Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updates and Information
Online Course List
Message from President MacLennan - April 3, 2020
Greetings everyone,I hope this message finds you well and you are beginning to restore some rhythm into your workday. It would be an understatement to say the last two weeks have been a little hectic. In that short span of time, we have collectively and collaboratively met challenges none of us foresaw. There's still much to do, but we can all be proud of what we've accomplished so quickly and fully.
Thank you to the more than three hundred of you who responded to the survey that was sent out last Friday. Your responses provided a real-time source of information that is truly helping to identify what's working (or not), priorities for action, and needed resources. Here's a few of the larger themes from your responses:
- Communication, Communication, Communication: Keep the communication and check-ins going. Consistent, clear information sharing and opportunities to connect are greatly valued, now more than ever.
- Support: Much appreciation expressed for the IT and Distance Learning teams, their patience, professionalism, and doing just about everything asked of them. There were also many requests for specific types of IT support, questions about equipment availability and connectivity.
- Engagement: Lots of interest in finding ways for the whole college community to participate in engagement opportunities to learn about college decision-making, to interact with colleagues, and have Q and A opportunities.
- Professional Development: Many requests for training and resource tips for working remotely and how to use tools like Zoom.
- The Future: Questions about the longer-term discussions and decision-making around what NIC will look like post-crisis and future-forward.
Please continue finding updates, information and announcements in the NICNow and the designated COVID-19 link on the website and look for any banner updates on the main NIC website. Coming soon in the NICNow, you will see updates on payroll guidelines and IT training opportunities. For your information, I have included links to recent communications to faculty and students.
On Monday, our students return from spring break to many changes, and for some, many challenges. While our buildings are closed and most of us are working remotely, we will continue providing critically needed services and quality online instruction. Even with our support, we know the pandemic has significantly disrupted students' lives -- not just their NIC experiences, but through the loss of jobs, the need to care for others, and the challenges of managing essential living expenses and needs. Just as I have witnessed faculty and staff coming together to help one another, I know you will continue finding ways to support students. Please refer students to the Student Resource Page for information about emergency funds, food assistance, mental health support and more.
Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts in our first in a series of brief pulse surveys. My "door" is always open and I look forward to hearing from you. Never hesitate to send me an email and I’d very much enjoy an invitation for a check-in visit to your Zoom team meetings (please let Shannon know when you’d like me to join in and she’ll put you on my calendar). In the meantime, please know that you have my sincere appreciation for all the great and creative things you're doing.
Please stay well and take care,
Rick MacLennan, President
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others circulating among animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. Previous coronavirus outbreaks have included severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Check with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the current risk to the American public of becoming infected with this novel coronavirus. Because this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, the CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available, including any changes in the risk assessment.
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How does it spread?
Although we have a lot to learn about this virus, it is currently believed that it spreads like other respiratory viruses- by people with the infection coughing and sneezing. These droplets are inhaled by other people or moved to the eyes, nose or mouth by contaminated hands.
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What are the symptoms of this infection?
Symptoms of COVID-19 may include the following:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
If you have returned in the past 14 days from travel to a country with a COVID-19 outbreak or have been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19 AND are experiencing fever and respiratory symptoms (such as fever with coughing or difficulty breathing/shortness of breath), the CDC advises you to seek medical advice and call ahead to your health-care provider or nurse advice line.
Additionally, if you have NOT returned in the past 14 days from travel to a country with a COVID-19 outbreak OR have NOT been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19, but do have fever and respiratory symptoms seek medical advice and call ahead to your health-care provider or nurse advice line. Please do not show up at a clinic, urgent care, emergency room or other health facility without calling first. Your provider will need to take special measures to protect other people in the clinic. Telemedicine may also be available, enabling you to consult a provider from home.
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I feel anxious about coronavirus. What can I do?
We understand that some community members are concerned. If you would like to talk with someone, support is available to students through campus mental health services.
You can help prevent the spread of colds and other viral ailments by doing the following:
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and immediately dispose of the tissue.
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
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Where can I get more information about the novel coronavirus?
For current information about this evolving public health situation, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus page.