Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Things you need to knowpage updated 5/18/21
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Summer Semester 2021 Protocols & Guidance
Protocols for Being on Campus
On Friday, May 14, Governor Roy Cooper released Executive order 215 announcing the following changes are in place for North Carolina with some limited exceptions:
- No statewide mask (face covering) mandate
- No mandatory mass gathering limits
- No mandatory capacity limits
- No mandatory social distancing requirements
Protecting the health and safety of our faculty, staff, students and community members remains a high priority and we will continue with cleaning protocols to reduce the presence of germs and frequent hand washing is encouraged. Effective immediately, WPCC will not impose any additional restrictions beyond those in the executive order. Face coverings and other social distancing protocols, while still encouraged for unvaccinated people, will not be required. The Governor’s executive order did not lift the mask requirement for schools, so Burke Middle College and WPCC personnel working at public school sites will adhere to the requirements of that site/location.
Nothing prevents employees or students from continuing to wear face coverings. Please keep in mind that individuals should not be asked to disclose their vaccination status or why they are wearing a face covering. This is private information and should be respected at all times. Employees and students who are experiencing symptoms of illness should stay at home and continue to report if exposed, tested, or diagnosed with COVID using these forms: | For Students | For Employees |
During this transition time, please be patient as our employees and students make their own decisions about how to continue to protect themselves on campus. Please remember to be kind and treat each other with respect.
Protocols and Guidance are subject to change as the pandemic evolves.
Academic Resources
We are assembling resources to assist you with classes. Check back often for additional links and updates.
Campus Wi-Fi for Students
Looking for a place to access wi-fi to complete your assignments? You are welcome to use the WPCC wi-fi in your vehicle at the following campus locations:
- Handicapped parking spaces in front of Phifer Hall
- Parking spaces nearest the front entrance of Carr Hall
- 15-minute parking lot on the left just past the loading dock
- Student pick-up/drop-off area beside the flagpole
- Handicapped parking spaces behind Patton Hall
A campus map is available here.
Contacting Instructors
You can find contact information for instructors in the WPCC Directory. It is easiest and fastest to reach instructors by e-mail.
eTutoring
With the current events causing all of us more than enough stress, WPCC is working to provide some relief, at least with issues concerning math and English. We are offering online e-tutoring sessions weekdays. More information, including days/times and computer/device requirements to access tutoring is available at the link below:
Disability Services
If you have a documented medical, learning, physical, or other type of disability, contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at any time to request accommodations if you have problems accessing classes or any of WPCC’s services.
- Please be aware that some accommodations may take several days or more to coordinate.
- For more information or to make accommodation requests, contact Karla Lanier, Coordinator of Disability Services at (828) 448-3153 (e-mail: klanier@wpcc.edu) or Deanna Keller, Disability Services Resource Specialist at (828) 448-3154 (e-mail: dkeller@wpcc.edu).
Technology Resources
If you have technology issues or concerns (such as equipment, internet service, Moodle access, etc.) please share your needs on the form below so that we may attempt to offer assistance.
Internet Access Possibilities
Looking for internet access? Software tools for assignments and projects? Here are links to resources that may be helpful to you.
- NC Broadband – COVID-19 internet service offerings in North Carolina
- Adobe Creative Cloud – Free temporary at-home access for students who log into Creative Cloud on campus
- AT&T – Internet access for qualifying limited-income households for $10/month
- Charter Communications – Free broadband internet for new customers in households with college students for 60 days
- Comcast Internet Essentials – Free internet service for new customers and free speed upgrade for current customers
- EveryoneOn – Search for low-cost internet service and computers by zip code
WPCC Library
The Library/Academic Success Center (ASC) is open on a limited basis, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., to currently enrolled students only. Only twenty students are allowed in at a time. The Library/ASC is currently closed to the public.
Overdue fines accrued during the College’s closure (March 20 – May 1) are waived. Fines accrued before or after those dates can be paid at the Business Office – Moore Hall.
The Senator Sam Ervin Museum is closed until further notice. You can visit the museum’s website for more information.
NCLive Online Chat
Access to NCLive is available to you off-campus. NC LIVE provides electronic access to digital content covering careers, business, investing, health, history, and genealogy.
In the evenings, live chat sessions are available from NCLIVE, the cooperative that ties together 205 libraries across North Carolina and shares a variety of online databases and resources useful for classes and research. If you need assistance with a project or research, we encourage you to use.
IMPORTANT: Chat is only available for the NCLive resources.
Here is where you can find the chat when it is available:
Ask A Librarian
The WPCC Library staff provides help to you through our Ask A Librarian service. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you post your question and the staff will respond in at least 24 hours.
Ask-A-Librarian is a great way to get help with research and reference questions.
Here is where you will find the page with information and the form where you submit your questions.
Online Databases
You don’t have to be on campus to access databases that can help with projects and research. NCLive, Academic OneFile, Gale Virtual Reference, Literary Reference Center, and Opposing Viewpoints are all available via an online login.
Allied Health Databases
Health Sciences students can access various allied health databases off-campus.
Resources for Needs
We are assembling resources to assist you with classes. Check back often for additional links and updates.
Find Aid Online
COVID-19 is putting strains on everyone socially and economically. Here are links to resources that you may find useful if you have needs.
North Carolina Student Resources
- Aunt Bertha – Enter your zip code to locate services like medical care, food, job training, and more.
- NC 211 – NC 211 provides a wide variety of resources to help during the crisis.
- NCCARE360 – Have a need? Find a local agency who can help.
HEERF CARES Act Grants
WPCC has posted information about student grants through this federal program.
Burke County COVID-19 Updates
Get the latest information and updates concerning COVID-19 in Burke County on their COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates page.
Questions and Comments
We are striving to provide the most current information about the Corona Virus and WPCC‘s response to it, but you may have a question or comment that has not been addressed. Please submit your thoughts below and someone will be directly in contact with you.
Resources for COVID-19
Here are some links to online resources about COVID-19 and simple guidelines to help you keep safe and combat getting the virus.
Precautions You Should Take
The following precautions are a part of good health practices:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not reuse a tissue after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose.
- Clean and disinfect any surfaces that are frequently touched.
- It is also a good practice to start being more aware of the number of times a day your hands touch an object or hard surface and then touch your face without being washed. Limiting the exposure of your nose, mouth and eyes to unwashed hands can help protect from the spread of all germs and illnesses.
- Have a plan in case you need to miss work or other responsibilities due to personal illness or to care for a sick family member.
- Pregnant women and those who have children should review the CDC recommendations on COVID 19.
Online Resources
Illness & Prevention Strategies
WPCC recommends the following practices to help prevent or control the spread of illness:
- Anyone demonstrating cold or flu-like symptoms should use sick leave and stay home until the symptoms have not been present for at least 48 hours.
- Use good hygiene practices as outlined below to keep from spreading any infectious diseases.
- High-risk individuals or those who are in regular contact with high risk individuals should take extra precautions to not spread any infectious diseases.
Online Resources
You can stay up on the latest confirmed information about COVID-19 using the following links to online resources: