OWENSBORO, Ky. — The majority of Owensboro Community & Technical College’s faculty and staff have been working remotely since mid-March, and many continue to do so during this stage of reopening on-campus operations. All summer classes are online, but those with a hands-on lab component began meeting on campus July 1.
“I am extremely pleased with how the students and faculty have adapted to the new Healthy at OCTC protocols. This was a good way to test our new normal and make some adjustments to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone,” said Jeff Hendricks, OCTC’s Healthy at Work Officer.
All employees are required to take online training on the new health and safety protocols before returning to work on-campus, and each employee must complete an online healthy check-in process daily when working on campus.
“Now we are ready to serve students who need to come to campus in preparation for the fall term, by appointment. We are also ready to conduct tours for interested students and members of their household,” said OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams.
OCTC’s fall term begins Aug. 17 and classes will be offered in a variety of formats. OCTC will offer fully online classes as well as face-to-face classes and some options that are a mixture of both. All face-to-face classes will have a strong online or remote instruction part, so if in-person classes must move online the transition will be easier for students. The colleges also will offer a variety of scheduling options, including 16-week, and 8-week sessions.
“The on-campus experience looks and feels different. In order to try and ensure everyone is healthy and safe we are doing things differently. I expect that the protocols will change as we proceed through the stages of reopening, we just ask that everyone is patient and adheres to the guidelines. We want to have a successful reopening in every stage of the plan so we can continue to serve the community,” said Williams.
All in-person appointments and those interested in a campus tour must follow the guidelines listed below:
- reschedule an appointment or request a virtual advising session if you are sick or not feeling well;
- do not bring additional people to your appointment;
- wear a mask during the visit. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided;
- 6′ physical distancing
Safety guidelines for all people on campus include temperature self-checks and other health evaluations, physical distancing inside and outside of all facilities, required face-covering/mask and other specific recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Extensive signage reminding people of safety practices is placed throughout any open buildings on OCTC campuses. Physical changes include designated entries, exits, and a limited number of students will be permitted in each class session. All these changes are to limit incidental contact.
“We have learned that the students are a vital part of this plan and its successful implementation. They must understand that it is imperative to be completely forthright during the healthy check-ins daily. There is no penalty for being honest about a health situation, but there are penalties for making false statements, beyond closing a building or disrupting other students’ class schedules. We want to keep everyone safe and healthy and it takes all of us working together and holding each other accountable,” said Williams
OCTC will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and update college plans based on any changes from the governor’s office, the White House, CPE, CDC, and local health officials.
Students and prospective students can enroll online at Owensboro.kctcs.edu or call 270-686-4400 for more information.