COVID-19 Updates

Westchester Community College’s COVID-19 plans were developed with recommendations from federal, state, and county health professionals to keep the community safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. As the situation concerning the pandemic and the vaccine continue to be fluid, note that our plan will remain subject to change due to new information and updated guidance and/or direction from the State of New York and the Governor’s Office.

Fall 2021 Update

April 19, 2021

Westchester Community College is planning a phased return to on-campus classes in fall 2021, subject to new information, guidance, or direction from state and local health officials. While much is unknown about the details of our plan to return to campus, it remains certain that the safety of our students and employees is our highest priority.
Here is what we know about fall 2021. As usual, the situation is fluid, and this information is subject to change. As soon as we have updates, we will let you know.

• • Fall registration begins Monday, April 19. At this time, more than 25% of courses are scheduled to take place face-to-face, on campus, in spaces that accommodate social distancing.
  • In addition to social distancing, we will require masks for all in-person interactions.
  • Requirements for a COVID-19 vaccine are unknown at this time. Vaccinations are more accessible than ever. Be on the lookout for information about appointments available at WCC, and for more information on the benefits of the vaccine, go here.
  • Requirements for COVID-19 testing are unknown at this time.
  • Plans are being developed to make in-person academic support and library services available to students.
  • Student enrollment and support services will continue to be provided remotely. In some cases, access to campus will be permitted for “drop-off” of enrollment documents.
  • The viability of Athletics and other in-person student engagement activities are unknown at this time.

Regardless of instructional modality, all classes will be held to the standards of a high-quality education typical of WCC. We encourage you to register early to ensure your seat in your preferred classes.

Modes of Instruction

We are committed to your success, whether you are a new, continuing or visiting student. We want you to register for summer and fall classes, where you will enjoy the same high quality education you expect from WCC, regardless of the instructional format. It is important for you to remain engaged and stay on track with your goals.

Here are the key facts that you need to know:

• A majority of classes will be synchronous, meaning they will take place in real-time and are conducted entirely through remote/online environments. Students will be required to meet online with their instructor and join their classmates in a course at specific times listed in the class schedule.
• Some classes will be asynchronous, meaning there are no scheduled meeting times; rather, learning takes place online and course materials will be accessible via Blackboard, where students may learn at times convenient to them via pre-recorded video lessons, power points and/or readings.
• A limited number of classes, such as labs in Nursing, Respiratory Care, Radiologic Technology and Engineering, will be offered on-site, because they require access to specialized labs and equipment. Those classes will be conducted with social distancing protocols, following room capacity charts for all rooms.

For more details on how WCC will support our students throughout the Fall semester, click here.

Returning to Campus

The WCC Pandemic Response Team has developed its plan for re-emergence following the guidance of state and local health and government authorities, as well as the extensive input provided by employees and students of the College through numerous town halls and surveys.

If you are returning to campus, you must:
1. Submit a Campus Reservation Form

• Employees – contact your supervisor for a copy of this form to be submitted to your supervisor
• Students – must be invited onto campus by a faculty member, who can provide you with a reservation form to submit to that faculty member.
• Visitor – must be invited onto campus by an employee, who can provide you with a reservation form to submit to that staff member

2. Complete an online WCC Health Questionnaire

3. Follow COVID-19 testing protocols

For complete details of the WCC Re-Emergence Plan and Procedures, click here.

COVID-19 Testing

Every student and employee entering on or in the Valhalla campus and all extension locations are required to participate in the surveillance testing program.

• PCR testing must occur during the week you intend to enter College property
• Employees and students who come to the Valhalla campus must be tested at Westchester Medical Center, except:
  • Students who receive PCR testing on a regular basis as a function of their employment or internship
  • Students who visit an Extension Center but not the Valhalla campus may contact the NY State COVID-19 Hotline at 888-364-3065 to inquire about the nearest free acceptable testing location
• Students who are tested in a location other than Westchester Medical Center must submit their test results to CovidReporting@sunywcc.edu)

For more details on the required testing program, visit here

Safety Precautions on College Property

The College will remain in a full remote posture until the pandemic fully abates, EXCEPT that select Faculty, Staff and Students will be permitted to enter College property to perform essential functions and/or academic instruction that requires a student use of specialized equipment, locations, and/or materials and/or are needed for degree/program completion. Students should not seek to enter College property unless specifically authorized and scheduled to do so by a Professor or Dean.
When on campus, you will observe the College has implemented a number of safety precautions:

• Limiting the overall number of people at or in any given location;
• New room occupancy limits for social distancing;
• New hand sanitizers installed in various high-traffic locations;
• New paper towel dispensers to augment air hand dryers;
• Available restrooms are single-occupancy;
• Single use occupancy limit for all elevators;
• Handicap entrances are motion operated;
• Hallways allow traffic to move in one direction;
• Daily and targeted deep cleaning of College facilities;
• Upgraded maintenance levels of air ventilation filters throughout campus; and
• Social distancing, hand washing and mask wearing reminder signs posted throughout College facilities.

COVID-19 Vaccination

Westchester Community College has partnered with the Westchester County Department of Health to convert its Physical Education building into a temporary vaccination facility. All appointments for a vaccine must be made through the NYS Department of Health website. No one is permitted on campus for a vaccine without an appointment

If you would like information on the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.

Student Resources

Westchester Community College professionals are remotely working to continue to give you the quality educational experience you expect and deserve! Below you will find the links to resources that can help you get the most of your virtual classes. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to email us at welcomecenter@sunywcc.edu.

List of Student Resources

Employee Resources

We have resources available to assist you, our valued employees, in providing the high levels of service our students and community have come to expect. Faculty and staff/administrators can access the resources listed below. Please do not hesitate to email us at humanresources@sunywcc.edu if you have any questions or need additional information.

List of Employee Resources

Health Resources

If you are in need of physical or mental health resources, please review the resources listed below. If you have any questions or need additional information, please email us at welcomecenter@sunywcc.edu

List of Health Resources

Financial Resources

There are several resources that can help you during this period of economic uncertainty. Links to these resources are provided below. Please do not hesitate to email us at welcomecenter@sunywcc.edu if you have any questions or need additional information.

List of Financial Resources