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Dear Students and Colleagues,

PURPOSE: The purpose of this message is to help all of us address the increased threat of COVID transmission on campus and COVID-related operations. This is a long message with a lot of important information. Please read it all.

DO NOT COME TO CAMPUS IF YOU FEEL AT ALL SICK

Transmission of COVID is especially high these days, in part because symptoms are very mild for some, yet extremely serious for others who might catch it from those less affected. Work with your instructor or supervisor to arrange alternate assignments.

We have confirmed COVID-19 cases at RTC this week in one of our programs, which we believe might be related to each other. Our Facilities staff deep-cleaned and sanitized all areas. Faculty and Administration are planning how to move forward with next week’s instruction in that program. Read more about how we make these decisions and other frequent questions below.

INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN—Dr. Delaney updated faculty on Thursday (01.06.22) with these points

Are we going to close the campus and shift to entirely remote instruction again? Not at the moment. The COVID situation is changing rapidly, but we would like to stay open and retain face to face instruction where it continues to be safe. As a reminder, our updated campus COVID plan is fully explained here.
Program by Program approach: Faculty, along with their deans and administrators, will determine how to proceed when positive results are reported. Short-term alterations of practice will allow for long-term continuity of instruction and operations.
What should I do if I or someone in my class is sick or is exposed to someone who is sick? Please see the attached flowchart that will walk you through how to respond. Also, check out this information from the Washington State Department of Health.

STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO PROPERLY WEAR MASKS and failure to do so is a student conduct or disciplinary issue

PLEASE GET VACCINATED AND A BOOSTER IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO

For those for whom vaccination in medically advisable, I hope that people’s earlier hesitancy to get vaccinated has given way to the reality that vaccines are very effective in limiting the consequences of COVID-19 for individuals and those they are in contact with.

WE CONTINUE TO LEARN MORE EVERY DAY ABOUT THE OMICRON VARIANT

Our team bases decisions on a thorough review of public health officials advice; consultation with other colleges, universities, and their contexts; and discussions with faculty and staff leadership. We will strive to continue in-person services unless circumstances or staff dictate changes.

Like us, the vast majority of community and technical colleges continue their hybrid and flex instruction and in-person services that has been so successful during the pandemic.

We are continuing to listen to the experts and will keep you updated as new information becomes available. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me.

Take care of yourself and each other,

Kevin

Kevin D. McCarthy, Ph.D.President425-235-2235kmccarthy@rtc.edu | rtc.edu