RCCD Safe Return Update 06-15-2021

Have the Guidelines Changed Again?

To say that the guidelines offered by international, federal, state and local public health agencies and officials during this pandemic are “fluid” is perhaps an understatement; when you mix in the hyperbole and spin of politicians it becomes even more confusing; add to that, the COVID tragedies and statistics in the news, and you have a perfect recipe for public fear and anxiety.

However, Chancellor Isaac has been consistent in his declaration that, “we will return to face-to-face instruction in the fall to the greatest extent possible.”

The presidents of Moreno Valley College, Norco College and Riverside City College have joined the Chancellor on town hall meetings for the last two months that have included panelists from the Safe Return Taskforce (SRTF) to outline preparations and answer questions about a safe return to our campuses. The SRTF, composed of students, faculty, staff and administrators from all three colleges have been creating plans and offering contingency alternatives to those plans in adherence to federal, state and local regulations throughout the duration of this pandemic. These plans and related communications are posted regularly on the RCCD website.

All students and employees are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated and we continue offering vaccination clinics on campus. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and sanitation supplies are readily available and physical distancing regulations will be followed until they are no longer required. We are following the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards as they are updated by Cal/OSHA and guidelines from the California Department of Public Health.

The District’s risk management staff continue to update and refine the RCCD COVID-19 Prevention Plan to ensure the health and safety of students and employees returning to campus. We have upgraded the HVAC systems in our buildings and classrooms with state-of-the-art particulate filters. Water systems have been checked and re-checked. Every room that is used is cleaned each day that it is occupied.

The goal is to make our colleges safe. To do this, we need everyone engaged in these efforts. Get vaccinated. Use the supplies provided to keep your work and study spaces disinfected. Download the Guardian App or use the COVID-19 Symptom Checker every day before you arrive on campus. If you are sick, stay home. Wash your hands, frequently. Wear a mask too often, rather than not enough.

The new normal is a concerted effort to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, while returning to full activity and engagement.

Town Hall Meeting Date Change

The Chancellor’s Safe Return Town Hall Meeting that was scheduled for June 16, will now be held on June 30 at 4:00 p.m. Panelists will include the Vice Presidents of Student Services from each college and other members of the Safe Return Taskforce with Norco College President, Monica Green, serving as the moderator. The topic of discussion will be, Student Services, Student Support Services & Student Life in the Fall Semester.

Questions can be submitted during the meeting in the Q&A box, or prior to the town hall meeting via email: questions@rccd.edu

Here is the Zoom link to the meeting - https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/91339132879

Or One tap mobile - US: +16699006833,,91339132879# or +13462487799,,91339132879#

Or Telephone - Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799

Webinar ID: 913 3913 2879

A Letter From State Chancellor Oakley

This letter is to pass along changes to the emergency regulatory framework that has guided us through the crisis. Generally speaking, the state will sunset industry-specific guidance, including that for higher education.

As we move to reopening, the state will transition to generally accepted practices and protocols that are largely based on whether or not individuals are vaccinated. More information about these protocols can be found at Beyond the Blueprint Framework for Industry and Business Sectors. This document also contains information regarding venues (including food and retail) on campus, as well as sporting events and large indoor/outdoor live performances that may be considered mega events.

All colleges and universities will be authorized to be back in session in full-time, in- person instruction. Colleges will be expected to comply with Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) as well as any relevant state and local public health guidelines and restrictions. As you may be aware Cal/OSHA is finalizing workplace regulations pertaining to masking to bring them into closer alignment with state and federal public health guidelines.

Read the full letter from Chancellor Oakley

Notes From Taskforce Workgroups

Instruction

The Fall 2021 schedules of classes have been posted to the college web sites and general registration is underway. The fall schedule consists of approximately 80% of instruction in a face-to-face mode. Normal enrollment management practices are being followed for the summer and fall terms to make adjustments in modality (where possible) to meet student demand. Students with limitations may be moved to online sections based on feasibility. Contingency assumptions and plans have been developed should conditions require capacity and social distancing restrictions. Visit the Safe Return webpage for detailed information.

Academic Support

Libraries, Learning Resource Centers (LRC) and Academic Support centers continue to serve students in an online format. Each college continues to perform walk-throughs of library and learning resource facilities to determine changes needed to ensure safe return in the fall.

Student Services

Student Services at all three colleges are preparing for the return of classified professionals by June 16th. Areas have been setup with capacity limitations, signage, plexi barriers and modifications to furnishings to ensure safety.

Student Services will continue with online/remote delivery of services Monday through Thursday from 8am to 6pm (where feasible) starting Monday, June 14th. The colleges will transition to limited in-person services by appointment beginning July 6th.

Student Services at all three colleges will not hold any in-person summer programming. Programs and services will resume in-person programming in the fall.

Athletics

Norco and Riverside City College coaches and student-athletes are eager to get back to practice. Summer Kinesiology classes begin on June 21st and the teams are prepared to follow the updated guidelines set forth by the County office of Public Health. Norco College is still in the recruiting phase for a Certified Athletic Trainer, with the hopes that we will have someone in place by July 1. This individual will be the point-person for all COVID-19 and other health-related practices implemented with our student-athletes. Riverside City College (RCC) completed five successful seasons of competition in men’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis, and men’s and women’s track and field. RCC also released a tentative schedule of competition in the fall subject to state and county health conditions.

Communications and Engagement

Message to Students – On June 7, 2021 – an email was sent to all current students at Moreno Valley, Norco and Riverside City colleges conveying a message from Chancellor Isaac - A Safe Return to On-site Instruction in the Fall. To see this message, click on this link to Messages to Students.

Message to Faculty and Staff – On May 28, 2021 – an email message was sent to all RCCD administrators, faculty and staff. This Return to Work Message included a reference to the board of trustees Resolution-70-2021, passed on May 18, which directed the District to prepare for a safe return to in-person instruction at all RCCD campuses in the fall of 2021.

Safe Return Website – Newly Updated - Information regarding COVID-19 and the plans for a safe return to campus at Moreno Valley College, Norco College and Riverside City College has been added to the COVID Pandemic Resources and Communications pages of the RCCD.EDU Website.