These updates started over a month ago as the extent of the Coronavirus outbreak throughout the Puget Sound region was becoming apparent. Since then, you have pushed yourselves hard to overcome challenges, to practice compassion, and to learn and apply new technologies to learning and online operations.
Keeping in mind Spring quarter’s new routines and new schedules, going forward, I will send updates on the college’s Coronavirus response periodically instead of daily. Important messages about college operations will continue via www.cptc.edu/coronavirus-info, Canvas, the staff intranet, emails from my CPTC colleagues, and the social pages.
Communication with members of the CPTC community remains one of my highest – and favorite – priorities. My goal of regularly talking with staff, students, and faculty one-on-one just got a little easier with everyone connecting remotely. Expect me to pop up from time to time in new ways. As always, I welcome you to contact me with questions and comments.
CPTC’s commitment to delivering a quality education remains strong in the face of the current public health crisis because of your strength and perseverance. Thank you.
Excellent education is moving forward at CPTC!
This week continues to be an important week for adjusting schedules and preparing for distance education. Classes are beginning to get underway, and faculty are offering their programs in new and different ways. While hands-on instruction in many programs has been delayed until Summer quarter, others have found a way to offer the lab component of their subject remotely. Faculty are applying creativity and skill to provide students with essential knowledge and industry-related instruction.
In very few instances, either the program content or expectations of external regulating agencies have made it impractical to offer any classes Spring quarter. The college will contact affected students to identify other courses to consider for Spring quarter.
Students are still not sure what their schedule should be for Spring quarter, should contact Advising & Counseling for help getting settled into the appropriate classes for spring.
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
The CPTC Foundation and the Associated Student Government have teamed up to provide emergency financial assistance to students who are experiencing challenges navigating COVID-19 response issues. Visit http://friendsofcloverpark.org/seap/ for an application and instructions to request financial support.
CPTC is waiting on details on how the CARES Act, recently passed by Congress, will provide support to enrolled students who face financial hardships related to the current public health crisis. We are here to ensure every student can succeed, and encourage you to alert staff to challenges you are facing so that we can connect you to resources and assistance.
SUPPORT FOR CPTC EMPLOYEES
The Employee Assistance Program is available free to any CPTC employee. You can find resources specific to the COVID-19 outbreak at the EAP Work/Life Resources website. EAP counselors are also available for confidential support and can be reached at 877-313-4455. Contact HR for the ORG code.
I’d like to remind you that the staff intranet has a section devoted to resources specific to the public health crisis: look for the “COVID-19” heading on the HR page.
It’s easy to get a little frayed around the edges as the isolation period stretches into its fourth week. I remind myself often to extend grace and patience to others and will close by asking each of you to do the same.
There has been a lot of conversation recently about Zoom and whether it’s safe to use. Zoombombing and security concerns are a reality of our new online world. Staff and faculty are equipped to manage online classrooms and meetings in a way that ensures security and safety of not just our students but of each other.
CPTC is following guidance from Zoom and the State Board of Community & Technical Colleges to ensure student privacy, as well as address security issues surrounding Zoom and other technologies. The State Board shared these resources to safeguard your Zoom encounters:
- Zoom has published a FERPA guide.
- Best practices for securing your virtual classroom. (University of Washington)
- Privacy best practices for online conferencing.
Our IT Director, Pam Jeter, has also shared these tips:
- When you receive a notice that Zoom, Windows or your anti-virus would like to update – run the update. Do not decline or say do it later. Run it when prompted. These updates are critical, especially when working from home. Many are security updates to protect your system.
- Enable Zoom waiting rooms and password-protect your meeting or class.
Thank you for applying precaution as you use Zoom for your classes and meetings, and remember that Zoom is not a place for sharing confidential information.
Thank you to the many faculty, staff, and students who have joined me on the Zoom Updates.
FACULTY & STAFF
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Document
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STUDENT RESOURCES
There were a lot of webpages shared in the student meeting’s chat window. For those of you who missed the links in the chat, you can find them under the related heading on www.cptc.edu/coronavirus-info
A second session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m. Students should check their emails and the college's Facebook page for ways to join.
CANVAS HELP
If you need help with Canvas or other resources, you can find links and info at this page: http://www.cptc.edu/resources.
BOOKSTORE
The Bookstore asked me to send along this information:
- Rentals: If you still have rentals to return from winter quarter, please go to https://cptc.bncollege.com/shop/cptc/page/rental-book-return, enter your order# and email address, and print your label. Take your package to a UPS store or UPS dropbox.
- Kits: All books and kits can be purchased through our online website at http://cptc.bncollege.com. We are processing and shipping daily, with free UPS. If you order a kit, please process with shipping, but kits will not ship. You will be informed when they are available for you to pick up at the Bookstore.
- Help: Contact Bookstore staff at sm8227@bncollege.com or 253-589-5614 for assistance with supply items or scrubs, items not listed on the website, and returns.
I want to extend my continued support and welcome you to contact me with additional questions. We are in this together, even though we’re apart for now.
Last night, Governor Inslee extended the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order through May 4. To comply with the order and support the state’s efforts to flatten the curve, Clover Park will offer spring quarter courses and services exclusively via remote methods.
The details for each academic program are in the works and will be communicated by faculty next week. There are some programs, for example Nursing, that have been deemed essential by the Governor and decisions on how this change will impact that program are yet to come in the next week. Staff can expect to hear from their supervisors this week about making arrangements for similar working arrangements to continue until the end of Spring Quarter.
I have sent invitations to each campus group – faculty, staff, and two for students – to Zoom meetings. I will use the time to explain the impacts to our college operations and to take your questions. Information for the student zoom meetings was included at the bottom of the email invitation.
As we begin our new quarter in the midst of social distancing, you might be feeling some of the frustration and uncertainty, as I am. One of the things I am missing most right now is the energy of New Student Orientation. It’s a time of new beginnings and excitement to explore, to make new friends, and to start progress toward a new career.
But Orientation isn’t canceled. Like our other programs, it is now online! New students can take advantage of our new webpage to meet online with staff and get support with all the tech to help you achieve success. http://www.cptc.edu/orientation
For everyone, it’s important to remember that we’re not in this alone. The UW shared these ideas for staying connected with friends and family during the outbreak:
- Stay active, or just get out in nature
- Help someone else — in ways big and small, inside your community and out
- Use phone or video chat to check in with friends and family — don’t just text or post on social media
- Stick to routines you enjoy — they make the world feel more predictable
- Avoid looking at the news all day – read a book or watch a show just for fun
- Keep a journal
- Exercise self-compassion – treat yourself like you would a friend
This outbreak will come to an end. We will return to our offices and classrooms. And I hope that we will feel a little closer as a result.
As spring quarter gets underway, I’m full of hope and optimism for the education that will soon be taking place. CPTC is committed to educating and preparing students to meet their career goals, even during this time of uncertainty and change. We know there will be a few bumps in the road in the coming months that arise from doing things in a different way, but we’re going to make it through those challenges together. Our staff and faculty understand the need to be flexible in everything we do this quarter, and we’re thinking outside the box in order to support the needs of our students.
The impact of the coronavirus on class structure this quarter is still unfolding. We don’t yet know when it will be considered safe for students to return to labs with social distancing measures in place. We’re beginning the quarter with distance learning, and we’re making plans that will enable us to be flexible and responsive through the
As we move together through these uncharted waters, I’m asking all of us - faculty, staff, and students alike - for two things:&
- Increased communication. Without the in-person contact we’re used to, we need to step up our efforts to make sure students know they’re seen and heard. Faculty and staff, be in daily contact with your students, providing assurance and letting them know what to expect as well as what you expect of them. And students, we need you to stay in constant contact with us. Ask questions, let us know your challenges, and provide information regarding what could help you the most.
- Patience. Not knowing what the immediate future holds is tough for everyone. As you interact with others, please apply an additional dose of patience and understanding. Be kind and gentle. We will work diligently to respond to challenges and provide flexibility to support the needs that arise.
It’s our intention to provide a safe and effective environment for all members of our college community. Thank you for joining us in that effort.
Hanover Research partners with educational institutions like CPTC to provide insight into our college community’s needs. In an effort to share and distribute information about your perceptions of COVID-19 and CPTC's response to COVID-19, we are inviting you to participate in a short, 2- to 3-minute survey. Your participation will help our college's leaders identify services and measures to provide to students, faculty, and staff.
CLICK HERE TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK
This study is for research purposes only: all information you provide will be maintained on a confidential basis by Hanover Research and will only be reported to CPTC in aggregate form, so please be candid in your responses.
Sometimes a crisis leads to an unexpected opportunity for our college to grow. Social distancing, a term few of us had ever used before a month ago, challenged us to find creative ways to serve students. Today I am pleased to share with you the new Virtual Assistance web page now available at www.cptc.edu/virtual.
The Virtual Assistance page wraps up many of the services found in Building 17 into a single online access point. Students can drop in during posted hours for phone or video calls with staff from the offices they need most. Watch for enhancements in the coming weeks as we learn what works best to align students’ needs with staffing capacity.
It took a significant cross-campus collaboration, accomplished in record time, to make this page a reality. I’d like to thank Student Services and Marketing & Communications for their nimbleness to get the page going.
While the campuses remain quiet, there has been a whirlwind of online discussions and innovations to get ready for the start of spring quarter. In the coming days we will be unveiling new tools and webpages to make sure our students’ return to the new normal of distance learning and online services is as smooth as possible.
Virtual services
We are setting up "Zoom Lobbies,” which will allow students to meet with CPTC staff using videoconferencing and conference calls during business hours. These online meeting rooms will be available in time for the new quarter. Watch for details and a new webpage by April 1.
Spring quarter books
Please visit the online bookstore to order your books: http://cptc.bncollege.com. Shipping is free on all orders, and they’re being shipped daily. “Kit” items will automatically be available for in-store pickup when in-person lab classes resume. You can call the store at 253-589-5614 for assistance.
We look forward to connecting with you remotely in the coming days.
Here are the dates you need to know for the beginning of spring quarter:
April 1, NO CLASSES MEET
This is the official start of spring quarter, and financial aid will be released.
April 1-3, NO CLASSES MEET
Canvas classrooms will open for students and resources will be available to help you get ready for the quarter.
April 6, DISTANCE EDUCATION STARTS, COLLEGE FACILITIES ARE NOT YET OPEN.
Faculty will contact students with information on what to expect for the quarter and key dates. Students watch for email from faculty with instructions. All services to students will continue to be handled virtually, in adherence to the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” state directive.
April 13 and beyond, LAB CLASSES MAY BEGIN
This is the first possible day for lab classes to begin (date may change if the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” directive is extended). Social distancing will be in place.
Know that every one of our programs is unique. If there are extenuating circumstances that impact your program and your dean approves modification to this schedule, your instructor will communicate that to you directly.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this unprecedented time. CPTC’s faculty and staff are working diligently to provide students with responsive service and quality education.
Some of you have requested further clarification regarding dates for the start of spring quarter, so today’s email is intended to answer questions you may have.
First, I want to confirm that CPTC supports and is following Governor Jay Inslee’s directive to “Stay Home, Stay Healthy.” As an essential service provider, CPTC has continued operations during this time, with most staff teleworking from home and good social distancing in place for the few who need to be on campus. Until the Governor’s ban is lifted (currently projected for April 7), college facilities are not open to the public, and services to students are being provided through remote methods only (phone, email, and a virtual waiting room we’ll make available soon). The attached document provides the contact information you need to reach those who can assist you.
Here are the dates you need to know for the beginning of spring quarter:
April 1, NO CLASSES MEET
This is the official start of spring quarter, and financial aid will be released.
April 1-3, NO CLASSES MEET
Canvas classrooms will open for students and resources will be available to help you get ready for the quarter.
April 6, DISTANCE EDUCATION STARTS, COLLEGE FACILITIES ARE NOT YET OPEN.
Faculty will contact students with information on what to expect for the quarter and key dates. Students watch for email from faculty with instructions. All services to students will continue to be handled virtually, in adherence to the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” state directive.
April 13 and beyond, LAB CLASSES MAY BEGIN
This is the first possible day for lab classes to begin (date may change if the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” directive is extended). Social distancing will be in place.
Know that every one of our programs is unique. If there are extenuating circumstances that impact your program and your dean approves modification to this schedule, your instructor will communicate that to you directly.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this unprecedented time. CPTC’s faculty and staff are working diligently to provide students with responsive service and quality education.
Clover Park Technical College is still operating - we're just doing things differently.
Our college has moved services and instruction online to the greatest extent possible. This is both a directive of Governor Inslee and the right thing to do to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and keep you and our community healthy.
Students can now access support services and appointments online, and we’ll be unveiling a new landing page for virtual assistance before the start of the new quarter. The mobile food bank will continue to visit campus on Wednesdays (1-3 p.m.).
While we’ve never gone through something like this before, and things are changing quickly, one thing that won’t change is our dedication to educating and serving our students.
Last night, Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee shared that more than 2,000 people in Washington state have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). Many more are likely to be infected.
As a result, Gov. Inslee has issued a stay home, stay healthy order for at least the next two weeks to save lives. Starting Wednesday, most businesses will be closed statewide.
I agree with the governor that we are in a race against time. Social distancing is the key weapon in fighting this virus. All of us can do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home.
What does this mean for CPTC employees? Earlier this month, I announced CPTC’s liberal telecommuting policy for employees, encouraging as many employees as possible to work from home.
It is now time for almost all employees to work remotely and serve students virtually. I appreciate your flexibility and creativity in finding ways to meet our students’ needs, such as through the resources listed here: http://staff.cptc.edu/how-to/telework. Although we are working off campus, CPTC is open and providing services online.
CPTC buildings are closed to the public, and employees will have limited access to campus. The executive team will approve any exceptions.
We will have more clarity in the next 24 hours about who will need to work on campus, who will need to have access to campus, and who will be entirely telecommuting. Please exercise patience as we work through these significant changes.
We will continue to provide you with updates as we learn more from the state, including what the governor’s order will mean for in-person classes. We are posting updates regularly to cptc.edu/coronavirus-info.
We will get through this unprecedented time stronger than before. Take care of yourself and each other.
With the landscape of the world shifting on a daily basis, I want to use today’s message to offer my support in dealing with the stress of the COVID-19 outbreak.
CPTC leadership has worked to balance the health of our college community with the need to continue to advance the institution’s goals. Between rotating in-office shifts and developing flexible telework options, departments are extending their creativity toward supporting social distancing in every way possible.
The Employee Assistance Program is available free to any CPTC employee. You can find resources specific to the COVID-19 outbreak at the EAP Work/Life Resources website. Use Org Code CPTC to access all the resources. EAP counselors are also available for confidential support and can reached at 877-313-4455.
Self-care webinars address the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and offer ideas for self-care and strategies for managing stress and fear. Other topics are available on the EAP website.
Thank you for all you do to make CPTC a strong community. Your division’s VP is available for ideas, issues, and concerns. Please contact them directly for assistance.
Dear CPTC Community,
Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, there has been an increase in bias and harassment against Asian Americans, immigrants, and visitors to our country, including against some of our own students.
As a college community, we share and live by a set of values that include respect, equity, and inclusion. In our roles as faculty, staff, student, and community member, we have the opportunity to influence others and stand for what we believe.
Today’s update is focused on making resources easily available so you are informed and able to respond appropriately when you see or hear something that is discriminatory and hurtful to members of our college community and the community at large. The information is provided by the King County Public Health to help dispel misinformation:
- COVID-19 doesn’t recognize race, nationality, or ethnicity. While it may have originated in China, it is not a Chinese disease. Viruses don’t discriminate. Being Chinese, or having Chinese (or any Asian) ancestry, does not make a person more likely to have the illness.
- Wearing a mask does not mean a person is ill. People wear masks for a variety of reasons, including to avoid pollen and air pollution and for cultural and social reasons.
- People of all ages can be infected by the COVID-19. Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
- You can interrupt the stigmas. Avoid spreading misinformation. Call it by the correct name - coronavirus or COVID-19 - not “Chinese virus.” Share accurate information through reputable resources like King County Public Health, the CDC, and the Washington State Department of Health.
- Speak up if you hear, see, or read misinformation or harassment. Gently correct the false information, remind the speaker that prejudiced language and actions make us all feel less safe. If a serious harassment occurs within our community, consider reporting it.
- Show compassion and support for those most closely impacted.
I want to speak directly to the Chinese students in our college community for a moment. I know that you are far from home right now, that you’re deeply worried about your families, and that you’re facing alienation on top of isolation. Please know that you are valued members of our college community and that we are part of your support system while you are in Washington State. Please reach out to Yuko Chartraw or your faculty for any additional assistance you may need.
We are a caring community and now is our time to support each other through the challenges we are facing individually and collectively.
Thank you, everyone, for the role you play in building an inclusive environment at CPTC.
Today I’d like to update you regarding what to expect when spring quarter gets underway. The points below are things you should know:
- Student aid will be disbursed according to regular schedules. Please direct any questions to Student Aid at 253-589-5660 or at finaid@cptc.edu.
- Academic and student services will be available to students online from March 23-April 3. We will send out a directory of essential phone numbers and email addresses via email and at www.cptc.edu/coronavirus-info.
- Please access your Canvas classrooms beginning April 1. There will be learning opportunities and a campus orientation available to prepare you for online learning.
- The first week of the quarter will be intentionally light in terms of class requirements to provide you with time to get up to speed on the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) and complete reading and other assignments provided by your instructors.
- CPTC is ready to provide you support as you learn to use the Canvas LMS. Online tutorials, practice labs, and one-on-one help will all be available.
Make time to take care of yourself and enjoy the break between quarters. CPTC will be here for you when you start up in April.
Here’s a recap of the key messages from the March 17, 2020 message:
- Campuses will be closed to students and visitors March 23-April 3.
- Services will continue to be available through remote methods.
- Spring quarter will continue. Students will receive communication from their faculty the week of April 1 with instructions.
- The Health Department has not reported any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in any member of our college community.
Thank you students, faculty, and staff for your flexibility and resilience during this time of unprecedented change. We are working diligently to appropriately respond with a high level of support and service. Although our physical space will be closed to students and visitors from March 23 through April 3, we will continue to serve you remotely during that time.
By Friday of this week (March 20), we will post on our website a list of contact numbers for each department. Watch for that list in your email and on www.cptc.edu/coronavirus-info We’re taking the next few days to clarify what the beginning of the quarter will look like. Staff are hard at work identifying and developing as many resources as they can pull together for you. We will post and share those as they are finalized.[/accordion] [accordion title='March 17 Message from President Loveday'] <h5>1. Campuses will be closed to the public March 23-April 3.</h5> <h5>2. Services will only be available through remote methods. </h5> <h5>3. Spring quarter classes start Monday, April 6. </h5> <h5>4. The Health Department has not reported any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in any member of our college community. <p>Anxiety is high for everyone. The messages coming from State and National officials are escalating in their seriousness. I am writing on behalf of the CPTC leadership to give you an update on our most recent decisions regarding campus operations.</p> <h3>CAMPUS CLOSED TO PUBLIC </h3> <p>In order to significantly reduce exposure for our on-campus population, CPTC will close the campus to the public from March 23 to April 3. There will be no face-to-face services and no childcare available during this time. </p> <p>Staff remain available to assist you and we’re doing all we can to make it a smooth transition for everyone. </p> <h3>REMOTE SERVICES </h3> <p>Many of our staff have already moved to telework. Staff will continue to respond to calls and emails from students who need to pay bills, change schedules, ask questions, and receive other services. Potential students will also be able to seek entry services via phone, email, and video calls. </p> <p>Use the directory at <a data-cke-saved-href=" http:="" www.cptc.edu="">http://www.cptc.edu/directory to contact the person/department you’re trying to reach. Please be patient and flexible. Staff are juggling many competing demands and many not be able to respond as quickly as they would from their campus office.
SPRING QUARTER
In order to provide a cushion to plan, to alleviate stress at a stressful time, and to give faculty more time to get their courses up and running, we are adjusting the Spring quarter schedule by a few days.
- April 1-3: Faculty will use this time to complete preparations for online learning. No classes will be offered.
- April 6: Online learning delivery begins. Classes will exclusively be online. Face-to-face student services are expected to resume with social distancing in place.
- April 13 and beyond: In-person labs begin no sooner than April 13, with many starting later. Social distancing will be in place to reduce exposure to one another.
EXPANDED OPTIONS FOR STAFF TELEWORK
Staff may choose a combination of options such as work from home, work in isolation in offices, continue their normal duties on campus, or to take leave.
It is our intention to navigate this situation in a way that avoids faculty and staff suffering negative financial impacts. For staff who can’t come to campus and whose jobs can’t be done from home, we have identified more than 40 hours of training opportunities for you to do remotely and are working on liberal teleworking assignments to support all employees. Please work with your supervisor to plan for your individual situation.
Information on teleworking and remote training options are being updated regularly on the staff intranet under “Latest Discussions” at staff.cptc.edu. This includes a document helping new teleworking employees to understand how to access technology emailed to the College community today.
Additional teleworking resources are being developed.
EMERGENCY SHARED LEAVE POOL
Today faculty and staff received information on a shared emergency leave pool. Please consider donating or accessing this pool if needed.
These actions are our way to respond to your concerns and to keep our college community as safe as possible. As the situation remains fluid, we will continue to provide updates, monitor the situation, and adjust as necessary.
Both campuses are open on a limited basis. Social distancing is in place. Phone and email are the preferred contact methods.
CLASSES
Faculty are closing out Winter quarter and creating plans to begin Spring quarter online through April 24. Check Canvas for updates on how and when content will be delivered on a class-by-class basis.
CPTC is still enrolling students for Spring, Summer, and Fall quarters. Contact The Welcome Center by phone or email. 253-589-5800 | http://www.cptc.edu/admissions
STAY INFORMED
Remember that this webpage - http://www.cptc.edu/coronavirus-info - remains the best place for the status of our College’s response to the outbreak. You’ll also find links to our resources and information. You can also sign up for our text alert system, CPTCWarn.
Please continue to submit questions to covid19info@cptc.edu. We’re updating the CPTC webpage with commonly asked questions and concerns.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Limited in-person services are available only to students who do not have access to phone or internet services. We are ordering the closure of all non-essential functions at the college to encourage social distancing. To maximize social distancing, please come to campus alone or leave family members in your vehicle.
- Students, use the directory to contact the office or person directly to request services. http://www.cptc.edu/directory
- Staff, work with your supervisor to understand your reporting requirements and status. You may also discuss options for using leave.
Each service area is identifying essential services, staff, and methods of delivery. We will post a list of open departments and their hours on the CPTC website as it is finalized.
IN CASE OF ILLNESS
If you are sick, do not come to campus.
- Students, use the directory to contact the office or person directly to request services. http://www.cptc.edu/directory
- Staff, stay home and utilize the paid leave you have available to you. If you have questions about applicable leave, contact HR/Payroll via email to arrange a time to speak via phone.
These are difficult times. We are doing our very best to keep you informed of impacts to our college and ask for your understanding as we navigate a situation that changes hourly.
To slow the spread of COVID-19 through the State of Washington, Governor Inslee declared this afternoon that higher education across the entire state will be restricted through Friday, April 24. Here’s an overview of how we are beginning to apply those restrictions at CPTC in order to contribute to the statewide effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- CPTC REMAINS OPEN.
- Staff are expected to report for work throughout this time. Please work with your supervisor in individual situations.
- Faculty will be on campus next week to finish the Winter quarter and transition their classes to online instruction for Spring quarter. Please work with your supervisor in individual situations.
- FEW IN-PERSON CLASSES: Effective Tuesday, March 17, no face-to-face classes will be held for the remainder of Winter quarter. Spring quarter courses will be offered mostly online, with exceptions made for lab classes to be held with strict social distancing practices in place.
- CHILDCARE: The Hayes Child Development Center is open.
- Students: The Hayes Child Development Center remains open for enrolled children.
- Employees: The Hayes Center is working on options to support employees impacted by mandatory K-12 closures. Please contact Angela Johnson, Director of Child Development Services, at angela.johnson@cptc.edu for options.
- WHO TO CONTACT: We have a variety of options for students, faculty, and staff to stay in touch with one another, such as phone calls, instant messaging, and videoconferencing. Call or email the CPTC employee to identify the best way to get in touch with them. Link to directory
- TELEWORKING:
- Staff: You only need remote access if you are making transactions in FMS, PPMS, or SMS. Otherwise, there are many ways to telework. Please work with your supervisor.
- All employees: Set up an auto-response to emails if you're teleworking. Use it to alert senders to your work hours, ways to reach you, and when to expect a response.
- TRAVEL: There will be no professional travel within or out-of-state for CPTC employees through April 30.
- CAMPUS EVENTS & STATUS: Campus events and campus services status lists are available below. Look for the tab entitled “Campus Events & Status” for the most recent updates.
- MONITOR YOUR EMAILS: This situation is challenging to stay on top of because it's changing so quickly. Please stay on top of emails, check this webpage, and sign up for CPTC Warn.
It’s time for us to come together and to support each other in response to this once-in-a-lifetime emergency. People helping people is what gives this college strength. Let’s work together to respond to this challenging and uncertain time.
Governor Inslee's pronouncement that all K-12 schools will remain closed through April 24 has a significant impact on our college community. While his declaration did not extend to higher education at this time, CPTC will take the following steps to contribute to the statewide effort to slow the spread of COVID-19:
- NO IN-PERSON CLASSES: Effective Tuesday, March 17, no face-to-face classes will be held at either campus through the end of March.
- STAFF: Staff should engage directly with their supervisors on the impacts of school closures and your childcare needs. The Vice Presidents have been given tools to manage the impact of K-12 closures for all staff and faculty.
- FACULTY: Put into place plans to ensure no further in-person instruction as of Tuesday, March 17. Engage with your supervisor directly on the impacts of school closures and your childcare needs.
- MONITOR YOUR EMAILS: This situation is challenging to stay on top of because it's changing so quickly. Please stay on top of emails, check the college's website, and sign up for CPTC Warn at the link above.
This situation is evolving rapidly and we ask for your grace as we grapple with this uncertain and stressful time. We remain committed to managing this unprecedented crisis in a compassionate way.
Decisions beyond the end of this quarter will be made in the coming weeks, and announcements will continue to be delivered when available.
We are pleased to share that the student from the South Hill Campus was cleared by their doctor for release from the hospital and subsequently discharged. To date, CPTC has no reported cases of COVID-19.
College leaders are in daily communication with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and State Board of Community & Technical Colleges for help navigating the COVID-19 outbreak. We are following their guidance to reduce the risk of transmission among our college community.
Remember that the webpage - http://www.cptc.edu/coronavirus-info - remains the best place for the status of our college’s response to the outbreak. You’ll also find resources on transmission, stress reduction, and can sign up for our text alert system.
The past two weeks have been a stressful time for all of our community members. Thanks to the faculty members for their flexibility and creativity as they seek alternate ways to deliver course content under a time crunch.
Clover Park still has no confirmed cases of COVID-19. This week has raised many questions about the impacts of the novel coronavirus. College leadership has been working around the clock to follow the shifting events across the region.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department suggests social distancing. CPTC will review the priority of events it hosts on a case-by-case basis. Events organized by outside groups in college facilities will continue at the organizer’s discretion. Please contact your meeting or event host to find out if it will occur.
Stay informed
- Seek the most updated info on the webpage: http://www.cptc.edu/coronavirus-info We are updating the site daily as new information emerges.
- Direct any questions or concerns to COVID19info@cptc.edu. This email is monitored regularly, with responses expected by the next business day.
- Sign up for CPTC Warn and elect to receive alerts via text at http://www.cptc.edu/risk/emergency-management/cptcwarn.
Our priority is to protect the health and well-being of all our community members.
Clover Park still has no confirmed cases of COVID-19. This week has raised many questions about the impacts of the novel coronavirus. College leadership has been working around the clock to follow the shifting events across the region.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department suggests social distancing. CPTC will review the priority of events it hosts on a case-by-case basis. Events organized by outside groups in college facilities will continue at the organizer’s discretion. Please contact your meeting or event host to find out if it will occur.
- Seek the most updated info on the webpage:http://www.cptc.edu/coronavirus-info. We are updating the site daily as new information emerges.
- Direct any questions or concerns to COVID19info@cptc.edu. This email is monitored regularly, with responses expected by the next business day.
- Sign up for CPTC Warn and elect to receive alerts via text at http://www.cptc.edu/risk/emergency-management/cptcwarn.
Our priority is to protect the health and well-being of all our community members.
A joint message from Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and Clover Park Technical College
We are working with Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to address COVID-19 concerns. We will determine future closures on a case-by-case basis and in coordination with the Health Department.
We can all take simple steps to prevent transmission. The Health Department recommends staying home if:
- You begin to feel sick.
- You have traveled to China, South Korea, Iran or Italy within the past 14 days.
- After traveling to an affected country, you begin showing symptoms of illness like cough, fever and shortness of breath.
CPTC has set up an email address for community members: COVID19info@cptc.edu. This email is monitored regularly, with responses expected by the next business day. You can read about our planning and response at http://www.cptc.edu/coronavirus-info. The webpage also has links to the Health Department’s coronavirus website and public health blog.
The purpose of this email is to provide you with an update on Clover Park Technical College’s response to the report of a possible novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Puyallup.
Campus operations are suspended on Wednesday, March 4.
We received word late in the afternoon on Tuesday that a student from the South Hill campus is under quarantine at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup. The student presented symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 and has been tested for the virus. Those test results will not be known until later this week. The student visited the South Hill campus while symptomatic but has not been on the Lakewood campus.
Out of an abundance of caution, college leadership made the decision to close both campuses in order to conduct a deep cleaning. Custodial staff have been asked to perform the cleaning of both campuses. Cleaners will follow CDC disinfecting protocols by using anti-viral chemicals that are EPA approved for COVID-19. They will disinfect all bathrooms, classrooms, labs, common areas, and offices, including touch points, such as flat surfaces, chairs, tabletops, knobs, handles, railings, buttons, and the legs and arms of furniture.
When our campuses reopen there will be disinfecting supplies available for community members who wish to perform a secondary cleaning of any spaces they use. Additionally, the custodial staff will go through all areas of the campus, wiping down the touch point areas listed above, on a continual basis.
We have set up a webpage to answer questions specific to the coronavirus and our college response at http://www.cptc.edu/coronavirus-info. We will update that page as new information comes available.
CPTC leadership is in constant communication about college readiness and response protocols. We will make a decision about campus operations for Thursday, March 5 at 3:00 p.m.
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been prominent in the news and continues to be a rapidly evolving situation. CPTC has been in continued contact with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and the Department, which continues to report that the risk to you and your family is low. As of this writing, Pierce County has no reported nor presumed cases of COVID-19. Campus operations are normal.
We continue to urge you and your family members to stay informed by following reliable sources for local updates.
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD)’s website provides detailed information about symptoms, risk levels and how to keep healthy.
- TPCHD also posts updates on their blog about the local situation. Their latest entry, Our plan if COVID-19 comes here highlights their efforts to help limit the spread of disease should cases develop in Pierce County.
- Attached with this message is an infographic that breaks down the coronavirus, what it is, its symptoms and current situation.
- We also encourage you to get information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is tracking COVID-19, issuing guidance about travel, and providing the most current information about the situation here.
- Washington State Department of Health has a page devoted specifically to schools like CPTC.
During this time, it is important to know the facts and help stop fear. There is some misinformation out there that hurts people, and we want to be clear that this disease makes anyone sick, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Please help halt fear and discrimination by letting people know that being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19.
We encourage you to continue to take care of your health during this flu and cold season by washing your hands regularly and staying home if you are ill.
Campus operations are normal. Any impacts on campus operations will be broadcast via CPTC Warn, Facebook and Twitter pages, and the www.cptc.edu home page banner.
CPTC leadership will meet on Tuesday, March 3 to discuss college readiness and response. We will continue to be strong, and support one another through these uncharted waters.
