Western Oklahoma State College

December 3, 2020

• Option 1: The quarantine can end after 10 days if the person has not developed any symptoms.

• Option 2: The quarantine can end after just 7 days if the asymptomatic person also tests negative for the virus. Proof a negative test must be provided. The sample for the negative test should be collected within 48 hours of the final day of quarantine. (Which means to be able to test out early, the negative test has to be a test from day 5-10 to get out on day 8 or later.)

August 14, 2020

COVID Protocol Update

To enhance the safety of the campus and ensure compliance with Jackson County Health Department's (JCHD) oversight of COVID-19 cases, all students that have tested positive or have been quarantined due to exposure will be required to submit a Release Letter from JCHD or their local health department to the Office of Academic support prior to returning to school. This release can be brought to the office located in A-11 in the main building to the Academic Dean at 580-477-7940.

The faculty will be notified through PATH when a student can return. If you have any questions, please call me or the Office of Academic Support. The oversight of these cases is quite tedious, and we are doing our best to keep a safe environment for everyone. Thank you for your continued support.

COVID Update for Fall 2020
Addendum to Syllabus: COVID Statement

This statement is an addendum specific to COVID-19 to your class syllabus. Western’s goal is to keep all students, faculty, staff, and visitors safe while on our campus. Western is in full support of the City of Altus Emergency Order mandating facial coverings.  While inside campus buildings, all faculty, staff, students, and visitors must wear a facial covering that completely covers the nose and mouth area. This will remain in effect the entire semester.

Face shields may be worn in addition to the facial covering but not as a replacement.   Facial coverings may be removed while eating and drinking or while in the wellness center or participating in sporting events/practice. Violation of this requirement will be treated as a student conduct issue and will fall under the Student Code of Conduct that is outlined in the Student Handbook. The handbook is part of the College Catalog, which can be found on our website at wosc.edu/collegecatalog Students who are unable to wear facial coverings due to medical need or disability should contact the Counselor at (580) 477-7710 or by email to cheryl.orr@wosc.edu to discuss possible accommodations. There is a possibility that these students may be required to wear a face shield.  

Please practice the following to decrease the spread of the disease: social distancing of at least 6 feet when possible, washing your hands regularly, and staying home if you do not feel well. Please DO NOT come to the campus if you have any of the following:

• Positive COVID test
• Been exposed to someone with COVID
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue or body aches
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat or congestion/runny nose
• Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea

If you have any of the above, contact your faculty by phone or email. It is important to communicate. He/she will instruct you what to do regarding your class work. Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we work together to keep our campus safe.

July 28, 2020

Fall 2020 Semester Working Plan

ALTUS, Okla. – Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Western Oklahoma State College has sought ways to continue classroom instruction while also preventing and slowing the spread of the virus. Incorporating feedback from the Center for Disease Control, Oklahoma Department of Health, and Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Western has drafted a working plan for the fall 2020 semester that will allow the college to resume face to face classes with physical distancing while also offering alternative delivery for students who may not be comfortable returning for face to face instruction. This plan is designed to provide students flexibility to continue the pursuit of their degree in a way that promotes confidence, health and safety.

• To remain in compliance with the City of Altus, facial coverings (masks, shields, bandanas, scarves, etc.) will be required while in all campus buildings;
• Class limits have been decreased based on classroom square footage to allow for the recommended 6 feet of social distancing;
• Occupancy levels in the cafeteria and recreation areas such as Pioneer Point will be adjusted to adhere to social distancing guidelines;
• Many classes that are being offered face to face will also have an extended classroom with virtual seats. Students who enroll in this section will join remotely at the scheduled class time via Zoom. There is no additional fee for those who enroll for a seat in the extended classroom;
• Western continues to offer fully-developed 100% online classes that provide additional flexibility and convenience for accessing course work at times that are ideal for the student;
• Residential students will return to campus following protocol developed by campus administration and Oklahoma Department of Health staff. Students will be checked into college housing in shifts of small groups. They will receive health and safety related information and be tested for COVID-19. Students that test positive will be quarantined following CDC guidelines. Students who room with or have been in close contact to a student that tests positive may also be quarantined as deemed appropriate by the Oklahoma Department of Health;
• College facilities will once again be available for community events and gatherings with limited capacity based upon social distancing guidelines;
• The Wellness Center will be fully operational on August 3, 2020. Staff and patrons will be trained on proper sanitizing procedures.

We look forward to the opportunity to serve students and the community again and pledge our commitment to providing the safest environment possible.

May 5, 2020

April 17, 2020

April 9, 2020

March 30, 2020

Western Oklahoma State College (as of March 30)

Employees: Effective March 30, 2020, Western implemented a remote work format for the majority of employees. In consultation with supervisors, employees will perform their work from home as long as remote work does not compromise college operations. For employees who have job functions that cannot be performed at home, supervisors will work with employees to develop individualized plans. In general, individuals are expected to be available during normal hours, regardless of location.

Public: The Western campus is closed to the public. All scheduled activities have been cancelled until further notice.

Students: Western has moved exclusively to virtual delivery for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. Students are encouraged to communicate regularly with their instructors and make use of a wide variety of resources that are available online (wosc.edu/covid19). Two computer labs will be available for student use and will be open Wednesday, April 1 for WOSC students only. Hours of operation will be Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Enter through the HLC sliding door entrance on the south side of the main building. A maximum of 8 students will be allowed in the lab at one time. WOSC students must bring student ID or other photo ID with proof of enrollment and must check in with the attendant at the HLC Help Desk. No children will be allowed and please do not come if you have a cough, fever, or
have potentially been exposed to COVID-19. 

Activities: All college-sponsored events and activities are suspended until further notice. Spring sports competitions and practices have been canceled in light of recommendations by NJCAA and NIRA.

Housing: Student housing at Western is no longer available for students. Those students who have not returned to campus following Spring Break must make an appointment with Jimmy Poe (jimmy.poe@wosc.edu or 580-477-7945) before  returning to collect their personal belongings. Students are limited to bringing one individual to help them move. The Business Office will process pro-rated refunds based in the student’s account status through the remainder of the spring semester for room & board payments.

Commencement: At the present time, no decision has been made on graduation or nursing pinning.

Travel: Travel for all college-related business or academic purposes (regardless of prepayment) is suspended unless such travel is deemed absolutely critical to the college and approved in advance by the Office of the President.

Fall/Summer 2020 Enrollment: The early enrollment opening date of March 26 has been postponed. During these unprecedented times, our focus is serving our current students and ensuring they have the tools necessary to succeed in a virtual environment. Information regarding summer and fall enrollment will be made available at a later date.

March 20, 2020

We continue to work together during this challenging time to make informed decisions to protect our entire campus community and do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our Western family, and we are proud to see the Western family pulling together at this critical juncture to support and encourage one another through the uncertainty.

General Operations

Even though we have already taken extraordinary precautions and measures, we must do more as the situation continues to evolve. The most recent White House and CDC guidelines for social distancing have made it apparent that we must now take additional steps to do our part to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Today the decision was made to close the campus to the public effective Monday, March 23, 2020. All faculty, staff and administration will report to duty unless arrangements have been made with your supervisor. Sometime before lunch, all doors to the campus (except the automatic HLC door) will be locked, prohibiting the public from entering. After that point, we are asking that everyone enter through this single entry.

Priorities

Our #1 priority is serving the students that are currently enrolled. Working together with faculty and staff as well as our community partners, we are committed to ensuring our students can complete their academic goals at Western. Therefore, as a campus, the following three items will be our priorities during the week of March 23.

#1 - Faculty will make all necessary preparations to provide excellent virtual instruction that will begin on March 30.

#2 - Staff will continue to serve students as needed and make preparations to work remotely should the need arise to close campus completely.

#3 - Physical Plant will work tirelessly to provide a safe environment for all employees.

Summer/Fall Enrollment

In an effort to focus on current students and do everything possible to help them achieve their goals for the current semester, summer and fall enrollment will be postponed.

Food Service

We have negotiated with Great Western Dining and will be able to provide a wonderful perk for our employees beginning Monday, March 23, 2020. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available for $2 per meal on a take-out basis only. Breakfast will be available 8:00 - 9:00 a.m., lunch from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., and dinner from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Purchasing

Effective immediately, there is a freeze on all non-essential purchasing. Grant programs will be excluded from this purchasing freeze. Please consult with your supervisor before making any purchases.

General Guidance

All those returning to campus should continue to exercise social distancing. As recommended by the CDC – wash your hands thoroughly and often for at least 20 seconds; cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve/elbow; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. It is imperative that we minimize contact and proximity. Strive for no more than 10 people in a confined work or customer space, with at least 6 feet between individuals. If you do not feel well due to any illness, use existing sick leave, stay home, and seek medical attention as necessary. Absolutely do not come to work if you have a fever or a cough.

March 17, 2020