This webpage is meant to provide important information to help keep you safe and healthy. Bookmark it to stay updated on new and changing information as WCC and our county share new pandemic-related news and guidelines. Our current on-campus safety protocols are listed under Campus Safety.
COVID-19 Contact Tracing & Communication Update
The following communication was sent to all students, faculty and staff on October 25:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, WCC has followed guidelines provided by the Washtenaw
County Health Department (WCHD). The WCHD now follows the CDC recommendations on what
to do if you are sick or exposed, outlining Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19 and What to Do if You are Exposed to COVID-19.
WCC will follow the recommendations the CDC guidelines below for isolation and exposure,
to include the following (as listed in the hyperlinks above):
— Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19. You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19, but do
not yet have test results.
— If you test positive for COVID-19, you stay home for at least five days and isolate
from others in your home.
- You are likely most infectious during these first five days. Wear a high-quality mask when you must be around others at home and in public.
- If after five days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are improving, or you never had symptoms, you may end isolation after Day 5.
- Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 until at least Day 11.
- You should wear a high-quality mask through Day 10.
— If you were exposed to COVID-19, monitor yourself for symptoms, continue to come
to class/work and wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on Day 5.
Effective immediately, the college will discontinue the contact tracing and communication
with casual contact exposures. This includes notification to students/faculty in the
same classroom as a positive individual.
The college will continue to have employees and students on campus notify the college
of a COVID-19 exposure (confirmed positive case, or close contact exposure) via the
COVID-19 Exposure Form. The Dean of Students Office will continue to provide direction to COVID-19 positive
students and close contact exposures. This procedure may be re-evaluated for the upcoming
Winter 2023 semester based on future transmission of COVID-19 and local/federal guidelines.
Should you have any questions regarding COVID-19 contact tracing or communication,
contact Charlie Fuller, Safety and Wellness Officer, at [email protected]
Communications from WCC Leadership
As the Fall 2022 semester will soon be underway, I want to provide a reminder about Washtenaw Community College's current COVID-19 protocols. The health and safety of all students, faculty and staff remains our top priority. With Washtenaw County's current community level at "High," the CDC recommends the following:
- Wear a mask in indoor public settings
- Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines
- Get tested if you have symptoms
- Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness
Although not currently required on campus, masks will continue to be available in
each building and in classrooms for individuals who choose to wear one. All who wish
to wear masks should be supported.
Most importantly, please stay home and get tested if you exhibit symptoms. If you
test positive, isolate yourself and complete the WCC Report of COVID Exposure. Also use this form to report close contact with an infected individual. A college
representative will contact you to discuss next steps.
Let's all continue to do our part to support one another and create a safe campus
environment. Stay updated by periodically checking the COVID-19 page on our website for safety updates and information.
With COVID-19 cases rising in Washtenaw County, we want to take a moment to once again encourage everyone to keep the health and safety of our campus community as your No. 1 priority.
The Washtenaw County Health Department has placed the county at a "high" COVID-19 community level, which means a high potential for healthcare system strain and high levels of severe
illness exists. When a community reaches a "high" level, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention recommend the following:
- Wear a mask in indoor public settings
- Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines
- Get tested if you have symptoms
- Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness
Although we do not currently require masks on campus, during this time of high transmission WCC encourages students, faculty and staff to wear a well-fitting, high-filtration mask when indoors around others. Masks continue to be available in each building and in classrooms for individuals who choose to wear one.
Most importantly, if you feel ill or are exposed, please stay home and get tested.
If you test positive or are notified of a close exposure, please isolate yourself
and complete the WCC Report of COVID Exposure. A college representative will contact you to discuss next steps.
Let's all continue to do our part to support one another and create a safe campus
environment.
As we approach the beginning of Summer Session I, I want to remind everyone that the college has lifted its mask requirement effective May 3.
The health and safety of our students and employees remains our top priority. Although the Washtenaw County Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer call for wearing a mask in indoor public locations, WCC continues to encourage everyone to keep health and safety on our campus front and center.
Please be reminded of the following:
1. Stay home if you are sick.
2. If you are at high risk for severe illness, ask your health care provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions. WCC supports and respects the decision of all individuals who choose to wear masks on campus and we expect everyone on campus to do the same.
3. All students and employees who test positive for COVID-19 or are notified of a close exposure must report here. Contact tracing will be conducted as appropriate, following the guidelines of the Washtenaw County Health Department.
4. Get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations at a vaccine clinic near you.
We all need to do our part to support one another and create a safe campus environment. For WCC, this includes continuing safety protocols such as managing building air flow and disinfecting high-touch areas. The college is also continuing safety measures such as transitioning drinking fountains to water filling stations and maintaining plexiglass barriers in reception areas.
We will also provide updates when needed as we monitor the state of the pandemic in our community.
Let's all stay safe and enjoy the summer!
As we continue to monitor county, state and federal guidelines on how best to mitigate outbreaks of the COVID-19 infection, Washtenaw Community College will lift its mask requirement for Summer semester.
Effective Tuesday, May 3, students and employees will no longer be required to wear a mask on campus.
The Washtenaw County Health Department reports that our county is currently at a medium risk level. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this means that there is no longer a broad recommendation to wear a mask in indoor public locations. However, if you are at high risk for severe illness, you should talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions.
The health and safety of our students and employees remains our top priority. We will continue to encourage and remind students and employees to maintain healthy habits that stop the spread of any virus including handwashing, covering your cough or sneeze, not touching your face, and, most importantly, staying home when you are sick, even if you are fully vaccinated.
WCC will continue certain safety protocols including managing building air flow and disinfecting high-touch areas. The college is also continuing safety measures such as transitioning drinking fountains to water filling stations and maintaining plexiglass barriers in reception areas. We also strongly encourage vaccinations to stay safe.
We will continue to provide updates as needed as changes in operations may occur. Thank you for your understanding as we navigate a very dynamic situation. Stay safe.
The health and safety of our Washtenaw Community College family remains our top priority
as we manage the college's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We remain committed to reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus and continue to monitor
new county, state and federal guidelines, along with the outbreak of infections in
the communities we serve.
The Washtenaw County Health Department and State Department of Health and Human Services recently announced new guidelines regarding masking for K – 12 educational settings,
which no longer require mandatory masks while indoors. This was in response to the declining numbers of infected individuals
and hospitalizations locally and statewide.
However, the rate of COVID-19 infections in Washtenaw County is still considered high. Out of an abundance of caution, WCC will continue to require masks within our buildings through the end of Winter semester on May 2, 2022. If COVID-19
infections continue to diminish, we anticipate masks will be optional beginning on May 3 just before Summer 2022 semester starts on May
9.
Many of our students returned to in-person classes because we require masks, and they feel this is a safer and healthier environment in which to learn. We look
forward to the day when the risk of contracting the virus has greatly diminished within
the region. We will continue to provide updates as needed as changes in operations
may occur. Thank you for your understanding as we navigate a very dynamic situation. Stay safe.
As the transmission of COVID-19 remains high in our community, Washtenaw Community College’s goal is to lessen the spread of the virus by limiting the number of individuals on campus as we return from break. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, the college is delaying the start of Winter 2022 classes by one week, from Monday, January 10 to Tuesday, January 18.
One exception to the late-starting Winter 2022 classes are clinical courses offered through the Health Science Department. Clinical courses will start January 10.
The WCC campus is currently open for all student services, with the exception of Bailey Library, which will provide contactless pick-up of resources until January 18.
WCC continues to encourage all students to obtain a vaccination, including boosters, and is requiring masks to be worn on campus, indoors, in public spaces.
The Washtenaw County Health Department continues to update its information and resources regarding the best way to protect yourself and to limit the spread of the virus.This includes mask recommendations, recent updates regarding isolation guidelines if you contract the virus, where to obtain a vaccination, and COVID-19 testing sites. If you contract the virus, please report the exposure to WCC.
WCC is excited to once again offer a full slate of on-campus academic courses in the Fall 2021 semester, which begins August 30. We are confident we can safely come together for face-to-face instruction in classrooms while continuing to follow all state and federal health guidelines.
Our commitment to our students, employees and the entire community is to continue to provide a safer environment by mitigating the risk of the potential spread of COVID-19. The best way to protect one another is to get vaccinated. WCC strongly encourages and supports vaccinations. Walk-in vaccine clinics are widely available in Washtenaw County or at a vaccination site near you.
Listed below are our latest safety protocols – last updated on August 5, 2021 – that students, employees and visitors to the WCC campus are expected to follow. These and all other safety practices could change as the pandemic and health officials’ guidelines change.
- All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask while indoors on WCC’s campus unless they are occupying a single office/cubicle or eating alone in a lunch room.
- All students and employees are required to continue to report if they test positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing will be conducted as appropriate.
- All students and employees will be encouraged and reminded to maintain healthy habits that stop the spread of any virus — handwashing, cover your cough or sneeze, don’t touch your face, and, most importantly, stay home when you are sick, even if you are fully vaccinated. We also encourage any unvaccinated individuals to maintain social distancing at all times while on campus.
- Although no longer required, WCC intends to continue certain safety protocols throughout the semester, including managing building air flow and disinfecting high-touch areas. The college is also continuing ongoing safety-related projects, such as transitioning drinking fountains to water filling stations.
- For the time being, WCC will not require a daily health screening for students, employees or visitors to campus.
The college will continue to phase in on-campus student services and co-curricular opportunities throughout the fall semester as we transition back toward full on-campus operations and experiences at WCC.
For those students not ready to return to campus – or who’ve gained an appreciation for the convenience of online learning – we’re continuing to offer enhanced distance learning opportunities in Fall 2021.
Along with traditional on-demand online courses, we’re continuing to offer virtual classroom experiences developed and fine-tuned during the pandemic. In a virtual classroom, classes are scheduled at set days and times and allows students to engage in traditional class discussion in a virtual environment.
Visit our Fall 2021 class schedule and look for the types of classes that are right for you: In-person, mixed mode (lectures online, labs on-campus), virtual classrooms or online classes.
Have questions before you register? The Student Welcome Center is the information hub to find those answers. Visit them online, email [email protected] or call 734-973-3543.
Joining higher education institutions from across the nation, Washtenaw Community College is participating in the COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge, a joint initiative of the White House and U.S. Department of Education to help end the pandemic.
The challenge is part of a push to vaccinate as many Americans as possible against COVID-19. President Joe Biden’s goal is to have at least 70 percent of eligible Americans partially vaccinated by July 4. As of June 15, an estimated 52.5 percent have received at least one dose.
“We are committed to a safe return to our campus for the start of the new academic year and vaccines are the best way to get back to the face-to-face relationships that we want to have with our students,” said WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca. “We are excited to join this important effort to keep us all safe and healthy.”
WCC was previously engaged in work to reduce the spread of COVID-19 with its #MaskUp #VaxUp public education campaign and by hosting vaccination clinics for faculty, staff and on-campus students earlier this summer. Now that vaccines are readily available, the college continues to share details about how students, faculty and staff can get vaccinated.
Hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States, including 35 in Michigan, have already signed up for the challenge.
“The College Vaccine Challenge is a terrific way for all postsecondary institutions to engage students, faculty and staff in an effort to keep their communities safe,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “I encourage every college and university to take this pledge and get creative in becoming Vaccine Champion Colleges. We must all work together to beat this pandemic and put the focus back on students’ educational careers that will put them on the path to success.”
Greetings!
I hope you are enjoying summer semester at Washtenaw Community College. Please know
that while we are excited the COVID-19 rates are declining in our state, our first
priority continues to be ensuring a safe campus environment.
This includes continuing to follow both CDC and MIOSHA guidelines and requiring staff,
faculty and students to stay physically distant, wear masks indoors, wash hands frequently,
and most importantly, to stay home when feeling sick or experiencing a fever.
Everyone on campus must wear CDC-compliant masks inside WCC facilities, regardless
of physical distancing (six feet of distance) and COVID-19 vaccination status. All
campus employees and students will have access to WCC-provided face masks. When outdoors,
individuals who maintain six feet of physical distance with others will not have to
wear a mask.
We also require brief health screenings upon entry into WCC buildings.
Screening locations include:
| Location | Days | Time |
| Morris Lawrence Building (ML) | Monday - Friday | 5 a.m. – 9 a.m. |
| Larry L. Whitworth Occupational Education Building (OE) | Monday - Thursday Friday |
7 a.m. – 9 p.m. 7 a.m. – 2:00 pm |
| Technical and Industrial Building (TI) | Monday – Thursday Friday |
7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Public Safety Office (Parking Structure) | Monday - Friday Saturday - Sunday |
Starting at 9 a.m. Open 24 hours |
We’ve worked with outside sanitation, space and air quality experts to implement controls
to ensure a safe campus environment. We’ve also modified on-campus spaces to enhance
the safety of in-person experiences, including installing barriers, removing furniture
in rooms and adding signage to help maintain adequate social distancing and remind
individuals to wear masks in communal areas.
Select student services will be available on-campus beginning August 2 to assist students
who prefer in-person interactions. These services will include Student Connection
(Welcome Center), the Cashiers Office, Recruitment and Financial Aid. Limited food
service is planned to return to campus mid-July.
We continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated to support a safe on-campus experience.
To find a Covid-19 vaccine appointment near you, click here or call the COVID-19 Hotline
at 888-535-6136 and press 1. Hotline hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday
and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
This is a fluid situation and we will continue to monitor MIOSHA and CDC safety protocols
and re-evaluate and communicate updates periodically as we progress through the summer
months. Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and safety of our entire
campus and community.
Linda Blakey
Executive Vice President
Student and Academic Services
Dear Students,
What you’ve accomplished over the past year is unprecedented in the history of higher education. As the world was in turmoil, you persevered along your academic path and learned lessons we could’ve never anticipated teaching you about adaptability, resilience and grit.
You should proudly own the challenges of the past year as a badge of accomplishment. Upon graduation, you’ll not only take credentials into employer interviews – you’ll take real-life examples of how you pursued those credentials as the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything about how the educational system and the rest of the world operated.
One year ago today, Washtenaw Community College resumed all of its classes in online and virtual formats after being closed for several days to allow faculty to plan their alternative methods of instructional delivery. That original plan called for us to remain remote until at least Monday, April 6, 2020.
Needless to say, that timeline was extended. And extended. And extended again.
We could not have anticipated the duration of this global health crisis, nor imagined just how devastating it would be.
I sympathize with those of you who were seniors in high school at this time last year and missed out on so many important life experiences. I admire those of you who were WCC students that stuck with your pursuits despite the challenges. To those of you who came to WCC to learn a new skill because your past employment ended due to the pandemic, I congratulate you for investing in yourselves – it will pay off! Most importantly, my heart breaks for those of you who’ve lost loved ones to this dreadful virus.
As we anticipate the blossoms of the spring season, I’m so grateful that there are also finally reasons for optimism as it relates to the pandemic; with the number of cases and COVID-related deaths dropping across the country coinciding with a steady increase of vaccines being distributed.
I eagerly anticipate a return to normal, but never want to forget the lessons of the past. I hope you’re proud of what you’ve accomplished. I am. And so is everyone at Washtenaw Community College.
Sincerely,
Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D.
President, Washtenaw Community College
Dear Students,
I hope you and your families are are doing well. As I'm sure you've heard, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended her "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive order through May 15 on Friday. Accordingly, I am also suspending on-campus operations at Washtenaw Community College through May 15.
This remains an incredibly fluid and evolving public health crisis, and we understand that each development and announcement creates new challenges for all of us. Thank you for your patience, cooperation, flexibility and commitment to WCC.
As a reminder, it was previously announced that all Summer semester credit classes will be conducted through online learning and virtual classrooms and student services will continue to be offered remotely. I hope students, faculty and staff can be together on campus again for Fall semester — but that decision will not be made until it is deemed safe for us to do so by public health officials.
Stay well,
President Bellanca
Dear Students,
Today marks the start of our fifth week away from campus. No doubt that time has been
filled with anxiety and uncertainty, but I hope you've all been able to take a step
back from the unnerving aspects of this situation to recognize — and be extremely
proud of — what you're accomplishing.
Your ability to adapt and overcome unintended obstacles this semester has been remarkable.
Your resiliency has been an inspiration to us all.
We are here to help you get to the finish line!
Tutors from our Learning Commons continue to offer virtual tutoring sessions and WCC Success Coaches and Academic Advisors have established "Let's Talk Tuesdays"
sessions to provide support through the end of the semester. The Remote Learning Support and Resources page provides an overview of all resources available to you.
We recognize that stress is an inevitable part of the end of the semester and final
exams, and realize many of you are experiencing extra stress this year. If you'd like
to speak with somebody, our Campus Assistance Program (CAP) offers 24/7 mental health
services to students. Call 866-227-3834 or log in to hmsanet.com using Company User Name: WCC and Company Password: myresource. Services are free
and confidential. See the WCC Personal Counseling web page for additional mental health resources.
Here are a few other important reminders as we near the end of the semester:
WINTER SEMESTER GRADING
As other colleges and universities have moved to pass/fail grading, we have vigorously
studied the option and concluded that it would be a disadvantage to WCC students.
Nearly 65 percent of our students plan to transfer to a four-year institution to continue
their education. Most universities and their programs do not accept pass/fail grades
on a transcript due to accreditation requirements.
Furthermore, financial aid eligibility, scholarship eligibility, academic program
requirements, employer reimbursement and other factors can all be compromised if pass/fail
grades were awarded. For some, pass/fail may seem like an easy solution to current
concerns, but we're convinced it would create greater anxiety and more problems in
the future.
We do, however, understand the circumstances of the situation and want you to know
that faculty are eager to help students be successful in class and find solutions
for individual needs. They are ready to work with you!
Students who have worked with their instructor and still feel they are unable to complete
their course may review the Refund Exception web page for more specific information.
SUMMER SEMESTER GOING ONLINE
WCC has been investing in its online learning platform for years and we are confident
that our faculty and staff are more than prepared to help you be successful and continue
your investment in your education as we move all classes online for the Summer 2020 semester.
We've adapted traditional face-to-face classes to online learning formats to provide
the flexibility necessary to meet your needs. Along with a much larger selection of
On-Demand classes — in which students complete weekly assignments when their schedule
allows — we are offering a number of classes taught in a Virtual Classroom, in which
students will meet virtually with faculty and other students at assigned days/times.
View our Summer 2020 class offerings.
To demonstrate our commitment to the academic success of our students and to help
ease the financial strain some may experience as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,
WCC has changed its tuition payment plans for the Summer 2020 semester.
Payment plans will now offer:
— No payment deadlines for any Summer 2020 session until after the start of your
classes
— $25 enrollment fee waived for students who participate in a payment plan
— Flexible payment plans with $0 down
— Students will not be dropped from classes if they are attending
We're working diligently to keep you on your academic journey and help you prepare
for your future. Our goal is to balance the challenges of the situation with the resiliency
of our students and their desire to meet their goals.
BOOKSTORE UPDATE — WINTER
Because the WCC Barnes & Noble bookstore on campus is closed as long as the campus
operates remotely, it has set up special book return policies for the end of the Winter
semester.
For book rental returns, students should log into their bookstore account through
MyWCC > Student Services > Student Schedule > WCC Bookstore to access a prepaid UPS
shipping form that can be printed at no cost to students. Packages can be dropped
at any UPS drop off point (find one near you). To help accommodate this inconvenience, the bookstore has extended its May 5 deadline
to print return labels for book returns until June 1. For students planning to return
their books directly to the store, this can be done when campus reopens. Replacement/non-return
fees will not be incurred until the start of Fall 2020 semester on August 31.
The bookstore is unable to buy back purchased books until campus reopens. You will
be notified when that occurs. Students will typically receive the best price for their
books by selling them directly back to the campus bookstore. Alternatively, the bookstore
is in the process of setting up a wholesale buy-back option through textbooks.com, a Barnes & Noble-owned online source. Watch for details coming to your wccnet.edu
email account directly from the bookstore.
BOOKSTORE UPDATE — SUMMER
All book orders for Summer semester will occur online and will ship for free directly
to the student address on file with the bookstore or provided at checkout. Because
order fulfillment may be coming from different places, you may receive more than one
shipment.
With delivery slowed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, students are strongly encouraged
to order books as early as possible or to choose digital options when available.
If you have any bookstore-related questions, call 734-973-3594 or email [email protected].
FINANCIAL AID ADJUSTMENTS
WCC understands COVID-19 has put an additional financial strain on many of our students.
The Financial Aid Office may be able to help! If your financial situation is different
from what you reported on your FAFSA, let them know. Talk with them about what has
changed and they may be able to adjust your income to reflect your current situation.
You can reach Financial Aid team members at 734-973-3529 or [email protected].
WCC FOUNDATION
Students are also encouraged to apply for WCC Foundation scholarships for both the
Summer and Fall semesters. Application deadlines have been extended to meet student
needs during the COVID-19 crisis. Full-time students may receive up to $1,000 per
semester and part-time students may receive awards based on the number of credits
taken. Students can apply online for scholarships that will be awarded to qualified students as long as funding is available.
The Foundation also continues to accept applications for its Student Emergency Fund, which provides funding for food, utilities and other barriers to education. On a
temporary basis, the Foundation is accepting applications for technology assistance,
which will include the purchase of a Google Chromebook or, as possible, computer software.
These awards will only be made during the COVID-19 crisis.
STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER
The Student Resource Center also has available funding for Summer tuition and books. Call 734-677-5105 to make
an appointment with a case manager.
COMMENCEMENT / HONORS CONVOCATION
As previously communicated, WCC has postponed both its Honors Convocation and Commencement
— originally scheduled for May 14 and May 16, respectively — until to-be-determined
dates during the Fall semester. Both events are seminal moments for our students and
their families, which is why we did not cancel. We are determined to celebrate with
you whenever the public health situation allows us to do so.
It is important to note, however, that this change of plans in no way affects the
timing and awarding of credentials. All WCC degrees and certificates will be awarded
when they are earned, so we encourage you to apply for graduation. There is no fee to apply for your certificate or degree!
Best of luck to you as we wrap up the semester. You should be proud of what you've
already accomplished in these most atypical times!
Best wishes,
President Bellanca
Dear Students,
I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy at this challenging time.
We are now a few weeks into the coronavirus pandemic and the accompanying shutdown.
I am concerned about each of you and how this pandemic has impacted your lives. You
may have lost a job, or a family member has experienced a layoff, or you are unable
to visit a loved one, or experienced the loss of someone who passed away.
I know you might be grieving or feeling sad or angry. These are normal feelings and
ones that will take time to work through. Please think of the college as your extended
family and don't hesitate to reach out if you need help — there are many resources
available to you, even as we work remotely.
You have been asked to think and work differently under considerable time pressures,
resulting in stress levels that seem to grow instead of diminish. Let me thank you
again for your patience, cooperation and flexibility to withstand these ongoing changes
to how you now need to learn and study.
I know it hasn't been easy — but I've heard so many wonderful stories from our instructors
about the creative and resourceful ways you have adapted. Sometimes life presents
us with circumstances we don't expect. I could not be more proud of how you have supported
your classmates as you together have worked within these new circumstances we all
face.
I encourage you to continue to reach out to your instructors if you need help or guidance.
And don't hesitate to share all your feelings, because I know this pandemic affects
not just your studies but many aspects of your lives.
Yesterday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended her "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive order.
She did so to continue to keep the health and safety of our residents as her number
one priority as we continue to cope with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the health and safety of our campus is my utmost priority, I am extending the date that our campus will operate remotely to Monday, May 4.
As I previously shared with you, our Summer 2020 semester will be held entirely online. The summer semester provides a great opportunity to take classes to advance your
program and there is a wide selection of classes available.
Because I realize that your finances are a concern, there are new payment plans available.
Please take the time to review some of your options as listed on the Summer 2020 semester page on our website.
In closing, I want you to know that it is a privilege to have you as one of our students.
If there is anything I can do to make life easier for you, please reach out to me
at [email protected]. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts.
Once again, I ask that you follow Gov. Whitmer's directive to slow the spread of COVID-19
and protect our communities by staying home. Data from health agencies suggest that
the measures now in place are beginning to have a positive impact, which means we
must keep it up!
Sincerely yours,
President Bellanca
As the arc of the COVID-19 transmission in southeastern Michigan and throughout the country evolves, Washtenaw Community College is continuing to adapt processes. Accordingly, the college has announced it will only be offering Summer 2020 credit classes online or in Virtual Classrooms.
The goal of this decision is to minimize the need to gather in large groups and spend
prolonged time in close proximity with each other in spaces such as classrooms, labs
and campus buildings.
As the No. 1 online community college in Michigan, WCC is prepared to help students navigate these uncharted waters.
Summer semester has always been a great time for students to catch up, stay on track
or get ahead of their academic goals. A group of extremely dedicated faculty and staff
have been working around the clock to preserve that significance in these uncertain
times, considering every contingency as it relates to all 137 degree and certificate
programs offered at WCC.
Along with a much larger selection of traditional online classes — in which students
are given the flexibility to complete weekly assignments during times that best fit
their schedule — WCC is also offering a number of classes taught in a Virtual Classroom,
in which students will meet virtually with faculty and other students during pre-determined
days/times.
Students who already enrolled for Summer 2020 classes will be sent individual messages
regarding these changes and WCC academic advisors and other staff members are reaching
out to them directly if their schedules changed.
"We have been inspired by the transition our faculty and students made to alternate
delivery methods through the end of Winter 2020 semester," Executive Vice President
of Student & Academic Services Linda Blakey wrote in those emails. "We believe the
Summer 2020 semester offers the same opportunities for innovation, flexibility and
teamwork."
WCC will continue to offer remote learning support and resources throughout the Summer 2020 semester. This includes academic advisors and success
coaches, who will recommend replacement options for any cancelled classes.
Dear Students:
As we’ve monitored the rapidly spreading threat of COVID-19 globally, nationally, statewide and locally, we’ve made decisions to operate our college to the fullest extent safely possible. That remains true today and will always remain true.
It has been a learning experience for us all as we’ve transitioned to alternate delivery methods to allow you to finish your classes this semester. Each day presents new developments and I want you to know that our faculty and staff are committed to adapting to these changes and providing you with all the resources and support you need to successfully complete the semester.
I know this hasn’t been easy for you and I commend you for your patience and hard work. I’ve heard so many inspiring stories of how our students have handled the challenges of this new way of learning. Keep up the good work!
I encourage you to reach out to your instructors, and WCC support services staff with any questions or concerns you have as we continue with remote learning and service delivery. Also, this is a good time to reach out to your classmates and see how they are doing. You can serve as a resource for each other and share ways you are adapting and approaches you are taking to complete your classwork. It’s important to remember that even though we are physically apart – we remain connected as a WCC community.
Let me share some ways we need to work #TogetherApart a little longer:
- All Winter 2020 classes and services supporting students will continue remotely via alternate delivery methods through the end of the semester.
- Students who are currently in lab/clinical classes that have not moved entirely to alternate delivery will be provided with an “Incomplete” grade and a learning plan agreed upon with their instructor. This special “Incomplete” grade will have an extended timeframe, based on the uncertainty of the state lockdown and when health care organizations will be back to normal operations. Our faculty and staff will begin outreach with these plans beginning Monday, March 30.
- Commencement, originally scheduled for May 16, has been postponed to a to-be-determined date during the Fall 2020 semester. We did not want to cancel this joyous occasion where we gather with your friends and family to celebrate your academic achievement and reaching this very important milestone. Students completing programs are still encouraged to apply for graduation.
I’d like to remind you of the support services available to you on this Remote Learning Support and Resources page. In it, you will find resources for tutoring, academic advising, personal counseling and technical support – among many others. Additions and updates will be made as needed – so be sure you look at it on a regular basis.
Your health and well-being are my highest priority. I encourage you all to adhere to Governor Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, be mindful of health officials’ recommendation on how to protect yourself and continue to follow all state and local mitigation strategies.
These are challenging times, but we are up for the challenge. I encourage you to keep in contact with the people important in your lives. Call, text or reach out by email. It’s important we remain connected – even if we are physically apart.
Again, I could not be more proud of each of you and how you have adapted to this unprecedented experience.
I look forward to the day when we can all be back together on campus.
Stay safe,
Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D.
President
Dear Students,
We’re one week into delivering classes via alternate methods, so I wanted to this opportunity to reach out to you. I realize that these are unsettling times. Please know all decisions are being made with your health and safety as our top priority.
You may be feeling anxious or unsure about what’s next to come. You may feel lonely or isolated as you work from your homes. Many of you have needed to quickly adapt to caring for your children at home. These feelings and challenges are understandable and normal. We’re here to help you through them.
While your instructors will continue to guide you through your class work, I would like to share some additional resources that you may find helpful:
ACADEMIC HEALTH
- The Learning Commons has moved meetings with WCC tutors online. Check out the weekly tutoring schedule, find your discipline and enter a virtual meeting at the appropriate time.
- Student services continue to be available remotely. We’ve compiled a Remote Learning Support and Resources page full of contact information.
- I also encourage you to follow and interact with the WCC Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, where we continue to share important updates.
- If you are having trouble accessing reliable broadband connection, note that many companies are opening public hotspots in our area. Search for Xfinity Hotspots and Spectrum Hotspots near you.
MENTAL HEALTH
- Our Campus Assistance Program (CAP) offers 24/7 mental health services to students. Call 866-227-3834 or log in to hmsanet.com using Company User Name: WCC and Company Password: myresource. Services are free and confidential.
- See the WCC Personal Counseling website for additional mental health resources.
FINANCIAL HEALTH
- The United Way of Washtenaw County has compiled a list of “Personal Financial Tips During COVID-19” that has a lot of vital information.
- Call the United Way 211 resource line to talk to a community advocate about referrals for food, shelter, medical assistance and more.
- Visit gov/MiBridges to complete an application for benefits, including food stamps and health insurance.
- While the WCC emergency food pantry cannot operate while on-campus operations are suspended, a list of local food pantries are available via Food Gatherers and Food Bank Council of Michigan.
- The WCC Foundation continues to process Student Emergency Fund applications to help students meet unexpected expenses that jeopardize their ability to stay in school.
I do not take your choice to attend Washtenaw Community College for granted, and for that reason ensure we’re doing all we can to provide the resources you need to successfully complete your coursework.
Again, the most important thing is your health and well-being. Please heed health officials’ recommendations on how to protect yourself and follow all state and local mitigation strategies.
Be safe
Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D.
March 16 Update: On-campus operations suspended through at least Sunday, April 5
To protect the health and safety of our community and the broader society by minimizing the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, Washtenaw Community College is immediately suspending on-campus operations through at least Sunday, April 5.
All online classes and alternate delivery classes will continue as scheduled.
The college will continue to function remotely, as feasible, with the fewest possible number of fundamental job functions remaining on campus. Employees should check their email for further details.
Student services will continue to be available remotely. We’ve compiled a list of contacts for most-frequently reached services, which is available online. We appreciate the patience and flexibility students have exhibited throughout this situation.
The health and safety of our community is the college’s primary concern. With guidance from federal, state and local health officials, WCC will continue to monitor this situation and take necessary preemptive steps.
March 15 COVID-19 Update: Alternate delivery classes resume March 16, on-campus operations temporarily suspended
Washtenaw Community College’s face-to-face classes are transitioning to alternative delivery on Monday, March 16. We appreciate the patience and flexibility exhibited by students, faculty and staff to date and ask for continued understanding as we navigate through this unusual and ever-changing scenario.
While classes will resume as planned, WCC is suspending on-campus operations for Monday as it continues to evaluate workplace policies related to the coronavirus outbreak. The content of this message includes contact information for student resources you can access during this time of alternate classroom delivery. Please note those resources may not be available remotely on Monday.
UPDATED: The Bailey Library is currently available for virtual assistance and are ready to support your college needs remotely.
No lab classes will take place on campus the week of March 16-21 as the college continues to evaluate the situation and possible solutions. More information will be shared as available.
The health and safety of our community is the college’s primary concern. With guidance from federal, state and local health officials, WCC will continue to monitor this situation and take necessary preemptive steps. Please continue to protect yourself and follow along with all updates on our coronavirus webpage.
While direction for the continuation plans of individual face-to-face classes will come from instructors to students’ WCC email accounts, the following information is applicable to all:
BLACKBOARD
For those students being directed to use Blackboard for the first time, we have created a simple guide to accessing the tool via MyWCC on the wccnet.edu. You can also access it directly at https://blackboard.wccnet.edu.
Once inside Blackboard, the “Remote Learning” tab is being populated with information and tutorials for students who are not familiar with our online learning environment. The “Help & How To” tab contains more advanced tutorials.
The ITS Help Desk is available 24/7 to assist with Blackboard-related technical questions. Call 734-973-3456 or email [email protected].
Virtual Tutoring is available to all WCC students. Submit a question 24/7 for future response, or work with a live tutor during their scheduled tutoring session times. To access virtual tutoring, click the "Virtual Tutor" link on the left navigation bar in your class Blackboard site.
Important note: Not all faculty are using Blackboard as their alternative teaching solution. Students are urged to check for course plans and other instructor communication via their WCC email accounts.
STUDENT RESOURCES
Individuals are encouraged to make contact with the college remotely whenever feasible.
UPDATED: The Bailey Library is currently available for virtual assistance and are ready to support your college needs remotely.
Student services information can be found on the “Succeed” tab on wccnet.edu. Call 734-973-3300 or email [email protected] to be directed to the appropriate department, or contact them directly:
Academic Advising: 734-677-5223
Bailey Library: 734-973-3429, [email protected]
Counseling Center: 734-677-5223
Financial Aid: 734-973-3523, [email protected]
IT Help Desk: 734-973-3456, [email protected]
Learning Commons/Tutoring Center: 734-973-3420
Learning Support Services: 734-973-3342
Personal Counseling: 734-677-5223
Student Welcome Center: 734-973-3543, [email protected]
Testing Center: 734-477-8550, [email protected]
Writing Center: 734-973-3647, [email protected]
Note: First-year students can schedule an appointment with our Success Coaches.
COMPUTER ACCESS
UPDATED: The Bailey Library is currently available for virtual assistance only and are ready to support your college needs remotely.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
The Campus Assistance Program (CAP) offers 24/7 mental health services that complements WCC’s personal counseling services. Call 866-227-3834 or log in to caplife.hmsanet.com using Company User Name: WCC and Company Password: myresource. Services are free and confidential. See the WCC Personal Counseling website for additional mental health resources.
FINANCIAL EMERGENCIES
Students experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak are reminded that the Student Resource Center operates an emergency food pantry with staple food items and hygiene products. Lists of local food pantries are also available via Food Gatherers and the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
The WCC Foundation continues to process Student Emergency Fund applications to help students meet unanticipated expenses that jeopardize their ability to stay in school.
INTERNET/WIFI INFORMATION
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, multiple broadband and telephone service providers have lowered costs and extended data caps. Comcast is offering 60 days of free service for its Internet Essentials plan for low-income students. It also increased the speeds of the plan.
Following the Federal Communications Commission’s 60-day “Keep Americans Connected Pledge,” most providers have agreed to not terminate service for customers, waive late fees incurred due to economic effects of the virus and open access to public Wi-Fi hotspots to “any American who needs them.”
COVID-19 UPDATES
Refer to these sites for current information:
- Washtenaw County updates: washtenaw.org/health
- Michigan updates: michigan.gov/coronavirus
- National updates: cdc.gov/nCoV
Dear Health and Fitness Center Members,
Out of an abundance of caution to safeguard you and to help minimize the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Washtenaw Community College leadership has decided to temporarily close until further notice. Please understand that we will be monitoring the situation daily and we will notify you of any changes in the reopening of the Center. Your safety is our top priority and we ask that you stay informed and remain vigilant about washing your hands, limiting travel, avoiding others who may be ill, and practicing “social distancing” when in large venues.
We will be prorating April dues based on the number of days the center is closed in March and April. If you are an annual member your expiration date will be extended for the number of days, the center is closed. We will continue to follow center cancelation and bridge/freeze policies of membership. The best way to communicate with staff while the center is closed will be through email.
Remember, your first line of defense is your health and well-being. Thank you for understanding.
In good health,
Washtenaw Community College and
The Health and Fitness Center at
Washtenaw Community College
As the spread of COVID-19 continues, Washtenaw Community College’s top priority is the health and safety of its students, faculty, staff and surrounding communities. Because this is a rapidly changing situation, we will provide frequent updates to keep all stakeholders informed of decisions made and new information that becomes available.
All steps taken are preemptive measures intended to slow the spread of the virus. WCC is continually monitoring the situation and the recommendations of federal, state and local health officials.
CREDIT INSTRUCTION
- Face-to-face classes are cancelled Thursday, March 11 through Saturday, March 13 to give our faculty an opportunity to consider alternative methods of instructional delivery. Online classes are continuing as scheduled.
- Starting Monday, March 16, face-to-face classes will move to an alternative method of delivery through at least Monday, April 6. Faculty and staff are working on solutions for laboratory and performance-based classes. Instructors will reach out to all students individually to provide next steps for each class.
NON-CREDIT INSTRUCTION
- Face-to-face classes are cancelled through at least Monday, April 6. Online classes are continuing as scheduled.
EVENTS
- Effective immediately and through Wednesday, April 15, WCC-sponsored events and external rentals of WCC Conference Services space with anticipated attendance of more than 100 people have been cancelled or postponed. No new events will be scheduled through April 15.
- The 2020 Spring Free College Day scheduled for Saturday, April 4 has been cancelled.
STUDENT SERVICES
- Campus remains open and all student services are available as normally scheduled.
ON-CAMPUS
- WCC Facilities has increased its frequency of disinfecting of all high-touch areas using stronger cleaning agents. The department has also increased fresh air intake to campus buildings by 30%.
- Food service partners have altered their procedures to limit the possibility of cross-contamination.
TRAVEL
- All college-sponsored international travel is suspended until further notice. Personal international travel is strongly discouraged. If you do travel to a location with a CDC level 3 travel warning for COVID-19, you must notify Human Resources upon return and self-isolate for 14 days.
- All non-essential, college-related domestic travel is suspended until further notice. We strongly urge extreme caution and judgment for your personal domestic travel.
- Pre-payment for college-related travel that has been cancelled will be reimbursed. Contact Ben Hunholz at 734-973-3517 or [email protected]
PROTECT YOURSELF
- Personal and workplace mitigation strategies are crucial to slowing the transmission
of coronavirus (COVID-19). The most basic steps for individuals remain:
- Wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Avoid handshakes;
- Avoid contact with sick people who are sick; and
- Stay home when you are sick
- Please refer to these sites for additional information:
- Washtenaw County: www.washtenaw.org/health
- State of Michigan: www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
- Federal: www.cdc.gov/nCoV
Dear Students,
We’re living in unusual times. The college has developed a variety of plans based on many scenarios associated with COVID-19 while continually monitoring recommended actions. One of the lone consistencies in this continually fluid reality is that it’s creating significant concern for members of our community.
Our friends at the universities nearby have announced they’re moving classes online and to other alternative formats. The ability for a community college to make that same decision is complicated by the many hands-on, occupational education courses that we offer students.
To address this concern, WCC is cancelling all face-to-face credit and non-credit classes on Thursday, March 12 through Saturday, March 14 to give our faculty an opportunity to consider alternative methods of instructional delivery. Online classes will continue as scheduled. The campus and all campus services will remain open. All faculty and staff should report as normal.
Starting Monday, March 16, we are suspending face-to-face instruction in lectures, seminars and other classroom settings and will move them to alternative instruction until Monday, April 6. We are working with faculty and staff on laboratory and performance classes, and the college will provide additional guidance as soon as possible.
We have more decisions to make and planning is happening in full force, with our top priority being the safety of our students, faculty and staff. Please understand some next steps will need to be put in place quickly. We will notify all students and employees as soon as possible and appreciate your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D.
President
To the WCC Community:
Washtenaw Community College continues to closely monitor public health alerts related to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The College’s Facilities Management, Health and Fitness Center and food service partner, Aramark, are dedicated to the safety and well-being of its customers, clients and employees. Both WCC and Aramark continue to monitor information from the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, Michigan Department of Health and Washtenaw County Health Department to properly inform our response.
While our combined response plan remains fluid and continues to evolve given new information, some immediate steps we are taking to mitigate risks to our community include the following:
Facilities:
- Increase to twice a day the wiping down of high touch areas with an improved disinfectant product proven to fight against the virus.
- The College's Child Care Center has increased the number of wipe downs of surfaces, especially around mealtimes. Parents continue to be reminded if children experience a fever or other sickness to stay home.
Health and Fitness Center:
- Increase the frequency of equipment cleaning by staff.
- Signage is posted throughout the Health and Fitness Center to better educate members regarding personal health and hygiene during this outbreak.
- Parent reminders are posted at the Health and Fitness Center's Child Care Center.
Food Service Partner:
The Java Spot
- The salad and yogurt parfait bar will be replaced with grab-and-go salads and yogurt parfait cups located inside the Java deli case.
- The coffee carafes will be turned around so that they are inward facing. The Java staff will serve coffee to guests. Creamer will also be added by a Java staff member.
- The bring-your-own-mug coffee refill program will continue to be honored. However, Java staff will fill a Java cup and provide that to staff for them to pour into their own mugs. Your personal mug must still be present to be eligible for this promotion.
The SC Spot/Grill
- The Build Your Own Burger Bar - Toppings will now be handed to customers by staff in a tray for the guest to put on their sandwich.
- Pizza will be portioned into trays eliminating the need for guest facing spatulas.
- Soup will be pre-portioned into 8oz and 12oz soup cups and will be located on the hot plate.
- Condiment pumps have been replaced by condiment packets. These will be distributed by the cashier at time of payment.
- The silverware dispenser handles will be cleaned and sanitized every 15 minutes.
This is a rapidly changing situation. Please check the College's update page for the
latest information: https://www.wccnet.edu/announcements/coronavirus.php
William L. Johnson
Executive Vice President and CFO
Washtenaw Community College
To the WCC Community:
Washtenaw Community College continues to closely monitor public health alerts related
to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
No one in the state of Michigan has been diagnosed with the virus to date and there
are only about 60 cases reported in the U.S. as of last Friday. But the health and
safety of our campus community remains our highest priority.
We are receiving updates from the Washtenaw County Health Department and the Centers
for Disease Control (CDC), which has provided information on how we can stay healthy.
Public health officials recommend we:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after
going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Please note hand sanitizers are available in all of our classrooms. In addition, our
facilities staff have begun extra cleaning in high traffic areas of the college.
We will continue to update you as more information becomes available.
Refer to these sites for current information:
Washtenaw updates: www.washtenaw.org/health
Michigan updates: www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
National updates: www.cdc.gov/nCoV
Linda Blakey
Executive Vice President
Student and Academic Services
Fact Sheet from Washtenaw County Health Department
Available at https://www.washtenaw.org/documentcenter/view/18209