Health Advisory Updates

Chippewa Valley Technical College is lifting its mask requirement at all campuses starting Thursday, February 17, citing a decline in COVID-19 cases, said college officials.

“The safety of our faculty, staff and students is always our top priority,” said CVTC President Sunem Beaton-Garcia. “At this time, with COVID-19 case numbers down, abundant access to the vaccine, testing readily available, and support from local health department officials, we’re ready to make masks optional in our facilities.”

CVTC continues to encourage vaccines and boosters. Adherence to quarantine and isolation guidelines provided by the CDC remains in effect. In addition, it is expected that individuals will stay home if they are sick, practice self-health screenings, and adhere to proper health and hygiene practices.

Effective Friday, August 13, 2021, masks are required while inside CVTC facilities regardless of vaccination status. Fall classes will continue as scheduled including in-person courses.

CVTC will continue to assess the metrics and follow guidance from the CDC, Department of Health Services, and health departments throughout the CVTC district. Guidelines may be adjusted based upon transmission levels.

We look forward to the fall semester and the continuation of hands-on, real-world learning we are known for across our diverse offerings for essential industries.

Students, employees, and guests should practice social distancing and common health and hygiene, including washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill. Do not come to any CVTC campus if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID, even if you are vaccinated.

CVTC appreciates your continued cooperation and flexibility as we take the steps necessary to sustain the health and safety of our college community while delivering on the continued promise of our mission.

Many changes surrounding COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations have occurred over the past week at the CDC and within our local cities and counties.  Recent decisions by our local health and county officials have lifted mask mandates and social distancing guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals.   CVTC will adjust our safety protocols in alignment with these new recommendations, effective immediately. This includes:

• Wearing masks will be voluntary on CVTC campuses.
• 6 feet social distancing will no longer be required.
• There will no longer be door monitors at campus entrances after Friday, May 21.
• Temperature kiosks will be removed from campus entrances.

CVTC’s diligent cleaning protocols will remain the same.  As always, we ask that everyone practice common health and hygiene, including washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if you are sick. Everyone is encouraged to consider receiving the COVID-19 vaccine; however, the College does not require students, faculty, or staff to get vaccinated. If you would like to schedule a COVID vaccine, there are appointments available at several locations. Visit the CVTC Health Advisory web page to access these vaccine resources.

As of June 1, CVTC will no longer be conducting contact tracing. Individuals are encouraged to work with their local city or county for guidance.

In the spirit of optimism, we urged departments to plan for returning to on-campus work.  Over the last several months, nearly every department has returned in some capacity, if not fully returned to pre-COVID presence on-site.  We are anxious to return to a new normal this summer and prepare for the return of students in August.  The modified COVID guidelines outlined above will allow for increased face-to-face engagement on campus for instruction, internal meetings, etc.

We appreciate your continued support and flexibility as we navigate this ever-changing landscape.

Sincerely,
CVTC President’s Cabinet

Greetings CVTC,

As we reach the midpoint of the Spring 2021 semester, I reflect on the past year and the significant adjustments our students and employees have endured. Through it all, we remain committed to quality education and services while taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of our CVTC family. The commitment and dedication of our students and employees has been remarkable and allowed us to continue to move ahead with the provision of lifelong learning and supporting the workforce needs of the region. Your perseverance is to be commended.

While technology and safety measures allowed us to remain open and operational over the past year, I welcome the ability to increase the connectivity of our students, faculty, staff, and the community. There is simply no replacement for an environment that allows us to collaborate and socialize in a meaningful way to support mental health, personal development, and organizational growth.

Thanks to your commitment, we have experienced minimal positive cases over the last several months on our campuses. As an increasing number of individuals are eligible and receive vaccination, and continued research provides insights to best practices for appropriate safety guidelines, I look forward to the return of a vibrant, active atmosphere on our campuses over the coming months and for the Fall semester.

You may be wondering what CVTC will look like in the Fall. Our teams are working diligently to plan for an experience that looks much like it did pre-pandemic. We recognize we are not out of the woods yet but are confident that continued progress will allow us to take what we have learned throughout this experience, paired with our previous best practices to provide the full CVTC experience.

As we plan for the months ahead, I would like to share some of the things we are working on.

• To provide a more inviting environment for current and prospective students on our campuses, barricades, ropes, and tape have been removed from commons and seating areas throughout campus buildings.
• As of May 21, building doors will be accessible as they were prior to the pandemic, temperature kiosks will be self-service, and there will be no longer be door monitors at campus entrances.  All employees, students, and guests should continue to self-assess their health and stay home if not feeling well.
• Masks will continue to be required while inside CVTC buildings and when 6 feet of social distance cannot be maintained outdoors.  Employees who work on their own in an enclosed space (e.g., their own office) are still permitted to remove their mask when working with the door closed.
• Instructional Delivery
  Summer Semester – Courses being held in-person, beginning this spring or early summer should continue to allow for 6 feet of distance in classrooms and labs, however, we expect that this will be modified in the coming months, based upon changing guidelines from health authorities as the number of people vaccinated increases. Please review The Weekly for updates on guidelines as recommended by local County authorities or the CDC.
    Fall Semester – We are planning for pre-COVID delivery of courses at full capacity within classrooms and labs.  This includes shifting courses that were previously face-to-face, MyChoice, or hybrid back to in-person delivery versus the online or virtual alternatives utilized during the pandemic.  We will continue to offer online course and program options, as we did prior to COVID-19, to meet the needs of working adults.
• Staff presence on-campus will continue to increase and be coordinated within each division and department. Staffing plans will maintain current safety guidelines for the remainder of the spring semester with increased presence through the summer, and College-wide staffing at full capacity for the fall semester while maintaining current health recommendations.
• College meetings and activities will be conducted face-to-face, online, and blended.  IT will provide information identifying meeting spaces compatible for hybrid meetings as employees are phased back to campus and to meet distancing guidelines.

Specific health guidance for the fall will depend upon the continued decline in COVID cases and public health recommendations. I am optimistic that together we will get there and be even better for the resilience, creativity, technology literacy, and drive we have obtained from this experience.

Stay safe and strong, CVTC! We will continue to achieve great things together.

Sincerely,
Bruce Barker
CVTC President

Healthcare and public health agencies that have been approved by the State to be COVID-19 vaccinators are working together to vaccinate people as quickly as possible. The roll-out plan is based on the amount of vaccine received and the priority order the State decides. They are working to make this as efficient and effective as possible.

Which occupations are considered ‘essential’ has not specifically been addressed. However, the CDC and Wisconsin DHS have given authority to the local health departments to define the essential worker category. State and local public health officials will be defining the occupations (essential workers) in the coming weeks. Learn more about the roll-out plan.

Now that there is an authorized and recommended vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in the United States, here are eight things you need to know about the new COVID-19 Vaccination Program and COVID-19 vaccines.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

New CDC guidelines on quarantine options for asymptomatic individuals are below.

• 14 Days - Per the CDC, this is the recommended quarantine time as this remains the safest option for preventing the asymptomatic spread of COVID-19.
• 10 Days (new option) - A test is not required, but you must be symptom-free for the entire ten days. If symptoms develop at any time in the ten days, you are considered a symptomatic exposure. Individuals must continue to self-monitor for symptoms during days 11 - 14.
• 7 Days (new option) - You must submit proof/documentation of your completed test result to a CVTC Contact Tracer. A negative test is required within 48 hours of the end date (test must be on Day 6 or 7). Antigen tests are acceptable, but molecular (PCR) tests are preferred by the CDC. A pending test result is not sufficient to end quarantine early; you must quarantine until a test result is known or a minimum of 10 days has passed. You must be symptom-free for the entire seven days. If symptoms develop at any time in the seven days, you are considered a symptomatic exposure. Individuals must continue to monitor for symptoms on days 8 - 14.

If you have any questions or concerns about these new options, please contact a CVTC Contact Tracer:

Tam Burgau  |  (715) 495-7486  |  tburgau@cvtc.edu
Candy Johnson  |  (715) 491-7204  |  cjohnson@cvtc.edu
Julie Neuhaus |  (715) 210-3348  |  jneuhaus@cvtc.edu
Doug Olson  |  (715) 379-0415  |  dolson@cvtc.edu
Julie Sherman  |  (715) 559-8292  |  jsherman10@cvtc.edu

There is a lot of information circulating about the various types of tests for COVID-19, and it can be unclear. Here is a great resource that helps sort out the difference between diagnostic molecular tests such as PCR tests and antigen tests versus antibody tests. There are several options for testing in your community. Community testing sites are not providing antibody testing at this time. If you would like an antibody test, contact your healthcare provider to ask for one.

If you are interested in getting a diagnostic test, contact your doctor to ask if your primary healthcare clinic is providing testing. You will likely be asked to complete an online screening assessment. There are also free community testing sites throughout the state.

If you are asymptomatic (not showing any symptoms), UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout, and UW-River Falls are currently providing free antigen testing to community members to help contain the spread of the COVID-19. This service is through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the UW System.

Community members need to register in advance here. Select the test site by state and city. The Abbot BinaxNOW antigen test is self-administered with results in 15 minutes. You are required to stay on-site with access to your email to receive results before leaving. A positive result will require a free polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to confirm the initial results.

Dates for testing by location and test details are provided on the website. The program is anticipated to run for six weeks or until the test supply is exhausted.

Due to limited activity, food service at the café in the Health Education Center will be suspended at this time. The last day of service at this location will be Wednesday, October 7. As an alternative, students and employees may visit the café located in the Business Education Center, Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

As we kick off the Fall semester, CVTC is taking your safety very seriously. As part of these efforts, CVTC has implemented door monitors and/or contact-free temperature screening kiosks at designated entrances. All employees and students will participate in health screening before entering into CVTC facilities utilizing the designated entrances below. Temperature kiosks are to be used by all entrants. Kiosks will notify people with temperatures exceeding 100°F degrees or those not wearing a mask.

The following doors at each building will be available for entry into the facility. All other doors will remain locked for entrance but will be usable for an exit, effective Monday, August 24.

• Business Education Center
  Doors 1*, 3* & 11* will be open during the following hours:
  • Monday-Thursday: 6:30 a.m. (Door 1), 7:00 a.m. (Door 11) 7:30 a.m. (Door 3) – 6:00 p.m. 
  • Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
• Manufacturing Education Center
  Doors 1* & 2* will be open during the following hours:
  • Monday-Thursday: 6:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Door 2) 7:30 p.m. (Door 1) 
  • Friday: 6:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Door 1) 3:00 p.m. (Door 2) 
• Applied Technology Center
  Enter through MEC designated entrances (see above)
• Emergency Service Education Center
  Access through Door 1* will be monitored by office staff during designated hours
• Diesel Education Center
  Access through Door 1* will be monitored by office staff during designated hours 
• Energy Education Center
  Door 3* 
  • Monday – Thursday 6:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
• Health Education Center
  Door 1* during the following hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. 
  • Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
• River Falls Campus
  Door 1* during the following hours:
  • Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. 
• Menomonie Campus
  A doorbell will be available for access at Door 1* during the following hours:
  • Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
• Chippewa Falls Campus
  A doorbell will be available for access at Door 1* during the following hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. 
  • Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 
• Neillsville Campus
  Access through Door 1 will be monitored by office staff during the following hours:
  • Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

* Denotes thermal temperature kiosk location.

Personal Protective Equipment
Staff and students must always wear face masks unless in a closed room and alone. Non-medical masks, bandanas, scarves, and cloth may be used. Students are to provide their own mask. CVTC will not be providing masks to students other than what is normally worn in a lab.

Facility Sanitization Procedures
CVTC Facilities will provide cleaning solutions and cloth rags that will be laundered and reused.

A use it/clean it mentality should be followed, like at a gym. Persons utilizing a CVTC space (office, classroom, lab, conference room, etc.) must wipe down the area they have used prior to exiting the room. This includes the desk, table and any equipment used after each individual use. This helps ensure the next person(s) or class coming into the room has a sanitized area. Sharing of equipment should be avoided. All deep cleaning and disinfecting will be conducted, per CDC guidelines, on a routine schedule by the Facilities team.

Social Distancing, Room Spacing, and Shared Appliances
CDC recommendations should be followed at all times. Please follow the following guidelines:

• 6’ between individuals
• Limit the number of individuals in any CVTC vehicle to a maximum of two
• For industries that require close work proximity, CVTC will role model safe lab training practices
• Do not rearrange classrooms or move furniture

The following should not be used until further notice:

• Shared refrigerators
• Shared coffee pots
• Shared microwaves
• Water coolers
• Water fountains (water bottle filling stations are available for use)
• Lockers

To maintain focus on providing education while minimizing risk for our employees and students, facility rental and usage by external groups will not be offered through January 3. This does not apply to approved classes and activities offered or hosted by CVTC. Any requests for exceptions will require Cabinet approval. If you have a special request, please email the information to Joni Geroux at jgeroux3@cvtc.edu. Facility utilization for external groups will be reevaluated on a rolling schedule based upon evolving health department metrics and guidelines.

In light of state and local recommendations regarding large events due to COVID-19, CVTC has made the difficult decision to hold the summer graduation celebration in a virtual format to recognize summer graduates on Thursday, July 30, 2020. This decision was made with the best interests of our campus communities, students, staff, and guests as a priority.

Celebration Details
Join us Thursday, July 30, at 7 p.m., to celebrate the accomplishments of our summer graduates! The 2020 July Graduation Celebration will take place on the CVTC Student Life Facebook page. We encourage students, employees, family friends, and the entire community to attend the event to share celebratory photos, messages of congratulations, and best wishes throughout the Facebook Premiere event.

More details leading up to the celebration will be found at cvtc.edu/celebrate.

We are looking forward to kicking off the Summer semester with some cohorts beginning on June 1 and the remainder of programs on June 8. As we continue to navigate COVID-19 implications, we have implemented guidelines and requirements to support the safety of our students and employees who will be participating in face-to-face courses this summer. Please read the following information carefully and join us in adhering to these required expectations.

The safety of students and employees remains our top priority. CVTC is following all CDC and DHS recommended group size, social distancing, and hygiene protocols for any face-to-face activity that is deemed essential. We appreciate your cooperation abiding by these standards.

Campus Building Access
Door lock schedules will be based upon the approved campus activity at each campus. Access into the buildings will only be allowed through main entrance doors during certain days and times.

Face Masks are Required
All individuals within CVTC facilities are required to wear face coverings in public and common areas to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Non-medical masks, bandanas, scarves, and cloth may be used. Please don’t forget your mask as you will not be permitted in campus buildings without one. It might be a good idea to keep one in your car or backpack so that you are sure to have one with you when you arrive each day.

Health Self-Screening
Screening documentation will not be collected or stored in paper or electronic format. Employees and students are expected to self-screen before coming to campus utilizing the following criteria:

SYMPTOM CHECK

• Is your temperature greater than 100.0 degrees?
• Do you have a cough?
• Do you have a sore throat?
• Do you have shortness of breath?
• Do you have a loss of sense of taste?
• Do you have a loss of sense of smell?

EXPOSURE 

• Have you had exposure to anyone with the symptoms noted above?
• Have you had exposure to anyone with a positive COVID-19 test?

If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of these questions, students and employees should not come to campus / go home and follow the Prevea Virtual Care process for COVID-19 testing assessment.

Please review the CDC guidelines for the protection of yourself and others. Signage on doors, inside entrances, and throughout campus buildings will also identify the self-assessment criteria and mask requirement for entry and other safety recommendations.

Chippewa Valley Technical College will open as scheduled for the Fall semester. “While some things may look slightly different, we are not changing everything,” said President Bruce Barker. “We have a schedule that we intend to follow with necessary modifications to support the safety of our students and employees.” 

CVTC is committed to providing education to support individuals and companies across the district to prepare for essential positions and quality of life in the community.  While delivery methods of instructional and support services may be modified, we will continue to deliver quality education and competencies to meet industry standards and accreditation guidelines. In addition, student service needs will be provided to support goal achievement for the students.

Delivery and engagement will include online, MyChoice, and other creative, remote-technology options. Face-to-face instruction and labs will be delivered as possible. This includes a variety of program areas, particularly those with specific lab and hands-on requirements such as healthcare, manufacturing, emergency services, construction and cosmetology.

Thanks to the hard work of our faculty and staff, safety precautions have already been implemented. Several essential programs returned to a face-to-face setting for completion of the Spring semester, and will continue for Summer courses beginning June 1. The Fall semester will follow suit based on state and local guidelines for reopening and health considerations.  

The hands-on components of CVTC programs are critical to the success of our students. We challenge our instructors and curriculum development team to continue to develop creative opportunities for online, MyChoice, face-to-face, and hybrid programs for the Fall semester.  “We’re not just online,” said Barker. “We’re providing the hands-on component in a creative way when we can’t be together in person.”

Last night, the State Supreme Court overturned the Wisconsin Safer at Home Order. We are following updates and next steps very closely. CVTC will continue to monitor guidance from city, county, state, and federal organizations and adhere to reopen guidelines provided by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. We will continue to collaborate with the eleven counties within the CVTC district going forward. Based on statements by city and county government and health departments in our district, it is recommended that individuals and organizations continue to follow CDC guidelines on how to protect yourself and others.

As planning and implementation continue for the gradual and limited reopening of CVTC campuses to provide essential education for our citizens, the safety of our employees, students, and community members remains as our top priority. For this reason, our campuses remain closed to the general public.

On Friday, May 15, we came together virtually to honor the CVTC Class of 2020. The 2020 Graduation Celebration premiered LIVE on our CVTC Facebook page at 7 p.m. Enjoy messages from President Barker and former Student Association President Rachael Winterling, as well as recognition of all our graduates.

We encourage students, employees, family, friends, and the entire community to attend the event to share messages of congratulations and best wishes as these graduates begin a new chapter in their lives!

Help celebrate our graduates and watch the virtual presentation at cvtc.edu/celebrate.

As of May 11, all individuals within CVTC facilities are required to wear face coverings in public and common areas to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Non-medical masks, bandanas, scarves, and cloth may be used. Distribution of appropriate supplies based upon the approved arrangement are being addressed on a case-by-case basis.

As we shared last week, students in essential programs with required lab components have been allowed access to CVTC campuses to demonstrate learning outcomes necessary for course and program completion under the supervision of faculty members. These essential programs include health care, emergency services, machine tool, residential construction, welding, and the Law Enforcement Academy.

The safety of students and employees remains our top priority. CVTC is following all CDC and DHS recommended group size, social distancing, and hygiene protocols for any face-to-face activity that is deemed essential. We appreciate your cooperation abiding by these standards.

Student Health Services has moved back to the Prevea Clinic in the Health Education Center

Eligible students are once again able to schedule appointments for non-urgent visits. Prevea is open weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Current students have access to Health Services until June 5.

Under the advisement of the Governor's office, the Wisconsin Technical College System has confirmed the authority of technical colleges to determine essential operations, including essential programs. The directive indicates that technical colleges should continue to offer instruction and other services remotely as much as possible.

Based upon this recommendation, CVTC faculty members are moving forward with plans for students to complete spring classes by May 15. Although most learning is occurring remotely, students in essential programs with required lab components are allowed access to CVTC campuses to demonstrate learning outcomes necessary for course and/or program completion under the supervision of faculty members. These essential programs include health care, emergency services, machine tool, residential construction, welding, and the Law Enforcement Academy.

The safety of our students and employees remains the top priority. CVTC is following all CDC and DHS recommended group size, social distancing, and hygiene protocols for any face-to-face activity that is deemed essential. In addition:

• Health screenings, including temperature checks, are being utilized to help ensure student and faculty safety while on campus.
• The number of students and faculty in any building at any given time is minimized to allow for social distancing

CVTC administration will continue to follow the guidance of local, state, and federal agencies moving forward into the summer session and these safety measures will continue.

Last week, Governor Tony Evers announced the extension of the Safer at Home order. Full details of the executive order can be found here. The CVTC leadership team continues to follow the guidance of local, state and federal organizations to ensure the safety of our students, employees and community members. Based on the direction of the governor and the Department of Health Services, all CVTC facilities will remain closed to the general public through May 25, 2020 with employees working remotely and courses being delivered in an online or remote format. While our campuses remain closed to the public, our commitment to providing education continues. We are working closely with accrediting bodies to determine appropriate program delivery options.

Many representatives across the College are actively participating in conversations with various entities across the state regarding when and how we can begin to safely reopen our campuses, businesses and other organizations, based upon federal and state guidelines. As these plans are further defined, we will continue to keep you updated.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prevea Health Family Medicine will temporarily convert their clinic connected to the CVTC Health Education Center (HEC) as a clinic for patients with respiratory symptoms. This decision was made to avoid having patients with respiratory symptoms in all of their clinic locations. This change goes into effect Monday, April 6.

During this time, Prevea will continue to provide student health services to eligible CVTC students with acute non-respiratory issues. Students can be seen at the Prevea Altoona Urgent Care facility in Altoona. Prevea is not currently seeing patients at any sites for non-urgent care.

Prevea Altoona Urgent Care: 3119 Woodman Drive Altoona, WI 54720
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. // Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone Number: 715-717-6700

If you do utilize the Prevea Altoona Urgent Care services, please remember to bring your CVTC student photo ID.

Prevea Virtual Care is a free online assessment for COVID-19. To reduce exposure, Prevea recommends that if you have traveled to a high risk area, have had contact with someone with either suspected or confirmed COVID-19, or feel you are exhibiting mild symptoms you think may be associated with COVID-19 such as mild respiratory illness, fever or cough, please call your primary care provider for further direction or visit Prevea Virtual Care to schedule a telehealth appointment. The patient's insurance provider will be billed if additional lab testing is necessary.

Thank you & stay well!

Hello CVTC Students,

Welcome back! I realize we are not physically on any of the CVTC campuses, but we are back in session and ready to continue with your education. While continued progress towards your chosen career remains a primary goal, we must also remember that nothing is more important than your health and safety.

In order to protect CVTC students and employees some major changes have occurred during the recent extended break. We have moved all operational activities off site. All enrollment and student support services are now provided remotely. While instruction in online courses will continue unchanged, many classes will see changes in delivery methods, assignments and timelines.

We know these are difficult and extremely challenging times. Please know that we are here to support you during this time of transition, and we continue to be committed to your success.  Details and contact information for student support can be found on the MyCVTC student portal.  

CVTC will continue to consult with local and state health officials. We are also in contact with the Wisconsin Technical College state office, the Higher Learning Commission and many accreditation agencies to ensure that the program modifications are acceptable. Many questions still need answers. We will continue to share information as it becomes available. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

Throughout our country’s history we have faced world wars, recessions and depressions, natural disasters and even previous pandemics. We know by working together we can meet this current challenge and return to our normal lives. It will take time but today was a major step in reclaiming our lives and future.

I’m looking forward to working with you and the entire CVTC community to make a difference and a better tomorrow.

Best Wishes,
Bruce Barker
President, CVTC

As you are aware, the COVID-19 situation is evolving by the minute, with guidelines provided by our federal, state and local agencies changing every day. We are taking the situation very seriously and are committed to doing our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus. I understand that it may be difficult to keep up with the rapid changes being implemented and multiple communications. For the most current information, visit www.cvtc.edu/covid19. I appreciate your patience and flexibility as we take the necessary action to keep our students, employees and community safe.

Effective, Friday, March 20 at 5:00 p.m., all campuses will be closed to the public until further notice. This includes the Learning Center, Assessment Center, and computer labs on all campuses. Student life will be in contact with students to make arrangements for retrieval of items from their lockers. Instructors will work directly with students who require other course-related equipment, tools or kits.

As communicated earlier this week, all CVTC classes are suspended until Monday, March 30. This includes existing online courses. This will allow time for our instructional teams to make final arrangements to provide all classes via online delivery or other remote technology format beginning March 30. There will be no face-to-face instruction until further notice. Please contact your instructor(s) directly if you have any questions about your specific class(es).

I understand that this time of transition may be challenging for you due to the nature of our traditional hands-on, applied learning instruction. As always, we are committed to your success and we will work closely with our students to provide the support needed to achieve positive outcomes in this modified delivery format.

All services that can be converted to remote options have been in transition this week and will be fully implemented by the end of the day today.

Student Central will be available to assist students remotely via chat and email. During this time, their walk-in and phone assistance options will be temporarily suspended. Students can reach them between the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on chat by selecting the “Chat With Us” box in the bottom, right-hand corner of their myCVTC page. Students can reach us via email at StudentCentral@cvtc.edu.

Kelsey Anderson, CVTC’s E-Learning Specialist, will be available to students for help with online learning best practices, Canvas, Microsoft Office 365 and Google Drive, recording and submitting videos, and more. You can contact Kelsey at e-LearningSupport@cvtc.edu or 715-833-6376.

A complete list of student services and how to access them is available on the MyCVTC student portal.

I wish you and your family good health and safety.

Be well,
President Bruce Barker

As the coronavirus situation continues to evolve, CVTC’s primary focus remains on education. While instruction has been disrupted, we are committed to the safety of our students, employees and the community and doing our part to slow the spread of the COVID-19 disease. In response to the directive of Governor Tony Evers to suspend face-to-face instruction, Chippewa Valley Technical College will implement modifications to the academic schedule and campus staffing as outlined below.

All classes (including online) will be suspended until Monday, March 30. This will allow time for our instructional teams to make final arrangements to provide all classes via online delivery or other remote technology format beginning March 30. There will be no face-to-face instruction at this time. We will strive to reconvene regular instruction as soon as possible, pending further guidance from federal, state and local agencies.

Currently, we do not plan to lengthen the spring semester beyond the academic schedule of May 15.

Events, seminars and other special training activities will also be suspended effective immediately. The Spring Open House, Spring Gala and Scholarship Award Reception have all been postponed.

CVTC campus buildings will remain open at this time, however, we will be minimizing the number of individuals present at the facilities and abiding by CDC recommendations regarding the size of events and social distancing. Effective immediately, we will be transitioning employees to a remote work environment, with limited on-site presence. This transition is in progress and will be completed no later than the end of the day on Wednesday, March 18. Employees will continue to work their regularly scheduled hours and will be available to serve our students and the community.

Student Central will continue to be accessible via remote location. The Learning Center will be open at the Eau Claire Business Education Center to assist students who need access to technology for remote learning. Computer labs will be accessible in Chippewa Falls, Menomonie and River Falls. Academic services will be available virtually. The Bookstore will process orders online to be shipped to the student’s home. A complete list of support services will be provided on MyCVTC.

We are taking things one step at a time as we navigate unknown territory. I understand that there are many questions now and there will be more as we move forward. We will do our very best to answer them as they arise to make these transitions as smooth as possible. I thank you in advance for your commitment to education and the greater good of the community.

Thank you for your patience as we navigate this ever-changing situation and work diligently to provide information and the best possible solutions for our valued students, staff and community. Please note that as changes rapidly occur, the most current communication should supersede any previous information. This writing is intended to provide an update on the closure status of Chippewa Valley Technical College for face-to-face instruction. We will communicate one or more times daily in the days ahead as details are resolved.

As shared in our communication yesterday evening, Gov. Tony Evers announced late Friday that he's directing the state Department of Health Services to issue an order mandating statewide closure of all public and private schools because of the spreading COVID-19. This mandate is as follows:

ORDER FOR STATEWIDE SCHOOL CLOSURE
Under authority of Wis. Stat. § 252.02(3) and at the direction of Governor Tony Evers, I, Andrea Palm, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, order the closure of all public and private Wisconsin schools for purposes of pupil instruction and extracurricular activities, beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, with an anticipated reopening on April 6, 2020. The date of reopening is subject to change pending further information. Based on the assessment of the information available regarding the infectious disease, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”), closure is a reasonable and necessary step to prevent, suppress, and control this disease. To prevent further illness, the schools will be closed until the aforementioned anticipated date of reopening. This order does not prevent a school from providing virtual instruction to pupils.

Andrea Palm Secretary State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Following the lead of the Governor and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, effective the end of the day Wednesday, March 18, all face-to-face classes at CVTC will be suspended through April 6. CVTC will continue to work with local, state and federal agencies to assess the COVID-19 situation and determine if in-person classes should resume at that time.

Spring break begins on Monday, March 16. All regularly scheduled employees should report to work on Monday. Campus buildings will be open as scheduled through Wednesday, March 18. Building access, staffing, and levels of services (onsite and remote) beyond March 18 will be determined and communicated by the end of the day on Wednesday.

Any classes and trainings scheduled for the week of March 15-21 will be reviewed by the administrative team on Monday morning. Employees, students and attendees will be notified as soon as possible following that discussion.

Online and MyChoice classes will resume following spring break and are expected to complete on time, as scheduled. Details regarding other services and courses will be provided in future communications.

We understand that everyone has many questions and we are working diligently to implement the plans we have in place and provide effective options for our students, employees and community members. Please continue to watch your email as updates will be provided on a continuous basis.

Thanks again for your cooperation and patience as we work together during this challenging time.

As communicated in our message this afternoon, Chippewa Valley Technical College has been working in close alignment with state and local officials regarding actions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based upon the most recent communications and Governor mandate for K12 schools in Wisconsin, CVTC will also be following this directive. The Governor has indicated Wednesday, March 18th as the start of the mandated closure. CVTC administration will be working over the weekend and early next week to prepare details for our students and employees and will provide updates as they become available.

We continue to align our pandemic procedures with guidelines from the local city and county health departments as well as local, state and federal agencies including, but not limited to, the Wisconsin Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Several higher education institutions have decided to extend spring break or take their instruction online for varying periods of time. In an effort to be prepared, CVTC faculty are evaluating potential online teaching capabilities and essential business operating departments are preparing remote work environments in order to maintain business operations if necessary. Based on state, federal and local recommendations, as of today, CVTC campuses remain open. 

College decisions regarding closure will be based upon the guidance of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and local health departments. Information regarding the College closing, or reopening, will be communicated through various resources including this website, email, CVTC’s RAVE communication system or media outlets.

Travel Policy Changes as of March 13, 2020

Effective today, College travel shall be limited to essential travel within the district only. All business or club travel outside of the CVTC district (including out-of-state), is suspended until further notice. Determination of what is essential travel should be discussed with and approved by your supervisor and Vice President or President. Any prior approvals need to be reevaluated with the aforementioned individuals.

Employee and Student Travel or Exposure

Effective immediately, we will begin to impose the following travel and exposure practices.

Travel:
If you or a member of your household traveled to a Level Two or Three area, please notify CVTC Human Resources prior to your return to the College at humanresources@cvtc.edu. This includes U.S. states with community transmission including Washington, California and New York. Refer to the most updated CDC travel notices here.

If the above situation applies to you, CDC recommendations include self-quarantine for a period of 14 days prior to returning to campus.

Exposure:
If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, according to city and county health agencies, monitor your health for fever, cough and shortness of breath during the 14 days after the last day you were in close contact with the individual(s). Seek medical guidance regarding potential self-quarantine recommendations.

Activities and events for the week of March 15-21 and beyond

Based upon a state and county recommendation this afternoon, CVTC is evaluating large events scheduled in the next thirty days and making decisions on those anticipated to be greater than 250 people.

Events, activities, classes and training for next week will be held as scheduled with the exception of Wednesday, March 18 due to a college-wide business continuity exercise.

Student Health Services

Due to the nature of COVID-19, it is recommended to call first and minimize walk-in appointments.

• Eau Claire students enrolled in CVTC’s student health services may contact Prevea at: 715-839-5175
• River Falls students enrolled in CVTC’s student health services may contact Vibrant at: 715-425-6701

For a comprehensive list of covered and non-covered services, hours of operation and eligibility, visit myCVTC > Student Services & Support > Health Services.

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This situation is evolving daily, and these guidelines are subject to change as emerging circumstances warrant. Our leadership team will monitor conditions regularly and will adjust as needed with the well-being of our campus communities at top of mind and we will communicate those changes regularly. Updates will be provided at this website.

Your cooperation and collaboration will help to ensure an appropriate response across our institution to this rapidly changing matter.

Chippewa Valley Technical College administration continues to work closely with local health officials, community partners, and educational institutions to prepare, monitor and implement plans as relative to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The President’s Cabinet is meeting multiple times a week, sometimes daily, to discuss new developments and assess situations as they arise at the College, in the community, the country, and across the globe.

This communication is to provide an update as relative to upcoming CVTC events.

At this time, our community remains at low risk and the health department is not recommending the cancellation of community events. Therefore, we will proceed with events as scheduled until further notice. The Manufacturing Show scheduled for March 12 will be conducted as planned with precautionary measures in place for large events as provided in the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Actions will include, but are not limited to, communications to known participants and exterior building signage requesting individuals to opt-out if they are not feeling will (i.e. fever, cough, shortness of breath), increased cleaning of high touch surfaces throughout the event, and thorough cleaning following the show.

The safety of our employees, students and community guests is of greatest importance.  We will continue to review and evaluate upcoming events, tours and facility usage by external groups and make decisions as appropriate based upon the most current information available.

As you are aware, Coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing major disruptions across the globe. As we move into the upcoming weeks of spring break travel in the United States and surrounding countries, we continue preparations for a possible pandemic situation closer to home, affecting CVTC employees and students. As of March 9, 2020, there is a new confirmed case of COVID-19 in Wisconsin; additionally, area residents have been screened following travel to affected regions of the world. As further cases have been reported elsewhere in the United States, we should continue to prepare but not panic. Important updates, reminders, and resources are below.

CVTC Business and Student Travel

• At the time of this writing, CVTC business travel and student club travel is permitted. However, should escalation of COVID-19 increase or areas of travel become unsafe or restricted, CVTC may temporarily suspend travel entirely.

Currently the following travel guidelines apply:

• Business and student club travel within the state of Wisconsin
  • Travel is permitted, but not mandatory.
  • Travel must be approved by your supervisor.
• Business and student club travel outside the state of Wisconsin
  • Travel is permitted, but not mandatory.
  • Travel must be approved by your supervisor and your department VP or College President.
  • Currently booked travel, must be reviewed again with your supervisor.
  • Future travel must be necessary or crucial travel only.

Student International Trips

• An announcement regarding Student International Trips will be made this week.

Personal Travel

If you are traveling domestically or internationally in the upcoming weeks, please take precaution and follow local, state or national guidance pertaining to your travel destinations. These sites may be helpful: 

• Travel: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
• Advisories: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
• Risk Assessment: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

​Faculty Preparation

Faculty colleagues, if you have not yet had a chance to review the following document, please do so at your earliest convenience. CPD is available to help in adapting courses for online delivery; recognizing that schedules can be an obstacle, CPD is available for one-on-one training as needed.

• CVTC Emergency Student Online Learning Guide - The first page addresses the planning phase, and we are asking all faculty members to review and begin planning as appropriate.

College Closing

In the event COVID-19 is declared a pandemic in the United States whereby affecting CVTC, the College will make a decision to close following the guidance of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and local health departments. Should the College close, the current employee handbook will apply whereby if employees are scheduled to work on days closed, employees will be paid. Should the need arise, information regarding the College closing, or reopening, would be found at cvtc.edu or through CVTC’s RAVE communication system.

Essential Business Operations and Key Positions

In the event a number of illnesses occur large enough to affect College departments, or the College makes a decision to close, essential business operations of the College must continue (e, g., building and maintenance controls, financial responsibilities, employee and student communication, etc.). As such, key positions and personnel are being identified and plans are being made to allow remote work or work permissible locations in order to ensure business operations continue. As time progresses, more will be communicated.

Sick Leave, Family Medical Leave (FML) or Personal Time

If you suspect you have any symptoms, please consider consulting with a medical professional and staying home for a self-imposed incubation period. The current handbook guidelines remain for sick leave, FML and personal time. As the end of the fiscal year approaches, if individual benefited time banks are exhausted, unpaid Administrative Leave may be an option (contact HR for Administrative leave details). The definition for care of a family member remains the same: self, dependent child, spouse, parent (of the employee or spouse), or person(s) with whom a formal legal caretaker relationship exists.

Coronaviruses Symptoms and Treatment

• At this time, the incubation period from exposure to illness is believed to be within 14 days; there remains no current antiviral treatment.
• Individuals affected with COVID-19 have displayed the following symptoms:
  • Mild to severe respiratory illness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fever
  • Cough

Stay in the Loop

• CVTC updates:
  • https://www.cvtc.edu/about-cvtc/consumer-disclosures/health-advisory-updates
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services:
  • https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-19.htm
  • https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/outbreaks/index.htm
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
• Travel guidance:
  • https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
  • https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/

Continue to Practice Prevention Daily

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or tissue; use tissues and dispose immediately
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Do not share drinks, food or utensils; get good sleep and drink plenty of water
• Clean and disinfect commonly utilized surfaces/areas frequently

The past few weeks we have seen the Coronavirus become a major worldwide health concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have urged the public to be preparing for the possibility of additional outbreaks at more locations.

CVTC is closely monitoring this developing situation. Our comprehensive Pandemic Preparation Plan, first created during the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, has been updated. All of our departments have also developed business recovery plans in preparation for situations that may result in disruption of operations at the College. These plans prepare us for business continuation during times of interruption due to various situations.

I believe CVTC will be prepared and very capable of responding appropriately and taking whatever steps are needed as advised. The Eau Claire City-County Health Department, state officials, CDC as well as our risk management and insurance experts will be assisting us throughout the duration of this threat. If we see cases in our area, we will take steps to protect everyone’s health and safety.

To help prevent the spread of illness (it’s still flu season), we strongly recommend everyone practice good hygiene and above all WASH YOUR HANDS. If you do experience symptoms, avoid crowds, including the College and contact your healthcare providers. Telemedicine is now available and recommended for these situations since it is readily available and minimizes unnecessary contact.

Sincerely,
Bruce Barker
College President