Massachusetts Community Colleges are committed to ensuring vaccination status is not a barrier to students and will continue offering a range of virtual learning opportunities and services.
The announcement comes amid a rise in the number of new cases of COVID-19 across the Commonwealth, the increased access and availability of vaccines, the Food & Drug Administration’s full and pending approval of available vaccines, and CDC guidance that the COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to be extremely safe and highly effective at preventing infection, severe disease, hospitalization, and death, the requirement is aimed at ensuring the safest learning and working environment possible for the more than 135,000 students served by the community colleges each year.
Students who seek to register for courses that do not include any in-person component, and who do not plan to come on campus for any reason for the Spring 2022 semester, will not be required to provide documentation of vaccination. All employees will be required to be vaccinated.
The community colleges remain the most affordable higher education opportunity in Massachusetts and also provide flexible options for students. They also serve as critical local and statewide economic engines, training and educating the workforce through credit and noncredit offerings. At a time when many workers will have to be retrained, re-skilled, and further educated to find their way back into this new economy, the community colleges offer training in needed healthcare professions, IT and cyber security jobs, and first responder roles like EMTs, firefighters, and police officers, among others.
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Memo to Employees from Jordan Smock, Executive Director, Communications, Marketing & External Affairs - August 2, 2021
Subject: Effective 8/3, all employees, students, and campus visitors are required to wear a mask inside RCC buildings.
Dear Colleagues,
The CDC has updated its guidance on masks in response to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 delta variant. The CDC now recommends that both vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals wear masks indoors, in areas with ‘Substantial’ or ‘High’ levels of transmission. Suffolk County has been categorized as having a ‘Substantial’ level of transmission: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.
Effective Tuesday, 8/3/2021, all employees, students, and campus visitors are required to wear a mask inside any RCC building, regardless of vaccination status. Disposable masks will be available in the Student Commons (Building 3, 1st floor). We extend our thanks to the Reopening Committee for suggesting this policy change during its most recent meeting.
We will continue monitoring the CDC’s guidance and the transmission level in Suffolk County and will make changes to the mask policy as appropriate.
Remember: If you are sick, stay home. Free COVID-19 testing sites are available throughout Boston. Information on the COVID-19 vaccination is available on our website. Any questions about RCC’s COVID-19 response can be directed to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
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Memo to Employees from Sandra Knight, Executive Director, Human Resources - June 30, 2021
To: Full-time AFSCME, MCCC and NUP Staff Only (not faculty)
From: RCC Human Resources
Subject: Campus Repopulation
The state of emergency has been lifted for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by Governor Baker. Roxbury Community College is moving to Phase 4 of our Four Phase Campus Access Plan. Additionally, effective immediately:
Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a mask anywhere on campus. A mask is still required if you have not been vaccinated.
Effective July 19, 2021, all RCC offices must have on-campus staff five days per week, Monday- Friday. The College will be open for all services and functions.
• Employees will generally work on campus for 37.5 hours per week, Monday through
Friday.
• Employees who will have difficulty in fulfilling an on-campus work schedule should
speak with their supervisor as soon as possible.
• The College is considering flexibility options and remote work may be available
in the future.
Please be respectful to those who continue to wear masks, or prefer to ride the elevators alone.
As a reminder, if you require a medical accommodation, please contact Human Resources.
Roxbury Community College will continue to monitor the state of the pandemic and guidance from the CDC, the Commonwealth, and the city of Boston.
If you have any questions, please contact me at (857) 701-1294 or sknight@rcc.mass.edu.
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - January 25, 2021
Dear RCC Community,
I am pleased to announce that Roxbury Community College has partnered with the Boston Public Health Commission, Beth Israel Lahey Health, and Brigham Health to use the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center as a mass vaccination site, beginning on February 1, 2020. Vaccines will be administered according to the phased plan approved announced by Gov. Charlie Baker, with vaccinations being available to the general public, at no cost, beginning in Phase III (which is currently scheduled to begin in April 2021)
The health and safety of the RCC community remain my top priority. With this in mind, we are leasing the entire Reggie Lewis Center to the Boston Public Health Commission. This means that RCC staff who currently work at the Center will be moved to temporary offices, the Commission will be responsible for daily maintenance and utilities, and RCC personnel will not return to the building until the end of the lease. The Reggie Lewis Center will remain a vaccination site until the summer.
Roxbury Community College is committed to having a commencement ceremony should COVID-19 guidelines allow for large outdoor gatherings, and we are exploring ways to host our commencement ceremony outdoors, on the RCC campus.
We know that as campus activity returns to normal, there will be an increased need for faculty, staff, and student parking. We will ensure that the parking needs of individuals visiting the Reggie Lewis Center for a vaccine do not impact parking spaces reserved for students, faculty, and staff.
For our City to effectively administer vaccines to our community, it’s crucial to have a mass vaccination center that’s accessible via public transportation, in a location that is familiar and comfortable to all. The Reggie Lewis Center is an ideal location, as it’s difficult to find a Boston resident who hasn’t visited the Center for a track meet, basketball game, or community activity. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide such tangible support to the City and State efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.
We will share additional information on scheduling vaccination appointments as soon as those details are finalized. In the interim, please continue to prioritize your safety and wellbeing, and please continue directing your questions to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
Best Regards,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - December 1, 2020
Dear RCC Community,
We are pleased to announce that RCC has partnered with the City of Boston and Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center to offer free COVID-19 tests to all faculty, staff, and students.
The first day of testing is scheduled for this Friday, 12/4/2020. The Neighborhood Health Center testing team will administer tests from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, in parking lot #1 (under the solar canopy). Tests are administered on a first-come, first-served basis; pre-registration is not required.
We encourage all faculty, staff, and students to participate in testing if your schedule allows. For now, the RCC pop-up COVID-19 test site is exclusively for the use of RCC students and employees.
If you receive a positive test result, we ask you to notify RCC via the COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu email. Although the MA Department of Public Health will also notify us of positive tests, you will receive the test results before the College. As a reminder to all: you are required to notify the College if you receive a positive COVID-19 test, regardless of test location.
We are working with our partners to solidify dates and times for the RCC pop-up test site; we will notify you as soon as the dates are confirmed.
Please continue to direct questions to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu. Thank you and take care.
Best Regards,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - November 25, 2020
Dear RCC Community,
As the Thanksgiving Break begins at 5:00 pm today, I’m writing with a few tips and reminders to keep in mind.
The CDC has released comprehensive guidelines on how to celebrate Thanksgiving safely, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The MA Department of Public Health also developed guidelines for a safe Thanksgiving celebration. Both the CDC and MA DPH recommend that you avoid travel and limit activities to members of your immediate household.
We know that holiday celebrations are cherished opportunities to gather with loved ones, and we respect that each of you will make different decisions on how to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Please know that if you decide to travel, we expect that you will abide by the current MA travel order, complete the MA travel form, and quarantine for 14 days upon your return to MA or until you receive a negative COVID-19 test.
Campus buildings close today at 5:00 pm and will remain closed until Monday, November 30, 2020. There are no classes scheduled during the break; however, administrative services will be offered remotely on Friday, November 27, 2020.
I hope that all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you’re able to celebrate with loved ones while taking a well-deserved day off from work and studies. Please continue to prioritize your safety and wellbeing, and direct any questions or concerns to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
Best Regards,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - October 20, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached the mid-point of the fall 2020 semester! Thanks to all of you for your continued work supporting our students during these challenging times.
Over the past few weeks, as more and more data is released on the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s apparent that this pandemic continues to disproportionately affect our community. Although the seven-day positive test rate per total has returned to 1.2%, Greater Boston remains categorized as a high-risk area by the MA Department of Public Health. Additionally, with cold weather approaching and activities moving indoors, experts are warning of the potential for increased spread of the virus.
As you know, the safety and security of the RCC community is our top priority. Given the current data trends and advice from experts in the field, RCC has decided to continue offering classes primarily through online and virtual instruction for the spring 2021 semester. A limited number of hybrid and in-person courses will be offered in the spring.
Please continue to prioritize your health and safety, and please continue to send questions and concerns to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
Take care,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - August 11, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
I hope all is well and that you are enjoying the summer weather. It is hard to believe that we are three weeks away from the start of fall semester classes!
To follow-up on the notification sent last week, we are ready to move to Phase II of the College’s Campus Access Plan.
Know that we are following the example set by the state of MA, and we have decided to split the Phase II transition into Part A and Part B. During Part A of the plan, a limited number of on-campus offices will be staffed, and students will be permitted to schedule appointments for campus visits. We plan to transition to Part A of Phase II on Monday, August 17, 2020.
To ensure all employees are prepared for this transition, the Reopening Committee is hosting a Zoom training session on Thursday, August 13th at 4:00 pm. We will send an Outlook invitation with meeting details to all RCC employees. We will record the training for those who cannot attend.
During Part B of the plan, a limited number of classrooms will be available for on-campus instruction. We will transition to Part B of Phase II on Wednesday, September 2, 2020. Further guidelines for in-person instruction will be shared by the Reopening Committee soon.
Employees returning to the campus on August 17th will receive their work schedules directly from their supervisors. Remember that comprehensive information on our four-phase plan remains available at www.rcc.mass.edu/campusaccess.
Please continue to prioritize your safety and wellbeing, and please continue to send questions and concerns to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
Best Regards,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - June 30, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
I hope that you are doing well and that you are enjoying the warm summer weather. Although our options for socializing and travel are still a bit limited, it’s starting to feel more like summer in Boston.
Over the past few weeks, the College Reopening Committee has been hard at work reviewing the MA Reopening Plan and guidance from the CDC to develop RCC’s Four-Phase Campus Access Plan, Protocols for Interacting on Campus, and training materials for faculty, staff and student reference. All of this information is now available on the RCC website at http://www.rcc.mass.edu/campusaccess.
I encourage you to carefully review all of the information on this site. Phase I of the plan is effective on July 1, 2020; and, we will remain in Phase I for at least two weeks. We will mirror the city of Boston’s guidelines and the state’s guidelines by remaining in each phase until the available data supports moving to the next phase.
Know that as we progress through these phases, your safety and wellbeing will remain a top priority. During all phases, we will continue to work with faculty and staff to ensure that options for remote work, alternative processes for completion of job tasks, and additional supports are provided.
Based on available data, we believe that so long as Boston and all of Massachusetts continue to show improvement in combating the spread of COVID-19, the College will be in Phase II by the start of the fall semester. Accordingly, we plan to offer most classes through web, virtual, remote, and hybrid instruction, with a very limited number of traditional, on-campus courses, beginning on September 2, 2020.
Beginning today, we are promoting these fall course offerings to students. Additional information is available at www.rcc.mass.edu/fall20.
The fall 2020 semester at RCC will run differently than semesters past; but, I know that all of you will continue to work hard to support our students. I know that you are putting in considerable hours to ensure that our students will have an exceptional experience this fall and that we will all continue to honor the College’s mission.
Like everything else in the COVID-19 era, our plans for the future are fluid, and we’ll continue to make revisions as needed. Please keep an eye on your inbox for additional updates on our progress over the coming weeks.
Thank you, again, for your continued work in support of our mission. If you have any questions about our plans, please continue to send them to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
Take care, and I look forward to seeing you at our virtual All College Meeting on September 1st!
Best Regards,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - May 18, 2020
Dear RCC Community,
To begin, I offer my most sincere congratulations on successfully completing the spring 2020 semester. The past two months challenged us to quickly prepare and execute a never before seen remote operations model; and, every single one of you rose to this unprecedented challenge. I applaud your efforts and look forward to your continued presence in our evolving virtual community.
Many of you likely watched Governor Baker’s press conference today on reopening the MA economy. As you read related coverage and review documents on the Reopening Massachusetts website, please keep the following in mind:
- Much of the documentation and guidance released today is for businesses that have been completely shut-down with no in-office presence since March 16, 2020. As an essential business, RCC never closed, and instead transitioned to a remote business model which significantly limited campus access.
- On Friday, May 15th, Mayor Walsh announced that the state of emergency in Boston is extended indefinitely. As our campus is located in Boston, we must consider official city guidance as we develop plans for the future.
- The RCC Reopening Committee has been convened to develop a plan for reopening the campus buildings. The committee is composed of representatives from all ACUERDO assemblies (students; faculty; professionals; clerical and maintenance; NUP). If you are interested in joining the RCC Reopening Committee, please contact Josh Crary at jcrary@rcc.mass.edu.
- Know that as of today, the current limitations on campus access are still in effect. Any employee who must access campus for a critical business need must first obtain approval from their supervisor. Students that must access campus for a technology need must coordinate their visit to campus with the Office of Student Life. Anyone visiting campus is required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
- We do not anticipate any changes in campus access protocol before June 1, 2020, at the absolute earliest.
In light of current data from the MA Department of Public Health and our knowledge of the phased plan for reopening campus, we will move all Summer II courses to online or remote instruction. Faculty teaching Summer II courses should work with Academic and Student Affairs to determine whether the course will be offered through remote or online instruction. Students can expect the mode of instruction for Summer II courses to be reflected on MyRCC by Wednesday, May 20, 2020.
I hope to see all of you at Professional Development Day on Friday, May 22nd, beginning at 9:30 am. The agenda provides time for a brief presentation on RCC’s response to COVID-19. You will receive detailed information with login instructions from the Professional Development Committee, shortly.
In the interim, please continue to direct your questions to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
Stay safe, be well, and I look forward to virtually connecting with you on Friday.
Best Regards,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - April 24 2020
Dear Friends,
As we near the end of our 4th week of remote learning, instruction, and work, I continue to be impressed by, and grateful for, your sustained efforts to support the College’s mission. You have taken full advantage of the technology available to ensure that coursework is completed and critical business obligations are fulfilled. Thank you, again, for your strength during this challenging time.
Earlier this week, Governor Baker announced that all elementary and secondary schools will remain closed through the end of the school year. This was an incredibly difficult decision to reach; and, while we are not obligated to follow suit, we must consider this order as we discuss re-introducing personnel and students to campus buildings.
The re-opening of campus buildings will follow a phased approach and the first phase will not be executed before the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. Before drafting and finalizing the plans, we would like your input.
To provide your thoughts on the re-opening of campus buildings, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QB7JT96. Know that your answers will remain anonymous and that College leadership will take responses into account when drafting the plan.
In light of the current guidance from the MA Department of Public Health and the CDC, the restrictions around building access will remain in place indefinitely. Any faculty or staff member who needs to access their office for an essential business purpose should contact their supervisor. Any student with a campus access need should contact Associate Vice President Andres Oroz at aoroz@rcc.mass.edu.
It is now clear that the College will not be in a position to allow any on-campus coursework or test-taking before the end of the semester. Accordingly, all remaining spring 2020 coursework and final exams will be delivered remotely.
Again, I thank you for your efforts to finish the spring 2020 semester on a strong note. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and continue to direct any questions to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
Best Regards,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - April 9, 2020
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your continued work in support of our mission. Every day, I hear from students, faculty, and staff with updates on the challenges we are facing, and our triumphs in the face of those challenges. I appreciate your continued communication and will continue working to ensure that we are providing you with the tools needed for success.
Last week, we closed all campus buildings in response to a security guard testing positive for COVID-19. We also know from Governor Baker’s recent press conference that we are about to enter the peak period for virus transmission. Accordingly, we have decided to close all campus buildings indefinitely.
When we are confident that the peak had passed, we will re-open Building 3 to limited traffic. We will continue to follow the guidance of the MA Department of Public Health and the CDC.
Faculty and Staff – If you must enter a campus building to fulfill a critical work responsibility, please discuss your need with your supervisor.
Students – If you are still in need of technology, please contact Associate Vice President Andres Oroz at aoroz@rcc.mass.edu to confirm your needs. We are working to finalize a process for technology pick-up that will not require building entry.
Again, I thank every one of you for your commitment to finishing this difficult semester on a strong note. Take care, and please continue to direct your questions to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
Best Regards,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - April 3, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
I hope that you and your families have been well during this difficult period. Please know that your health and welfare are a priority for us. Governor Charlie Baker extended the ‘stay at home’ order through May 4, 2020. Roxbury Community College will continue to deliver courses and services remotely as our community moves into the next stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the past two weeks, students, faculty, and staff were able to pick up computer technology by appointment. Thank you to the RCC staff who prepared the computers and organized the technology loan program, and to everyone who collected the computers, all while observing social distancing protocols.
Unfortunately, RCC has been informed that a Securitas employee tested positive for COVID-19. This person was on-duty during the weeks of March 23rd and March 30th. You will be contacted by a College representative if you interacted with the public safety department during your recent campus visit.
The MA Department of Public Health is working to determine how the virus was contracted. In addition, the MA Department of Public Health confirmed today that while contact with symptomatic persons poses the most significant risk of transmission, approximately 5% of cases are transmitted by persons showing no symptoms at all.
In light of this updated information, Roxbury Community College buildings will be closed from Saturday, April 4, 2020 through Sunday, April 12, 2020. Please closely monitor your health, and contact your health care provider immediately if you begin to feel ill.
Remote instruction and services will continue while the campus buildings are closed. Please understand that this is a necessary step in our collective action to stem the spread of this infection.
Please continue to consult the CDC website and the MA Department of Public Health website for updated, accurate information. Information on RCC’s response to COVID-19 remains available at rcc.mass.edu/coronavirus. Please continue to direct questions and concerns to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
Kind regards,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - March 23, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
By now, many of you have likely learned of the “Stay at Home” order issued by Governor Charlie Baker this morning. After discussing the order with state leaders, we can confirm that the College is open for very limited purposes, and we are permitted to use the campus to distribute the technology needed for you to teach and conduct business remotely. Accordingly, we have finalized the following plan for technology distribution.
Those of you with critical business responsibilities will have the opportunity to pick up your laptop or surface pro from the Student Commons tomorrow, March 24, 2020, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. If your job function is categorized as critical, you will be contacted by Danielle Freeman with instructions on how to set-up your appointment. It is vitally important that only those employees with critical business functions access the campus before 1:00 pm tomorrow.
All other faculty and staff can schedule a time to pick-up their laptops or surface pros after 1:00 pm tomorrow (March 24, 2020) – the end of the day on Friday, March 27, 2020. Please adhere to the following protocol:
- To schedule your appointment, please visit the online appointment booking system and select a half-hour appointment time that works with your schedule.
- When you arrive on-campus, you can only gain access by entering Building 3 using the courtyard door near Public Safety. You must sign in with the Public Safety Officer stationed inside that door and present your employee ID. If you need to access your office in another building, Public Safety will accompany you to the building and unlock doors as needed.
- Please only visit the Student Commons (where you can pick-up your device) and your office while on-campus. When you leave, you must sign out and be sure to indicate all locations visited on the sign-out form, so that the maintenance staff can clean appropriately.
- Please limit your time on-campus to a half hour.
- We expect internet hot spots to arrive at RCC by Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Accordingly, those of you needing internet hot spots should schedule your campus visit for Wednesday, or later in the week.
The final schedule of virtual training sessions is attached to this email.
- For department-specific training sessions – you will automatically be added to the
meeting by the trainer, and you will receive login instructions.
For open training sessions – Information on accessing open training sessions is forthcoming. - Please attend as many training sessions as possible to maximize your familiarity with remote learning and remote working tools by the end of this week. Additional training sessions will be added on an as-needed basis.
We’ll be in touch throughout the week with additional news and updates. Take care, and please continue to direct your questions to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
Best Regards,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - March 20, 2020
Dear Campus Community,
Over the past few days, city- and state-wide actions to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) have become more and more restrictive. The campus buildings are empty, and many of us are anxiously awaiting updates while checking on friends, family, and loved ones. In the midst of this rapidly-evolving crisis, the likes of which we’ve never seen before, I’m moved beyond words by your continued commitment to Roxbury Community College.
I’ve heard from countless students, faculty, staff, and alumni over the last few days, all of whom have offered words of encouragement, support, and hope. So many of our dedicated faculty and staff have offered remote assistance, and everyone has expressed deep, sincere concern for the well-being of our community. In the most troubling of times, we have come together in unprecedented support for our students and each other. It’s perhaps the one silver lining to this difficult situation.
Based on guidance received from the CDC, Governor’s Office, MA Department of Public Health, and MA Department of Higher Education, we have developed a plan to allow the continued delivery of instruction, essential student support, and college operations remotely, limiting the number of individuals on-campus until at least Monday, April 27, 2020.
Instruction
As discussions with MCCC and DCE continue, we are now confident that we can transition
many of our courses to a remote learning model. We will use next week (March 23, 2020
– March 28, 2020) for virtual faculty training, so that our faculty have the resources
needed to maximize remote learning opportunities.
Faculty – The Office of Academic and Student and Affairs sent details on this transition to you earlier today. Please contact Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Kimberly Rogers at krogers@rcc.mass.edu if you did not receive the email.
Students – You will receive information on your courses from professors.
Student Support
Student support services, such as Advising, Financial Aid, Enrollment, and other vital
student services, will be provided remotely, beginning on Monday, March 23, 2020.
Employees who offer these services will be provided with the technology to work remotely
and by appointment, on campus.
Students will receive instructions on accessing student support from the Office of Student Life.
Staff
Most staff will be asked to work from home. Some staff will be asked to be on campus,
on a limited basis. We have launched Microsoft Teams to support virtual collaboration,
and we will provide you with the technology needed to work remotely.
Staff will receive information on working from their supervisors.
All staff members should fill out the following survey to indicate their technology
needs, if you have not already done so:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MQ6GVFN.
On-Campus Meetings and Gatherings
There will be no on-campus meetings or gatherings until at least April 30, 2020. We
may need to extend this end date to include early May. For now, we are working with
SGA and other student organizations to maximize the opportunities for virtual student
engagement.
At present, Commencement is still scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2020. If we are required to postpone the ceremony, we will inform you directly.
Prevention and Care
Please continue to follow the CDC and MA Department of Public Health guidelines on
prevention and care. Know that there all official hotlines if you or your loved ones
are in distress: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/crisis-hotlines.
As the continuation plans are finalized and communicated, we will continue to post all relevant information on rcc.mass.edu/coronavirus. All questions and concerns should continue to be directed to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
Thank you for your continued support. Take care, be well, and please be in touch with questions and concerns. We are here to support you.
Best Regards,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - March 16, 2020
Dear RCC Community,
Your health and safety are our first concern, and we are committed to providing you with up-to-date information on the College’s response to COVID-19. We share the update below in the interest of full transparency, but stress that to date, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among RCC community members.
Yesterday, two students and one faculty member reported symptoms consistent with COVID-19 that are yet unconfirmed and untested. We have consulted MEMA for advice, and without confirmed cases, the previously relayed recommendations remain in effect.
If members of the RCC community test positive for COVID-19, we will notify you and provide you with additional information.
Per the notification sent on Friday, March 13, 2020, the College is closed this week for preventative sanitizing cleaning. We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to monitor their health and consult their primary healthcare providers with concerns. All should continue to follow the state-issued recommendations to stay at home if possible and to practice social distancing.
Know that the Emergency Management Team continues to meet virtually to finalize plans that will limit future access to campus while allowing students, faculty, and staff to complete critical work remotely.
We will provide further updates as we are able. Please direct questions or report positive test results to COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
Best,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
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Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - March 13, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
I hope that all of you and your loved ones are safe and well during this difficult time. All of you have shown a remarkable commitment to our student body by working diligently to deliver essential academic and support services, and I am incredibly grateful for your efforts.
As the spread of Coronavirus continues to increase, we must continue to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our community. Accordingly, we have decided to extend Spring Break through Saturday, 3/28/2020.
Next week, from Monday, 3/16/2020 – Friday, 3/20/2020, all campus buildings, including the Reggie Lewis Center, will be closed for a thorough cleaning. It is critical that only essential personnel are on-campus during the cleaning process. Please make sure that you do not leave any important items in your offices when you leave campus today, as you will not be able to enter campus buildings next week.
While the College is closed, the Emergency Management Team will meet virtually to finalize academic continuation plans for the College. While we realize that many students may not have access to personal computers, we must explore the option of completing at least some classroom activities online, after Spring Break, to minimize the number of people on-campus. Limiting on-campus classes and activities as much as possible is currently the best option for preventing the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Faculty – You will receive an email from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs with additional information and a link to a survey so that we can collect your input on online learning. You will receive further instructions and information on a potential transition directly from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.
Staff – All employees who have been designated as essential personnel are expected to report to work. If you have questions concerning your status, please consult with your supervisor for instructions.
If you have any questions or concerns about the temporary closing, please email COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu.
We will be in touch via email next week, with additional information. For now, please continue to prioritize your health and wellbeing.
Best Regards,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - March 11, 2020
Dear RCC Community,
Governor Baker issued updated guidelines to state employees in light of growing concerns over limiting exposure to and the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Beginning immediately (as of March 11, 2020), the following prevention measures are in effect for all RCC personnel:
- All professional (work-related) international, domestic, and in-state travel is prohibited.
- Any non-essential business meetings should be postponed or conducted virtually. The only exception at the present time is for required public meetings, such as board meetings.
- All on-campus conferences, seminars, gatherings, and meetings that involve external partners or constituency groups are postponed, through April 30, 2020.
- You may hold regularly scheduled internal meetings, although you may consider holding these meetings virtually.
- You should continue to follow the guidance issued on March 5th regarding prevention and care.
The College’s recommendation on planned personal travel has not changed: We encourage you to think critically about any personal international travel in the immediate future, especially travel to countries identified as high-risk by CDC. If you choose to travel to these countries, you may be subject to government-imposed quarantine upon your return. We recognize and value that the decision to travel at this time is deeply personal; as such, we are only providing a recommendation at this time.
To confirm: as of today, we are only implementing the measures listed above. All other college business, including scheduled classes, will proceed as usual. We will inform you directly should there be any changes to normal business operations.
Please email COVID-19@rcc.mass.edu if you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 or the College’s response. We will ensure that your questions are answered promptly and accurately.
Please continue to take care of yourself and others. Your wellbeing remains our top priority.
Sincerely,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College
Letter from Dr. Valerie Roberson - March 5, 2020
Dear Campus Community,
As many of you are aware, a new coronavirus, first reported in Wuhan, China, has spread to the United States. Although your risk of catching this virus remains low, I am reaching out to share updated news and information. Your wellbeing as an individual, and the wellbeing of our campus community, is a top priority.
Updates from the Department of Public Health
The MA Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that the risk to residents in Massachusetts remains low.
General Information
Both the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) website and the MA DPH website are regularly updated with information on Coronavirus. Please visit these sites for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Prevention
Although the risk to Massachusetts residents of the novel coronavirus is low, the risk for influenza is currently high. Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Try not to touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.
- If you have a fever or feel sick, stay home, and call your healthcare provider.
- Clean surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs and countertops, with household cleaning spray or wipes.
- Think ahead about how to take care of yourself and your loved ones.
- Get the flu vaccine – it’s not too late!
Travel Recommendation
Currently, all MA Colleges and Universities are being asked to cancel current and future study abroad programs, until the worldwide spread of the virus decreases. Accordingly, RCC has canceled the upcoming study abroad program in France. Additionally, RCC is encouraging you to think critically about any personal international travel in the immediate future, especially travel to countries identified as high-risk by CDC. If you choose to travel to these countries, you may be subject to government-imposed quarantine upon your return. We recognize and value that the decision to travel at this time is deeply personal; as such, we are only providing a recommendation at this time.
RCC Emergency Notifications
The Emergency Management Team at RCC has plans in place to respond to pandemics on-campus, which were developed due to an abundance of caution. Know that if the spread of Coronavirus reaches the level of a public safety emergency, you will receive emergency updates via RAVE.
Updated Information for RCC
We will continue to send updated information to the RCC community via email; and, we will keep information accessible from the home page of our website.
Kind Regards,
Dr. Valerie Roberson
President, Roxbury Community College