Update Center

April 2, 2020

Dear SLCC Family,

I hope you are all continuing to stay healthy!

You may have seen the continuing unfortunate numbers around COVID-19 in our state.  Please, please continue to stay at home so you can stay safe.

We all continue to be very busy serving students and one another. Academic Affairs, Enrollment Services, and the Registrar's office have put in an intense collaborative effort to recalibrate the summer schedule.  This was such excellent work in such a short time to ensure students have the best options for summer. 

Likewise, many discussions have occurred on options for Spring commencement but also August's convocation. SLCC and its students have much to celebrate, but we need to work within the current unpredictable environment. As we determine our best path forward for these events we will send more details.

If you are looking for something to make you smile, check out our students' submissions to our virtual talent show. You can see them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pg/EngageSLCC/posts/?ref=page_internal.

Keep up all of your good work. Take care of yourself and be kind to others.

Dr. Natalie Harder
Chancellor 

March 30, 2020

Dear SLCC Family,

I hope you all had some time this weekend to recharge. Believe it or not, it is starting to feel a little bit normal to walk upstairs to my SLCC office from my kitchen.

What continues to be uncomfortable is watching the numbers increase on COVID-19 in LA and the U.S. Please continue to be as safe as possible. You may know Governor Edwards has lengthened the Stay At Home timeline to April 30th which follows the federal announcement today.

The good news is that I think SLCC is in a position where we are adjusting well to our current environment. I don't think there is much to report on a day-to-day basis as in the previous two weeks so I am going to move to give just two college-wide check in emails each week. 

I realize, and I hope you do as well, that the college is in a relatively calm place right now because of your good work. On behalf of our students and our community, my sincerest thanks once again.

Take care of yourself and those around you. Be kind to others.

Dr. Natalie Harder
Chancellor 

March 26, 2020

Dear SLCC Family,

Good evening!

This email will be short but impactful. It will be brief because quite frankly, I am pretty beat this evening.  However, what I want to share with you can be very helpful. Our own Dr. Kevin Browning, who has extensive experience with telecommuting, has put together a great guide for those of us who haven't been doing this from home on a regular basis. The guide is a quick and straightforward read and certainly has provided me with some things to think about in terms of better managing this current reality. 

So, please take a few minutes to read through the attachment. Let Dr. Browning know if any of it resonates with you and then put into practice what you need for your own remote environment.

Thank you for all of the continued inspiration you are giving me and each other. I also ask each of you that has a healthcare worker in your family or circle of friends to please thank them on our behalf for their tireless efforts at this time (and if you are immediate family to these folks, thank you for juggling support of those at the front line with your SLCC responsibilities!)

Take care of yourself and those around you,

Natalie J. Harder, PhD
Chancellor

Dear SLCC Family,

Great job making it through 3/5 of the work week! Although I know a number of you are actually checking in and responding more than five days a week at this point. If so, please make sure to take some time for yourself even if it is just sitting outside with a cup of coffee or tea for a 10 min. break during the day.

The COVID-19 task force continues to meet via WebEx every day. I am thankful that the challenges we are facing are more and more manageable and I appreciate this team for all of the hours they have put in to understand and address issues. 

I am also thankful for the health impact I think is evident as a result of how quickly everyone was able to start working remotely and the respect you gave the process as we scheduled folks to come on campus to retrieve items. Respect - that truly has been the core value of so much of what you have all done over the last two weeks. Respect for how we were trying to manage things, respect for the potential overwhelming feeling of students, respect for the pressure your colleagues were under, and quite frankly - respect for the "why" of doing things so quickly.  As a matter of fact, I was asked to be part of a podcast about how we accomplished what we did in such a short time. (I always take the opportunity to talk about the great work of the SLCC family!)

Another outstanding effort came about from the SLCC Foundation late yesterday.  For those of you who have supported the organization so strongly over the last few years, you will be proud to know the SLCC Foundation has opened an Emergency Fund specific to Covid-19 needs. This fund is open to both students and employees of SLCC. 

If you are experiencing an emergency need due to the Covid-19 pandemic, please complete the online application. The applications will be reviewed by the Covid-19 Emergency Fund Committee. Likewise, if you feel fortunate and are able to give at this time, please go to https://www.solacc.edu/about-us/slcc-foundation/donate to make a donation to add to the emergency fund.

Please continue to stay safe and healthy. Be kind to yourself and others.

Natalie J. Harder, PhD
Chancellor

March 24, 2020

Dear SLCC Family, 

Another day of moving forward for each other, our students, and our community!

I want to hopefully and optimistically say that it seems we are starting to settle in a bit in terms of operating remotely. I have participated in and scheduled meetings online which would have previously been held in person. I am starting to have external individuals reach out to meet via WebEx on business and community issues as well. The students in my GBUS class tell me while they are still a bit concerned or overwhelmed by the changes all around them they are adapting.

Speaking of adaptation, I want to give a shout out to our Allied Health and Nursing administrators, faculty, and staff. For those of you not involved in these programs, these SLCC family members are whipsawed with what they can, cannot, should, shouldn't, might, might not, shall, or shall not do with, for, and in support of students by accrediting bodies, certifying boards, medical organizations, testing companies, and state regulators.  All are trying to do what is right as the health system is being strained and students still need a rigorous finish to their programs, but being in unchartered waters means sometimes folks are telling us to row in circles. So, send out some love to those currently on the front lines of the pandemic and those trying to figure out how to ensure our outstanding students are ready to enter the fight.

Hang in there and take care of yourself and those around you. Be kind to each other.

Natalie J. Harder, PhD
Chancellor

March 23, 2020

Dear SLCC Family,

I sincerely hope everyone had a chance to get some rest over the weekend!

As you might have seen yesterday, the Governor issued a new Executive Order which addressed areas like health care education and training and also staying at home.  Fortunately for SLCC, not much will change for us operationally or with respect to student instruction and training as we had previously implemented the new safety measures. 

I continue to be impressed by the creativity of our faculty to ensure students are meeting learning outcomes - including tutoring! It doesn't mean I haven't heard about technology challenges, but the resiliency of our professors really is outstanding.  I saw a posting about one of our Chemistry teachers yesterday and an article came out this evening:

https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/local/education/2020/03/23/how-slcc-cosmetology-students-getting-their-hours-hands-practice-home/2898254001/

I know to adapt to our new environment can be very stressful and if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, I hope you please take advantage of the Employee Assistance Plan. You can call counselors 24/7 at 800-252-4555 or 800-225-2527 or log into the website at www.higheredeap.com. 

In the meantime, thanks to all who continue to keep student services moving forward. One thing I think exciting is the many students who are asking questions to ensure they can register for summer and fall classes. Our ability to make new and continuing students feel like we have everything under control means that they are trusting us to continue as usual in the future. What a statement to your resiliency!

Likewise, all of the work done by finance and administration means we are not missing a beat in terms of payroll, purchasing, and maintenance. I would also be remiss if I didn't recognize housekeeping's continuous efforts to clean and sanitize. Finally, I think we can all appreciate the tireless efforts of our Safety and Security office in the challenging (and sometimes thankless) effort to enforce social distancing across all our campuses.

Finally, my thanks to Corporate College and the WIOA staff. I recognize not all of those who experience SLCC through these two departments understand that they too must adhere to SLCC directives. I appreciate the instructors and staff who have been diligent and patient in educating folks that we cannot be "business as usual" at this time.

As we start a new week, say a prayer, light a candle, sing a song, or do whatever works for you to send some positivity out into the universe. We are about to see some numbers related to COVID-19 that will be concerning.  We have at least a two-week lag before we can hope infection rates go down because of our efforts not be near one another.  Hang in there and keep yourself and those around you healthy. Be kind to each other.

Natalie J. Harder, PhD
Chancellor

March 20, 2020

Dear SLCC Family,

You made it! With our core values of service, integrity, collaboration, and respect at the foundation of our work this week we have managed to excel in a very volatile environment.  I could not be more proud of the ways in which we have shown folks how to take care of students and colleagues in light of the COVID-19 mandates to change operations to ensure everyone's health and safety.

To this end, please see below a statement released from LCTCS earlier today. The statement outlines additional steps colleges will be implementing in an effort to do more to "flatten the curve."  Academic Affairs will be following up with an email to students with additional explanation. Also, as we look at changes to operations and instruction, more details will be forthcoming to your programs as appropriate with respect to the statement below.  

In the meantime, please try and rest this weekend. I know you all have been burning both ends of the candle, so to speak.  (Indeed, leaders from Academic Affairs got on a call when a group of us ended at 6:30 p.m.) Unless something significant comes along, I will suspend checking in until Monday evening.

Hang in there and take care of yourself and those around you.

Message from the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges System ~

"Louisiana’s Community and Technical Colleges join Governor John Bel Edwards and other state and federal officials and health care professionals in encouraging all Louisianans to take the COVID-19 health crisis seriously. The most important information we can provide to the community is to heed the advice of local, state, and federal authorities not to travel, not to gather in groups of 10 or more, and to frequently wash hands in addition to other CDC precautions. Depending on college specific spring break schedules, beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, and Monday, March 30, 2020, all LCTCS colleges will offer online-only instructional delivery to students for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester. This includes extension sites, grant funded facilities, and other physical locations housing LCTCS employees. We understand that some students have limited access to technology, and we will do our best to continue working with students through alternate means to serve them on a case by case basis. However, because of the fluidity of this crisis and our unified efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19, instructional labs on all campuses will not be available (for use by students) until it is safe to do so. 

During this time of crisis, there is an unprecedented need to help provide additional training for healthcare and emergency personnel. As such, LCTCS colleges will work with local and state officials to implement safe in-person healthcare and emergency personnel training in groups of 10 or less with proper cleaning and disinfection before and after each training session. Additionally, as we work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the difficult decision has been made to postpone spring graduation ceremonies until further notice. We understand and respect the hard work and sacrifices students and families have made to get to this point, and we will honor this achievement at a later date when it is safe to do so.

Our college chancellors, faculty, and staff have done a tremendous job of responding to this crisis by taking swift and appropriate steps to protect students and others from the spread of this virus. These steps included standing up online delivery of instruction and making concessions to ensure student health, success, and completion remain our top priority. Last week, we implemented telecommuting provisions statewide for all employees. We will continue to monitor developments and follow the guidance of Governor Edwards, and the guidelines put in place by healthcare professionals as we work to do our part to end the spread of COVID-19.

Students and the entire community must know that their community and technical colleges are here to support them during this time. Our colleges are open for business in an online environment. The safety and wellbeing of our community and technical college family and the communities in which we live is paramount. For the latest college updates related to COVID-19, please refer to our college web pages and the LCTCS webpage."

Natalie J. Harder, PhD
Chancellor

Dear SLCC Family, 

What an extraordinary day in our service to students. From the emails and social media I have received or seen, our move to remote instruction has gone very smoothly. Some of you have probably heard me talk about how moving it was to see my youngest watching a live stream of his A&P instructor at 8:00 a.m. like it was nothing new. True - it is the norm for our faculty to do what is needed to be done to engage students in learning - but you all know how different today really was for those who teach and for those who learn. On behalf of those counting on us to live our core values in everything we do - THANK YOU!

Today found business operations continuing as smoothly as can be expected as well. Collaboration (ooooh - another core value!) is rampant! 

I ask that everyone be sure not to just walk into a campus without reaching out to ensure it is safe from a "number of people" perspective. Contact Stephen North for more information. I appreciate the folks ensuring that computer labs were not overrun today but that as many students as possible could do school work online at an SLCC location.

Finally, be aware that bad actors are really trying to take advantage of this challenging time across the globe. We need to be particularly vigilant about online scams and phishing. I will send a separate email about how we can all help protect SLCC's data a little later.

All in all, congratulations on a rigorous but satisfying day serving our students and each other. Hang in there and please take care of yourself and those around you.

Natalie J. Harder, PhD
Chancellor

March 18, 2020

Dear SLCC Family,

I am sort of excited to send this check in at such an early time as I feel it means maybe our really, really long days are starting to shorten - at least we can hope! 

Congratulations to faculty, staff, and administration who were deep in the trenches of modifications to ensure as much remote instruction as possible begins tomorrow. The word "modifications" seems an understatement as it was more wholesale redesign and reconfiguration.  I know it was hard and I know it was stressful, but please know our students are now in the best situation to complete as we are the first college in the state to have figured this out and be ready to go. From instruction and training to Financial Aid, we are here to serve one another and our students. Did you know we are still managing enrollment for upcoming semesters? We got this!!

On a personal note, as an adjunct I appreciate the ideas I heard from Dr. June or the deans regarding ways to allow students to finish as quickly as possible without missing any learning outcomes in case more disruption occurs. Many of you know that my youngest is an SLCC student and I have been so proud every time he comes over to tell me that he has heard from a professor - and he heard from them all by 5:00 p.m. today! 

Similarly, it is gratifying to read social media comments by students reporting that they have heard from various offices in student services and in just a few hours in most cases!

Without constant attention by IT, HR, Accounting, Housekeeping, Maintenance, and our Security office we would not be as responsive and connected as we are and as we have needed to be over the last few days. I also appreciate how the media is hearing about our methodic and deliberate progress from our PR office.  

We have never exhibited Everyday Excellence at this scale or together at the same time. I truly believe you are unstoppable in your service to student success, people, sustainability, and community.

Congratulations on climbing to the top of the highest mountain we have ever had to scale together. We will learn tomorrow where some items still need attention, but these will be minor compared to what you have just accomplished. 

Please keep in touch. I really enjoy hearing from you and I know your colleagues would love to see your face via WebEx. Please take care of yourself and those around you.

Natalie J. Harder, PhD
Chancellor

March 17, 2020

Dear SLCC Family,

Once again, I want to thank you for the inspiration so many of you have given me as we all work through various issues. Today, I know faculty were very thick in adjusting their approach to teaching our students.  Staff and administration were also adjusting to a new normal.  This work is key to ensuring learning and college operations can continue while we manage through the COVID-19 threats. 

The good news in this message is that I have nothing major to announce in this email. No news gives us all at least another 24 hours to keep moving forward without interruption. I note this with a little bit of smiling sarcasm because I am glad for a bit of calm and hope any storm that follows is not so bad. I am concerned though that our lives and the lives of our students will be tougher, not easier in the coming weeks. I do believe the immense work you are all putting in, however, will help us weather whatever is next.

Thank you again for all of your efforts and keep up the great work! Have a good night and please take care of yourself and those around you.

Natalie J. Harder, PhD
Chancellor

March 16, 2020 

Dear SLCC Family,

Many of you have heard me say that I believe we have the best faculty, staff, and administration in higher education and we are proving it! So many have been working tirelessly to ensure continuity in both academic instruction, training, business operations, and facilities over the last 48 hours -it would astound you. Or maybe not if you think of the caliber of your colleagues and supervisors and how Everyday Excellence is in everything we do. So many have been sandwiched between employees, colleagues, LCTCS, LA's Division of Administration, and the federal government when trying to address how we serve each other and our students - it often seems endless because policies, procedures, guidance, and advice are changing almost hour to hour.

To this end, SLCC is able to say that we will work with every employee to ensure they can continue in their respective roles at least through June 30th. In other words, supervisors are determining how every SLCC family member can deliver on their job responsibilities - maybe more creatively than we ever imagined. This includes part-time, adjunct, and student workers.  COVID-19 was not on anyone's watch list when you committed to us that you would perform certain functions and now is not the time for anyone to be penalized because the virus has caused our everyday existence to change so drastically.

Each of you will have received (or soon will) an email from regarding VPN so you can essentially work remotely as if you were at your desk. Remote working/telecommuting will be the most significant part of SLCC's plan to not make one another and our students sick while still delivering on our mission.

You may also have heard that until further notice, no more than 10 people can gather at any time and that the distance between each person needs to be at least six feet. From students who want to take the TEAS test tomorrow morning to employees at the WIOA centers to welding classes we are working on how to abide by this latest "congregation" limit.

I know that right now the specifics of challenges are different between division, unit, department, and job function. I also know the smartest people in higher ed are working to find solutions. How do I know? Because not only is SLCC's task force in continuous contact with each other, but we are hearing from many SLCC employees with suggestions on how we can fulfill our mission. I love that so many people are not sitting back and waiting for magic instructions, but instead are owning that we are the only ones who can figure out how to do what needs to be done. Thank you to those who have reached out to me and others with your ideas! Innovation is a core value is it not?

The work I have seen occur over the last two days is so inspiring. Hang in there and be good to those around you.

Natalie J. Harder, PhD
Chancellor

March 15, 2020

Dear SLCC Family,

I hope you were able to find time to rest this weekend.  The current COVID-19 situation is updated so frequently it can be exhausting to try and keep up while addressing changes to your own households. In our case, we have elderly parents who live alone and far away and a brother who has respiratory problems.

As we each work to manage our changing environments, let's remember nothing will be perfect. Take a breath, do your best, and then move on to the next thing. Keep in mind that those around you will be working through many issues as well.  For faculty who are adjusting to a new normal, remember students are adjusting as well.  Before the outbreak, many of our students juggled priorities that competed with school and now those priorities may be heightened or coupled with additional anxiety about the semester.  While we still want rigor and learning in every course,  the way this is accomplished is not by aiming for perfect or by being inflexible with yourself, colleagues, or students. Just do your best and allow others to do the same, whatever "best" looks like for them.

As a reminder, no one is to be on campus tomorrow.  Employees report back on Tuesday and Tuesday and Wednesday will have an intense focus on adjusting instruction and operations. SLCC's COVID-19 taskforce meets via WebEx tomorrow and I will send out an update later in the day.

Check in on each other and check in on your students. Caring for each other is of the utmost importance right now.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don't hesitate to let me know. Have a restful evening.

Natalie J. Harder, PhD
Chancellor

Dear SLCC Family, 

In light of the recent announcement by Governor John Bel Edwards concerning statewide efforts in response to COVID-19 and a resulting directive by LCTCS,  please be aware SLCC will be closed Monday, March 16; no classes will be held and no employees should report to work as Emergency Leave will be granted to ALL employees. LCTCS has indicated that essential personnel needs to report on Tuesday, March 17. All SLCC employees are considered essential in this time of adjustments and should report to work as usual on Tuesday, March 17 to maximize the time to plan, test, and implement alterations to instruction and operations. SLCC is canceling credit and non-credit (Corporate College, WRU/ABE) classes on Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 to implement alterations to instruction and operations. If the K-12 closures will affect your ability to report to work on Tuesday, please contact your supervisor to discuss your situation and appropriate procedures under SLCC’s leave policy.

While classes will be canceled next Tuesday and Wednesday, faculty, staff, and administration will actively be working to finalize plans for online delivery of instruction and alternate training schedules for unique programs of study to be used for the rest of the Spring semester. Therefore, on-line facilitation of instruction is expected to begin on Thursday, March 19. It is important to note, that all efforts to modify instructional delivery and college operations are centered on ensuring quality learning environments for students as well as safe work environments for faculty and staff. College personnel will continue to engage in all CDC recommended protocols.

Where applicable, faculty will move to a remote learning delivery model for courses effective Thursday, March 19. For programs associated with occupational competencies and clinical experiences, faculty will communicate to students by program as information and plans are finalized. Being sensitive to the lack of broadband in some areas, the College will ensure those students in need will have access at all college locations to dedicated computer labs for online learning and assessment with proper precautions taken for the health and wellness of students per CDC recommendations.

Preparing for alternative modes of instructional delivery and operations must be done so with a focus on the future and recovery post-event. Academic instruction continuity plans and information will be forthcoming. To be clear, SLCC intends to sustain operations at each location. College leadership is working closely to determine essential support services specific to instruction, workforce training, student services, finance, and administration and sustaining commitments to external stakeholders. Departmental leaders are finalizing plans for operations and will communicate directly with personnel regarding the staffing of essential services.

In summary:

• March 16: College closed and no classes held.
• March 17: All employees report to work and no classes held.
• March 18: All employees report to work and no classes held.
• March 19 through the end of the Spring semester: All employees report and classes resume (many classes resume on-line.)

The college leadership team has and will continue to meet regularly throughout this unprecedented event and we have formed a COVID-19 taskforce. Information will regularly come from the Chancellor’s Office inclusive of updates from Academic Affairs, Finance and Administration, Student Services, and Corporate College. Communication of timely and accurate information is paramount to deliver on the mission of our college. Our college family is committed to working tirelessly, innovatively, flexibly, and creatively to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. Please continue to visit our COVID-19/Coronavirus web page for important updates and information from the CDC. I sincerely appreciate all of those working tirelessly behind the scenes over the last few days to help us be as prepared as possible for our changing Spring semester. Notifications will be sent to students, the media, and other stakeholders as appropriate.

Thank you very much for your patience and flexibility as we try to manage aspects of the outbreak as it continues; I know that by working together we will come out on the other side better than ever. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones!

Natalie J. Harder, PhD
Chancellor

Dear SLCC Students,

As communicated by Chancellor Natalie Harder, South Louisiana Community College continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and related impact on the College.  SLCC is making every effort to ensure the health and well-being of our faculty, staff, and students as we assist students in completing the spring 2020 semester.

As noted in Chancellor Harder’s email, South Louisiana Community College will be closed Monday, March 16th,  for faculty, staff, and students.  Faculty and Staff will report to campus on Tuesday, March 17th, and Wednesday, March 18th, to modify and finalize plans for online delivery of instruction and alternate training schedules for unique programs of study - Students should not report to campus on these two days.   

All students will be notified by their faculty member Thursday, March 19th, by 8:00 a.m. via email or a Canvas announcement of their course options for the modified class.  These course modifications may include, but not limited to,entirely remote, limited remote, and adjusted face to face meetings.   Please be patient as the academic leadership and instructors work through the safest and most effective solutions for the variety of course types offered at the college. 

Essential support services will be provided to students during this academic transition.  The Division of Student Services will communicate any operational changes via email and/or post to the department’s website.   SLCC will remain open with limited computer labs and support systems as we transfer to new learning and delivery methods.  Computer and support services will be announced in Canvas at a later date.  Additionally, we ask you to communicate any barriers for the reconfigured course to your instructor by email or phone call as indicated in your course syllabus, as they will do their best to mitigate them.

At this time, we do not anticipate graduation ceremonies to be impacted, but the College will be monitoring the situation weekly and notify you as soon as a change is necessary.  We ask that you monitor your “my.solacc” email, your SLCC Canvas courses and the SLCC website (www.solacc.edu) for updates.

Thank you for your patience and support during this transition period.

Dear SLCC Family,

COVID-19 is a top priority nationwide and has the full attention of the executive committee.  While the situation seems to change continuously, one thing remains constant and that is ensuring the safety of each of you and our students. In thinking of Everyday Excellence, our Standards of Practice call us to be thoughtful and vigilant in our approach to the health and welfare of the college and our community. So, out of respect for the health of one another and in service to our students and community, SLCC is suspending all non-essential, college-related travel and face-to-face meetings beginning March 13th until further notice. Please note the following:

Essential travel and meetings are defined as necessary or required for you to execute your job responsibilities AND/OR cannot be conducted electronically. More specifically:

• For Students: Student travel outside of the classroom, lab, or other learning environment is considered non-essential. However, the respective Dean may recommend a student’s travel as essential wherein the Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs will make the final determination.
• For Staff: Staff travel is considered non-essential except when accompanying students on approved essential travel or when not traveling will cause harm to the operations of the college.
• For Faculty: Faculty travel is defined as travel for academic credit or noncredit that is necessary to meet a graduation requirement based upon current operations (e.g. a campus is not closed.) 
• For All Travelers: If employees have questions about whether specific proposed travel is essential, or seeking approval to engage in essential travel, they should first confer with their supervisor.  Supervisors may recommend an employee’s travel as essential to the responsible Vice Chancellor, who will make the final determination.

Accounting will work directly with employees who currently have approved travel arrangements.

• All meetings are to use remote technology methods when feasible.
• Communicate one-on-one with a simple phone call or use instant messaging or video chat.
• Communicate with groups by setting up a conference call using Cisco Webex or the CiscoWebex Meetings Mobile App.
• Use Microsoft OneDrive to create, edit, share, and collaborate on online documents.
• Make preventive measures part of your routine now.
• Hand wash more often than usual.
• Cough/sneeze into your arm.
• Do not shake hands.
• Don’t share food or drinks.
• Avoid touching your face.  

Faculty, staff, and students must make administration aware of any planned personal international travel. The college reserves the right to require individuals who choose to travel to affected regions to self-quarantine upon return.

We continue to update SLCC’s Covid-19 information page https://www.solacc.edu/updates and encourage you to use it to access the most recent information by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC.)

If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor. 

Dr. Natalie Harder
Chancellor

BATON ROUGE, La, March 13, 2020 - Today, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System announced college and system office closures for Monday, March 16, 2020, and Tuesday, March 17, 2020. For March 17, all essential personnel, as deemed by the System President and College Chancellor, should report to work. This decision adheres to the Executive Order signed by Governor John Bel Edwards today, which among other actions, seeks to reduce the amount of face-to-face public interaction to limit the potential spread of the Coronavirus or COVID-19.

Additionally, LCTCS colleges are adjusting their academic calendars as necessary to accommodate the Executive Order and to transition to the use of online instructional methods where applicable. For programs associated with occupational competencies and clinical experiences, faculty will finalize instructional plans during this transition period. For students who do not have access to broadband technology, each college will ensure that students can access dedicated computer labs for online learning and assessment with proper precautions taken for the health and wellness of students, faculty, and staff per CDC recommendations.

For each college's transition schedule or updated academic calendar, visit the college's respective website.

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For the latest updates on the Coronavirus or the flu, please visit these websites:

• Centers of Disease Control
• Johns Hopkins Interactive, continuously updated Map 
• Louisiana State Public Health COVID-19 
• World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19

• Coronavirus COVID 19 Addendum
• Pandemic Public Health Plan