COVID-19 Operating Plan | Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood, Pennsylvania

Westmoreland Operating Plan

Westmoreland COVID-19 Operating Plan

Created by the College Operating Plan Stakeholders Group
Last Updated  - August 23, 2022

Our first priority remains the health, safety and security of our faculty, staff and students.  We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to focus on following the expertise of organizations using science and data.  We continue to use the guidance of these organizations to inform our operations.  Our website is used as the primary source to post updates so please continue to check it regularly.

Our College Operating Plan is a comprehensive plan that outlines the best practices for maintaining the health and well-being of our college community. The plan is subject to change as information becomes available and best practices are enhanced by the PA Department of Health (PA DOH) and the Center of Disease Control (CDC).

As we look ahead, we continue to be the AMBITIOUS institution that we have always been. Our college was started by a few that knew the importance of a community college and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. Over the last 50 years, many have spent decades building Westmoreland into the college it is today. As we look to the next 50 years, we will continue the legacy of working hard and dedicating ourselves to our students and the community.

Table of Contents

At the request of the president and the Westmoreland County Community College Board of Trustees, the College’s Cabinet, faculty and staff will review and maintain the College Operating Plan for the Youngwood campus and education centers. The group includes:

  • Tuesday Stanley, president/Westmoreland County Community College
  • Sydney Beeler, vice president/Enrollment Management
  • Kristy Bishop, vice president/Academic Affairs
  • Steve Budny, director/Information Technology
  • Debra Williams, director/Grants
  • Debra Woods, executive director/Foundation
  • Deans and Faculty
  • Staff

Purpose

The College Operating Plan is intended to provide clear guidance to mitigate the spread of the pandemic virus SARS-CoV-2, commonly referred to as coronavirus COVID-19. 

Scope

The College Operating Plan applies to all faculty, staff, students of both credit and noncredit programs, as well as all vendors and visitors of Westmoreland County Community College in addition to all college education centers located in the counties of Westmoreland, Fayette, and Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Points of Contact

Primary oversight and supervision of the College Operating Plan

  • Sydney Beeler, vice president/Enrollment Management
  • vpenrollmentmanagement@westmoreland.edu 

Faculty and staff issues or concerns about personnel matters should be directed to: 

  • Human Resources Department 
  • directorhumanresources@westmoreland.edu

Objectives

  • Protect the health and safety of the college community
  • Manage on-site instructional, student support and administrative services
  • Ensure appropriate guidelines are followed for all college-wide activities.

Mission

Westmoreland County Community College improves the quality of life in the communities we serve through education, training and cultural enrichment.

Vision

Westmoreland County Community College is recognized as a premier institution of higher learning focused on student success, workforce development, economic growth and cultural experiences.

Values

Teaching and Learning:  We are committed to excellent instruction and lifelong learning.

Innovation and Creativity:  We are committed to creativity, new ideas and the advancement of art, culture and technology.

Equity and Inclusion:  We are committed to an educational and workplace environment where all are treated with dignity and respect.

Collaboration and Teamwork:  We are committed to cooperation within our college and to strong relationships with employers, school districts and other community partners.

Accountability and Integrity:  We are committed to high, ethical educational standards.

Social Responsibility and Stewardship:  We are committed to principles of service and good citizenship.

Academic Year 2022-2023

Being informed of public health practices is a part of College Operations, and that includes the transmission of COVID-19, influenza, monkeypox, and other communicable diseases.  As such, please review the following safety tips, policies, and procedures.

  • Hand sanitizing stations - Stations are placed throughout buildings on the campus and all education centers in high traffic areas.
  • Disinfecting sprayers - Sprayers are used by trained facilities staff members.
  • Sanitizing wipes dispensers - Dispensers will be available throughout the campus and education centers in areas such as computer labs, single student study cubes, water stations, classrooms, etc.
  • Plexiglass installation - Plexiglass will be installed upon request. Please see your supervisor for details. 
  • Masks - Masks are only required if individuals feel them necessary, or if members of the college community have contracted COVID-19 and are past their five-day isolation period, and around others prior to day ten, and/or are in active exposure protocol.

A set of policies and procedures will be adhered to while under COVID-19 conditions. These policies and procedures align with guidelines from the CDC, the PA DOH and local guidance. All faculty, staff, students and visitors on college property are expected to adhere to the most recent guidance.

Personal Protection Procedures:

  • You are expected to monitor your own temperature daily - if you determine you are sick, stay home and notify your supervisor.
  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible. Hand sanitizer is also available in areas throughout each college property.
  • Cover coughs or sneezes with a sleeve or elbow.
  • Avoid shaking hands.
  • Do not touch your face.
  • Practice safe distancing and personal protection procedures when off campus to minimize risk to yourself and others. 
  • Students in certain programs will be provided specific Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) by the college. This is a one-time accommodation. PPE is necessary in certain programs for academically related activities. Faculty will notify students of PPE requirements.

Facility Protection Procedures:  

  • HVAC systems are in use and are circulating outside air to ensure the atmosphere is safe.
  • Custodial staff have been trained to use PPE and recommended cleaning and disinfecting practices. All future custodial staff new hires will also be trained in the proper use of PPE and all recommended cleaning and disinfecting practices. 
  • Custodial staff are cleaning and disinfecting buildings per CDC guidelines, especially high touch areas.
  • All cleaning products meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
  • Cleaning wipes are provided if faculty, staff and students would like to clean their work areas.

Symptomatic Protocols

  • Faculty, staff, and students exhibiting the following symptoms should report to the appropriate personnel noted below and self-isolate.  These symptoms include:
    • Fever and chills
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headache
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Sore throat
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea
  • If you exhibit these symptoms the following is guidance from the CDC:

Exposure Protocols

  • The CDC recommends the following:
    • Wear a mask as soon as you find out that you were exposed.
    • Masking is mandated for 10 days past exposure, with Day 0 being the first day of exposure.
    • Watch for symptoms.
    • Test FIVE FULL DAYS (with Day 0 being the date of exposure, this is six days past exposure) post exposure.

Protocol for Active Confirmed Case

  • If less than 24 hours have passed since the person who is sick or diagnosed with COVID-19 has been in the space, clean and disinfect the space.
  • If more than 24 hours have passed since the person who is sick or diagnosed with COVID-19 has been in the space, cleaning is enough. You may choose to also disinfect depending on certain conditions or everyday practices required by your facility.
  • Communicate with the individual who is positive and inform them that they are to:
    • Isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving and without fever for 24 hours, then they may be released to in-person activities.
      • Day zero is the day that you receive your positive test results- self-isolation follows for 5 days after.
    • Then, follow those 5 days by 5 days of following strict mask-wearing guidelines at all times (including not eating or drinking when around others).
  • If individuals were in close contact with someone who became infected with the disease, you are expected to follow CDC guidance, and the above EXPOSURE PROTOCOL.
    • Close contact is defined as coming into contact within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: An employee is exposed to someone who is COVID positive, they are unvaccinated and need to self-isolate. Will they need to use sick, personal or vacation days?

A: Employees whose position allows for remote working and who choose to do so, can work remotely two days a week under the college’s current hybrid working medium and retain Wednesday as an all-college on-ground work day.

All other time (outside of time that is worked remotely for self-isolation) must be covered using sick, personal or vacation days.

Q: An employee has a child/parent who has been exposed to someone who is COVID positive and they need to self-isolate. Can the employee work/teach remotely or have the college cover their time off so they don’t have to use sick, personal or vacation days?

A: Employees whose position allows for remote working and who choose to do so, can work remotely two days a week under the college’s current hybrid working medium and retain Wednesday as an all-college on-ground work day.

All other time for self-isolation must be covered using sick, personal or vacation days.

If the employee is a faculty member, classes are to be held in the same (original) format all semester unless the college makes a change. If the employee believes they are eligible for FMLA (Family & Medical Leave Act), they should contact the Human Resources department.

Q: An employee tests positive for COVID. Does the employee have to use sick days, personal or vacation days and/or can they work/teach remotely?

A: Employees whose position allows for remote working and who choose to do so, can work remotely two days a week under the college’s current hybrid working medium and retain Wednesday as an all-college on-ground work day.

All other time for self-isolation must be covered using sick, personal, vacation days, or unpaid leave.

Additionally, if the employee is a faculty member, classes are to be held in the same (original) format all semester unless the college makes a change. If the employee believes they are eligible for FMLA (Family & Medical Leave Act), they should contact the Human Resources department.

Q: An employee has an issue that is not COVID related - sick child, they are sick, need surgery or other medical procedure etc. Can the employee work/teach remotely?

A: Employees whose position allows for remote working and who choose to do so, can work remotely two days a week under the college’s current hybrid working medium and retain Wednesday as an all-college on-ground work day.

All other time for self-isolation must be covered using sick, personal, vacation days, or unpaid leave.   

Additionally, if the employee is a faculty member, classes are to be held in the same (original) format all semester unless the college makes a change. If the employee believes they are eligible for FMLA (Family & Medical Leave Act), they should contact the Human Resources department.

Q: Can a faculty member teach all of their courses online/remote?

A: Faculty members who have questions about the medium in which they would like to conduct their classes should contact their dean. Deans are responsible for making decisions in regard to teaching modality.

Q: What if there is inclement weather or another reason that in-person activities at the college sites are not being held.

A: Information about if the campus will remain open, closed, or delayed will be made via the college website and other communication mediums.

Additionally, essential personnel will receive guidance on if they will be required to report to campus.

Q: An employee who has been vaccinated has now tested positive for COVID. Does the employee have to use sick, personal or vacation and/or can they teach/work remotely?

A: Employees whose position allows for remote working and who choose to do so, can work remotely up to two days a week under the college’s current hybrid working medium and retain Wednesday as an all-college on-ground work day.

All other time for self-isolation must be covered using sick, personal, vacation days, or unpaid leave.   

Additionally, if the employee is a faculty member, classes are to be held in the same (original) format all semester unless the college makes a change. If the employee believes they are eligible for FMLA (Family & Medical Leave Act), they should contact the Human Resources department.

Q: In the instance where an entire department needs to self-isolate or has tested positive for COVID, can they work remotely?

A: Employees whose position allows for remote working and who choose to do so, can work remotely two days a week under the college’s current hybrid working medium and retain Wednesday as an all-college on-ground work day.

All other time for self-isolation must be covered using sick, personal, vacation days, or unpaid leave.   

Additionally, if the employee is a faculty member, classes are to be held in the same (original) format all semester unless the college makes a change. If the employee believes they are eligible for FMLA (Family & Medical Leave Act), they should contact the Human Resources department. 

Moreover, on a case-by-case basis and based upon a business need, the college can make a different decision about working remotely.

Q: What happens when an employee is showing symptoms of COVID but is refusing to get tested for COVID?

A: Employees are not allowed to return to any college site until they have completed the self-isolation period and are symptom free or produce a negative COVID-19 test to the Office of Human Resources. COVID- 19 test results can be emailed to the Office of Human Resources at directorhumanresourcesFREEWESTMORELAND.

Q: What if there is an outbreak on campus and multiple employees are all confirmed COVID positive?

A: The college will assess the impact on employees and college operations and determine and communicate next steps.

Q: What if employees are not comfortable working in a space with potentially unvaccinated people?

A: Refer them to the Human Resources department. They can also request plexiglass in their workspace.

Q: What if employees are not comfortable being in a workspace where students can enter and can be potentially unvaccinated?

A: Refer them to Human Resources. They can also request plexiglass in their workspace.

Q: What if I need to reference any Human Resources related information?

A: Please logon to the college portal at my.westmoreland.edu select “Human Resources'' from the “Menu” tab and use the links on the left hand side of the Human Resources home page to find Human Resources related information. If you are in need of additional assistance, please contact the Human Resources department at 724-925-4143.

Q: How do I contact Back on Track, the college’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?

A: During these challenging times, if you feel that you are struggling, please contact the Office of Human Resources by telephone at 724-925-4143 or by email at directorhumanresourcesFREEWESTMORELAND with questions or concerns. You can also utilize the confidential services provided by Back on Track EAP, 24/7 at 1-800-566-5933 or by visiting www.backontrackeap.com with username: 11800 and password: confidential help.

Q: Who can I contact if I need additional human support services?

A: You can reach out to the local PA 2-1-1 hotline and website for additional health and human services for everyday needs and crisis situations. Help is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 (or 1-888-886-5778) or by visiting pa211sw.

Q: What if I have questions about COVID-19?

A: We encourage all faculty and staff to reference the college website, which contains helpful links/resources such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Coronavirus website as well as the PA Department of Health Coronavirus webpage.  

Q: What if I have been exposed or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19?

A: Please refer to the College’s Operating Plan section titled “Monitoring, Surveillance and Voluntary Reporting”.

Q: What if I have a sick family member at home with COVID-19?

A: You should immediately notify your supervisor and follow CDC recommended precautions.

Q: What if I have been exposed to a positive case of COVID-19?

A: Please refer to the College’s Operating Plan section titled “Monitoring, Surveillance and Voluntary Reporting”.

Q: Will my temperature be checked daily?

A: Faculty and staff are responsible for checking their temperatures daily. Please refer to the College’s Operating Plan section titled “Monitoring, Surveillance and Voluntary reporting.”

Q:  What are the personal protection steps and social distancing guidelines required by the college when faculty and staff return to work onsite?

A:  Please refer to the College’s Operating Plan sections titled “Personal Protection Procedures” and “Social Distance Guidance” for detailed information.

Q: What should I do when a student, faculty, staff or visitor verbally discloses that they have a health condition and are not able to wear a face mask?

A: You cannot question someone who verbally discloses that they cannot wear a face mask.  However, with only a few exceptions, the accommodations are to wear a face shield.

Q: If I have been vaccinated do I have to wear a face mask and social distance?

A: Face masks are mandated indoors at all college sites and they are recommended in outdoor settings at all college sites.

Q: Is training available?

A: Please refer to the College’s Operating Plan section titled “Training” for detailed information

Q: Will I be required to get vaccinated if I work at Westmoreland?

A: No

Q: Will I be required to get vaccinated if I am a student at Westmoreland?

A: No 

Q: What do I do if a student reports that they are a contact or have a positive case?

A: Please refer to the Communicable Disease Student Procedure.

If you should have any additional questions, please contact Dr. Sydney Beeler, vice president/Enrollment Management by email at vpenrollmentmanagementFREEWESTMORELAND.  

TRAINING

Facilities Cleaning Training

  • All custodial staff to be trained in the proper use of PPE including masks and gloves.
  • All custodial staff will be trained in the proper use and/or dilutions of EPA approved cleaners and disinfectants.
  • All custodial staff will be trained in the use of electrostatic disinfectant sprayers to accomplish frequent sanitizing of high touch areas.

Faculty and Staff Training

  • Faculty and staff will review to understand the content contained within the Westmoreland COVID-19 Operating Plan.
  • How to effectively wash your hands

Handwashing - Clean Hands Save Lives 

Handwashing and Hand Sanitizer Use

  • Understanding the importance of wearing a face mask
  • Understanding what social distancing means.

Surgeon General Social Distancing (:60)

  • Communication and de-escalation techniques
  • Here are tips for de-escalating conflict:
    • Remain calm and listen.
    • Do not raise your voice.
    • Be respectful.
    • Acknowledge what the individual is saying and try to assist in resolving the situation.
    • If you are unable to resolve the matter then send student focused issues to the Vice President/Enrollment Management and employee/visitor/vendor focused issues to the Director/Human Resources & Assistant to the President.

We are committed to providing a safe environment for our students and employees. The following list includes the College’s current plans.

  • All break rooms will be open.
  • Wipes and hand sanitizer will be available in common areas. 
  • Up and Atom and Westley’ Cafe will be open. Please check the website for details on hours of operation. 
  • The DEN is now home to the College Store, The Vault and a new student lounge.
  • In some cases, ZOOM meetings may still take place.
  • In some areas, you will see that we have installed plexiglass to provide safe separation for staff and students. Plexiglass is installed by request only. Please see your supervisor for details.
  • PSTC Operations overseen by the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy curriculum are subject to Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) requirements.
  • Vending machines are available. Wipes will be available for cleaning the vending machine before and after use. 
  • Microwaves and refrigerators will be in use. Please wipe down surfaces before and after use. 
  • Wipes will be provided for storage cubbies located in the Tutoring and Learning Services Center. Students using the storage cubbies while in the TLSC may use the wipes to sanitize the space prior to and after use.

ATC - Advanced Technology Center of Westmoreland County Community College

AVI - AVI Fresh is the food service provider for the college.

CARES - Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act

COVID-19 - Abbreviation for coronavirus disease 2019

CDC - Centers for Disease Control

EAP - Employee Assistance Program

EFML - Expanded Family and Medical Leave

EPA - Environmental Protection Agency 

FFCRA - Families First Coronavirus Response Act

HVAC - Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

NJCAA - National Junior College Athletic Association

PA DOH - Pennsylvania Department of Health

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment 

PSTC - Public Safety Training Center of Westmoreland County Community College

SARS-CoV-2 - Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, commonly referred to as coronavirus/COVID-19

TLS - Tutoring and Learning Services 

WPCC - Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference

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