First Week Questions and Answers

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 

Fall Semester 2020, Q&A – First Week Questions Regarding COVID-19

 

As we wrap up the first week of fall semester, the COVID Task Force has compiled a list of commonly asked questions and answers: 

 

Cleaning Supplies 

Q. Some classrooms are missing wipes or have run out quickly. How do we get more? 

 

A. Classroom supplies are replenished each night, and now higher traffic areas are being stocked with additional wipes. 

In addition to submitting a request to FIX IT, the Faculty Support Centers and Dean’s offices have been given a back-up supply of wipe packages. Faculty are welcome to pick up a package if their classroom supply is depleted. SLCC has a large supply of wipes but since they are hard to find in stores, we need to be cautious about leaving too many around in public spaces. 

 

Q. I read that the sanitizing spray is good for 24 hours. Does this mean it only remains effective in the spray bottle for 24 hours?  

 

A. No. The 24 hours refers to the solution’s effectiveness once it has been sprayed on a surface. 

 

Q. Are the sanitizing wipes in the classrooms safe to touch? 

A. Yes. The Facilities Services and Purchasing departments have verified this information from the manufacturer. The active ingredient in the wipes is Benzalkonium Chloride. They are effective in disinfecting surfaces and are not harmful to skin. 

Q. I am a faculty member, and I was told to bring my own cleaning supplies to my classroom. Is this correct? 

A. No. Cleaning supplies are provided in each classroom/lab. The classrooms have packages of sanitizing wipes for faculty and students to use as needed, and instructional labs have wipes or sanitizer spray and towels. 

 

Cleaning Protocol 

Q. A student/employee told me they tested [pending or positive] for COVID-19. What happens next? 

 

A. The college has an established cleaning protocol for when an individual reports a pending or positive COVID-19 test. This includes a 24-hour waiting period (from the last time the individual was in the space) before cleaning the area. The cleaning, and all correspondence with individuals, will be initiated by the COVID Response Team. 
Also, remember each individual who has tested for COVID should fill out the self-reporting form. 

 

Face Covering Compliance 

Q. A student in my class said they didn’t have to wear a face covering because of a disability or medical condition exemption. How do I verify this, and how should this be handled in the meantime? 

 

A. The student should be referred to the Disability Resource Center to meet with an advisor for an individualized assessment. During this assessment period, students are required to wear a face covering if attending in-person classes, or they may make arrangements to participate via remote/online learning. 

If a face covering exemption is not approved, students will be held to the same expectation as all other SLCC students and will be required to wear a face covering in all SLCC classrooms/labs. Students not wearing a face covering when required should be referred to the Dean of Students office. 

Q. An employee is not wearing a face covering when they are in close proximity to others. What should I do? 

 

A. You can let the employee know they need to wear a face covering or contact the employee’s supervisor. 

 

Study Spaces on Campus 

 

Q. I have an online class before/after my in-person class. Where can I go on campus to “attend” my class? 

A. There are numerous semi-private spaces throughout buildings where students can sit. You can also access wifi while outside. We are creating a list of available spaces and we’ll promote these locations to student through social media and SLCC Today.  

Q. I have seen groups of students studying and/or eating together. They are sitting within six feet of each other and/or not wearing face coverings. I am concerned. What should I do?

 

A. We ask staff and faculty to remind students about the importance of physical distancing even when outside of the classroom. We want to work together as a college community to minimize the spread of COVID-19 so we can continue to be on campus throughout the semester. 

Additional Questions

Q. I have other questions regarding COVID-19. Who do I ask?  

A. Inquiries can be sent to COVID-19@slcc.edu and a Task Force member will respond.