Thursday, March 10, 2022

Today marks two years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. I want to thank all of you for all you have done to support our students and institutions over the last two years and your continued efforts to ensure we have a safe and vibrant spring semester.

Several weeks ago, as I reviewed plans for the balance of the semester with campus leaders, we thought we would have to stay the course with our virus mitigation strategies. I am pleased to say that the state is turning the corner on the virus, and we therefore can relax our pandemic response, including ending the mask mandate effective Monday, April 4, 2022 for all 17 CSCU institutions and system office.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state Department of Public Health (DPH) have issued updated guidance and mandates which have lifted restrictions on public activities. In particular, the CDC’s new metrics related to the virus have deemed that all of Connecticut is at low risk of spreading of virus. Given these changes in guidance and through conversations with DPH, campus leaders, and COVID Coordinators, our consensus is that we are ready to relax our current protocols. Furthermore, although we had an agreement with the bargaining units on COVID mitigation strategies for the fall semester we did not execute an agreement this spring to continue those strategies.

Our campuses will now shift from pandemic emergency response to routine disease prevention.  Campus leaders and their teams will continue to monitor state and federal guidance and the community virus conditions. They will be prepared to reinstate mitigation strategies as needed to respond to upticks in cases if and when they occur this spring and in future semesters.

On April 4, the COVID reopen plans that were developed in June 2020 will expire. Effective that day, the mask mandate will come to an end. The campuses will shift to a “mask-optional” protocol. No employee has the authority to mandate the use of masks by others. However, mask wearing remains an effective prevention strategy against the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases, and we fully support and expect all employees and students to respect those who choose to continue wearing masks. Our COVID Coordinators will continue to make masks available for employees and students who want them.

In addition, we will remove physical distancing restrictions in areas such as lounges, cafeterias, conference rooms, and other non-academic setting. However, in most instances, current classroom arrangements will remain as set for the remainder of the semester. Campus leaders are encouraged to plan for more in-person activities including commencements and other special events this spring as well as a full schedule of in-person courses, meetings, convenings, etc. for the summer and fall.

Lastly, we will end weekly testing of employees and students and individual case contact tracing. We have made provisions to continue PCR testing on campus for any employee or student who wants access to testing through April 1. In addition, COVID Coordinators will have antigen tests available for those who are concerned about their potential exposure to the virus and would like access to a rapid test.

We expect employees and students to continue to self-monitor their health and stay home whenever they have COVID-like symptoms and follow current CDC guidance on quarantine and isolation.  Employees and students who test positive should continue to follow the campus process for notification.  Human Resources, Health Services, or the COVID Coordinator, as appropriate, will determine the quarantine and isolation expectations, confirm when it is safe to return to campus or classes, and notify close contacts as needed.

Thank you again for all your hard work over the past two years.  I am very excited that we’ve reached this point and can move forward having learned many lessons along the way about how to support our institutions, our employees and most importantly our students through a public health crisis.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng

President, CSCU

Dear Colleagues,

This afternoon, President Terrence Cheng announced our intention to resume in-person classes as scheduled for the spring semester. To prepare for students’ return to campus on January 21, all employees are expected to return to their regular on-ground schedule or approved telework arrangement beginning next Monday, January 10.

At Three Rivers, we have done an exemplary job of keeping our community safe while providing top quality services to our students. I am confident that, with the mitigation measures we have in place, we are in a good position to have another successful semester. We have the tools, the plan, and the flexibility to get it done.  Please note that all employees are welcome to get tested at our on-site testing center, D113, this Tuesday, January 11 between the hours of 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM. We will provide information about additional testing dates/times next week.

I look forward to seeing you on campus next week. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mary Ellen Jukoski
President, Three Rivers Community College

Dear CSCU Community,

Over the past several weeks, campus leaders and COVID coordinators have worked tirelessly to develop plans for the safe return to campus operations this spring. Working closely with state and local public health officials, we have come up with a plan that returns us to in-person learning as scheduled while prioritizing health and safety of students, employees, and all on our campuses.

• Beginning January 10, employees at the universities, community colleges and at system office who have not already done so will return to their regular on-ground schedule or approved telework arrangement.
• At the state universities, student move-in will take place as scheduled on January 17 and 18. In-person classes will begin on January 19.
• At the community colleges, in-person classes will begin on January 21.
• Charter Oak’s employee schedules will meet the needs of their rolling start dates.
• The vaccination requirement for students and employees remains in place. Those who have been granted a medical or nonmedical exemption will be required to submit to weekly testing. This includes both unvaccinated residential and commuter students.

We have been successful in navigating the pandemic thus far because all of you have taken the virus seriously and done your part to keep our campuses safe. Because of that, we have seen virtually no spread of the virus in academic settings. It is our top priority to keep it that way.

This semester, masks will continue to be required at all times when indoors on campus. With a more contagious variant in broad circulation, well-fitting, high quality masks – such as N95s, KN95s, or KF94s, not cloth or surgical masks – are more important than ever. Fortunately, high-quality masks are now readily available at brick and mortar retailers and online – and we will have a limited supply for distribution on campuses. I strongly encourage everyone who can to keep yourselves and our community safe with a high-quality mask.

If you have not already done so, please get vaccinated or get a booster. It is simple: people who are vaccinated are far less likely to get seriously ill or die of COVID-19. People who are boosted are far less likely to get sick at all. Vaccines are safe, effective, and readily available. Please protect yourself, your family, and our community by getting vaccinated or boosted.

During my campus visits this past fall, we heard directly from many students as to how important it is for their academics as well as mental and social health to be a part of campus life. We also know, based on our experiences since March 2020, that learning online is simply not a viable option for many. We take the pleas from those students – to do everything in our power to keep our campuses safely open – seriously.

That said, please know that health and safety will always be our top priority. We are taking every precaution by making testing regularly available, and by hosting vaccine and booster clinics on all our campuses. Though we have high vaccination rates on our campuses and across the system, we still encourage all students, faculty, and staff to receive a booster shot to ensure maximum protection in this ever-changing landscape.

The bottom line is that we believe on-ground and in-person instruction is the best, most effective way to serve our students, and we are confident we have the plan in place to get it done and get through this surge.

Thank you all for your continued patience, diligence, and engagement. I look forward to seeing you on campus during the spring semester.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Important Update: Three Rivers to Move to Virtual Operations Only – Week of January 3, 2022

Sending on behalf of President Jukoski, Three Rivers Community College.

December 30, 2021

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

Due to the recent spike of COVID cases, Three Rivers Community College will move to mostly virtual operations for the week of January 3, 2022. Wherever possible, we should move class and enrollment activities virtually.

If there are necessary classes or activities that need to be in-person, please work with your supervisor and Steve Goetchius to ensure we plan for your being on campus. You can also make Steve aware if you need to come to campus to pick up anything to be able to work remotely and you will be welcome to come in on Monday or Tuesday and you will need to sign-in with Security before proceeding to your office. Only the Main Entrance will be open. Note that custodial, maintenance, security, and other level one staff will still be expected to report to campus and should work with supervisors on any potential adjustments to schedules and protocols. In all of these cases, supervisors will work to rotate schedules or stagger when individuals come to campus to allow for additional social distancing wherever possible. Also remember that masks must be worn at all times while on campus.

We will evaluate the situation again next week to determine what will occur in the coming weeks.

Faculty members, please prepare for the potential that we will start the semester online. If this occurs, we still fully expect that we will be in-person/hands-on after a brief period online.

Staff are asked to continue ensuring significant outreach to students to ensure access to enrollment and support services.

During this new surge in cases, I encourage you to receive vaccine and booster shots, and remind you that you are required to stay home and not come to campus if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms.

Thank you, again, for your flexibility and willingness to adjust how we are operating based upon a changing situation. I will provide an update as soon as additional information is available next week.

Please contact TRCC’s COVID COORDINATOR, STEVE GOETCHIUS at sgoetchius@trcc.commnet.edu or 860-215-9002 if you have any questions. Your supervisor will also be available via email to answer your departmental concerns.

Best wishes and please stay safe.

Mary Ellen Jukoski

President

Three Rivers Community College

• As of most recent report, 84% of the community college students that are exclusively on-campus learners are fully or partially vaccinated.
• As of most recent report, 90% of the university students that are on-campus learners are fully or partially vaccinated.
• Among all employees who have attested to their vaccine status:
  • 76% of community college employees are vaccinated
  • 77% of Charter Oak employees are vaccinated
  • 95% of university employees are vaccinated
  • 96% of system office employees are vaccinated
• The CDC has helpful resources on a range of topics to keep you safe during this holiday season:
  • Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know | CDC
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots | CDC
  • Travel | CDC
  • Self-Testing | CDC
  • Improve How Your Mask Protects You | CDC
• The Governor’s press release from December 9, 2021 provides updates on the spread of the virus in Connecticut and its impact on communities as well as the vaccine status of the state’s residents. Governor Lamont Provides Update on Connecticut’s Coronavirus Response Efforts
• Visit the CT vaccine website for more information on where to get free vaccines Connecticut COVID-19 Vaccine Portal and visit 2-1-1 Connecticut (211ct.org) to find a testing site near you.

• As of November 16, 2021, 83% of the community college students that are exclusively on-campus learners this fall are fully or partially vaccinated an increase from 80% one month ago.  Seventy six percent (76%) of exclusively online learners are fully or partially vaccinated as well an increase from 74% in October.
• As of November 12, 2021, of the university students that have attested to their vaccine status, 92% are fully or partially vaccinated.
• Today, the FDA approved the Pfizer, Moderna and J&J vaccine booster shots for all adults https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/19/health/covid-vaccine-boosters-fda-cdc/index.html
• Governor Lamont and DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani announced that ALL residents who received their Pfizer or Moderna vaccine six months ago or longer, and all residents who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine two months ago or longer are now eligible to get a COVID-19 booster shot. Visit the CT vaccine website for more information Connecticut COVID-19 Vaccine Portal
• The CDC has shared helpful guidance on tips for safe holiday get togethers Holiday Tips (cdc.gov)

• As of October 20, 2021, of the 20,902 community college students that are exclusively on-campus learners this fall, 16,825 or 80% are fully or partially vaccinated.  Seventy four percent (74%) of exclusively online learners are fully or partially vaccinated as well.
• As of October 20, 2021, of the 24,619 university students that have attested to their vaccine status, 22,606 or 92% are fully or partially vaccinated.
• On October 14^th, 81 staff and faculty across all 17 CSCU institutions participated in a Connecticut Department of Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Community Outreach Team Trusted Messenger Forum. The goal of the event was to give community members confidence as a trusted messenger, combat vaccine misinformation, and help to champion the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out on our campuses.
• The CDC has developed an FAQ to counter misinformation about the vaccine.  See the link below for more information and share widely Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC
• The CDC has issued recommendations on Pfizer, Moderna and J&J vaccine booster shots including allowance for those in occupational settings with increased risks such as the colleges and universities. For more information see CDC Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shots | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC and visit the Connecticut COVID-19 Vaccine Portal to find a location for booster shots near you.

• As of October 20, 2021, of the 20,902 community college students that are exclusively on-campus learners this fall, 16,825 or 80% are fully or partially vaccinated.  Seventy four percent (74%) of exclusively online learners are fully or partially vaccinated as well.
• As of October 20, 2021, of the 24,619 university students that have attested to their vaccine status, 22,606 or 92% are fully or partially vaccinated.
• On October 14^th, 81 staff and faculty across all 17 CSCU institutions participated in a Connecticut Department of Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Community Outreach Team Trusted Messenger Forum. The goal of the event was to give community members confidence as a trusted messenger, combat vaccine misinformation, and help to champion the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out on our campuses.
• The CDC has developed an FAQ to counter misinformation about the vaccine.  See the link below for more information and share widely Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC
• The CDC has issued recommendations on Pfizer, Moderna and J&J vaccine booster shots including allowance for those in occupational settings with increased risks such as the colleges and universities. For more information see CDC Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shots | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC and visit the Connecticut COVID-19 Vaccine Portal to find a location for booster shots near you.

Dear Board of Regents and CSCU Community,

I am writing to share COVID 19 related updates since the start of the fall semester at our 17 institutions. We are monitoring the pandemic closely as well as updates in state/federal guidelines and revising guidance as needed. I want to thank our campus leadership especially those serving as COVID Coordinators, faculty, staff and students for their efforts to abide by the rules we’ve established to keep our campuses safe. I also want to thank our state agency partners at the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Office of Policy and Management (OPM) and Office of Early Childhood (OEC) for their guidance and support as we navigate another school year with the pandemic.

As we prepared for the semester, each campus leadership team developed a reopening plan detailing their efforts to mitigate the virus. These plans included how they would manage everything from classrooms and residence halls to food service, campus events, and student services. Despite the best efforts of our campus teams, FTE enrollment has not bounced back to pre-pandemic levels with the universities down nearly 9% since 2020 and 3700 students less than enrolled in 2019. The colleges are down 6% over last year and more than 5100 fewer students are enrolled than in 2019. Charter Oak’s census comes out later this fall, but they have fared better through the pandemic and hopefully will have strong enrollment for this year.

That said, the campuses worked hard to ensure a full array of campus services are offered on ground this fall including student supports, faculty office hours, campus events, etc. to ensure students have a full educational experience. The vast majority (between 75 and 99% depending on campus) of university courses and between 20 and 40% of college courses are offered on-ground this semester. Our classrooms are arranged with 3 feet of physical distance in most cases so that we can bring more students back to campus while still mitigating the virus through distancing and our indoor mask mandate.

Reopening plans are prominently displayed on campus websites and are adjusted as state or local conditions dictate. In addition, campus leaders have informed their employees and students on these plans and provided updates on regular basis through town hall style meetings, email messages, and other communications to share news and information. COVID Coordinators also participated in state educational campaigns to help inform students about the benefits of the vaccine and we will expand our engagement in the Trusted Messengers training this fall for more interested employees and students.

In addition, as you are aware, the BOR has required COVID-19 immunization for all students with the allowance of exemptions for medical and non-medical reasons. We will be revisiting the exemption criteria for the spring semester with the goal of drastically reducing nonmedical exemptions. Each institution is coordinating with DPH to advertise and host on-campus clinics to promote access to vaccines.

To date, 90% of university students have attested to their vaccine status and 89% are fully or partially vaccinated or have been granted a medical exemption. At the colleges, 84% of students at the colleges have attested to their vaccine status and 83% are fully or partially vaccinated or have been granted a medical exemption. Additionally, 8% (2,141) of students at the universities and 14% (5,446) of students at the colleges have been granted a non-medical exemptions to the vaccine mandate. Those who have not attested yet or have a non-medical exemption are required to be tested weekly and those with medical exemptions are encouraged to do so as well if participating in campus activities.

Additionally, CSCU on behalf of the BOR negotiated an agreement with the bargaining units to require the same of employees. Those who have not attested or have a non-medical exemption are required to be tested weekly and those with medical exemptions are encouraged to do so as well if participating in campus activities. Vaccine attestations are still coming in from employees and testing is underway. More data will be available in the coming weeks on employee compliance with the agreement.

Through September 16, the universities have administered 2885 tests to unvaccinated residential or commuter students with 12 positive cases. At the universities there is space to both quarantine and isolate students as the need arises. At this time, per DPH guidance, vaccinated students and employees are not tested as part of the weekly screening program.

Testing at the colleges is available this year for the first time and the schools are working hard with our testing vendor to identify those that need to be tested as part of the weekly program. Through September 16, more than 800 tests have been administered to unvaccinated students with 5 positive cases. Testing results for employees will be available in the next few weeks as well.

All individuals coming to campus have been reminded to monitor their symptoms and if they have symptoms to be tested and stay away from others. The COVID Coordinators on the 17 campuses work with the local public health department and support contact tracing so that any individuals considered close contacts can be notified.

Information on testing results will be available by campus through dashboards shared on the campus websites. Expect those results to be shared this week by the universities and next week by the colleges as the testing logistics are smoothed out. We are enforcing the mandate with students and employees with consequences imposed for non-compliance.

We will be providing guidance for the spring semester in the coming weeks and will review our agreement with the unions by November 30. It is important to remember that our institutions now have more than a year of experience in addressing the pandemic and are putting lessons learned into place daily. I want to extend my thanks to all who are working hard to make our campuses fully operational and safe this semester.

Terrence Cheng

President

Important Update: College Congress COVID Feedback and TRCC Leadership Response

From TRCC President, Mary Ellen Jukoski and Steve Goetchius, Dean of Administrative Services and TRCC COVID-19 Coordinator

September 9, 2021

At College Congress’s September 8, 2021 meeting, feedback was solicited about the return to campus in the context of the pandemic. TRCC Leadership understands and appreciates the concerns of all faculty, staff, and students and looks to provide information and answers as best we can to the concerns raised during the meeting. Our detailed answers can be found here on the College Congress Covid Feedback and Response page.

As always, if you have any additional questions or concerns related to TRCC’s COVID-19 campus response, please contact Steve Goetchius anytime. Thank you.

Mary Ellen Jukoski and Steve Goetchius

Reopening of the Campus

This page, Fall 2021 Reopening at TRCC, has information regarding the reopening of the Three Rivers campus to students, faculty and staff only. It includes dates, hours, requirements for students to make appointments, procedures for social distancing, and more. The building is not open to the general public.

From President Mary Ellen Jukoski

Vaccines to be Required this Fall

June 24, 2021

Dear Students at Three Rivers Community College,

Today, the Board of Regents voted to require all students who participate in on-campus activities this fall to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That means if you plan on attending class or extracurricular activities in-person, you must first get vaccinated.

The vaccines that are currently authorized in the United States are safe, highly effective, and critical to resuming normal operations at our campuses this fall. If you have not already done so, now is the time to get vaccinated. With more infectious, more severe variants becoming more and more prevalent, getting your shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family.

Declare your vaccination status before the semester starts at MyCommNet.edu.

View the Connecticut Vaccine Portal to find a FREE vaccine provider near you (ct.gov)

Students who need to seek a medical or non-medical exemption, please follow these directions:

• Non-medical exemptions: Visit this link and apply here: https://cscu-gme-advocate.symplicity.com/surveys/index.php/pid265064?sid=exemption
• Medical exemptions: Visit the link and fill out this form (your doctor must sign/stamp): https://threeriverscollegefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/trcc-covid19-medicalexemption-request.pdf

More information is available on the CSCU website.

View Vaccine Requirement FAQs (ct.edu)

TRCC 2021 Coronavirus Pandemic Disclaimer

If you have questions or concerns, you can contact the TRCC Covid-19 Coordinator Steve Goetchius at 860-215-9002 or at sgoetchius@trcc.commnet.edu.

Sincerely,

Mary Ellen Jukoski, Ed.D.

President

Three Rivers Community College

• As of March 24^th, Connecticut has administered nearly 7.5 million COVID tests resulting in 303,511 positive cases and 7,862 deaths. Since the start of the semester, the universities account for 30,583 of those tests for residential and off campus students and 148 positive cases.
• During the week of March 15, the universities tested 3,666 residential students which yielded 16 positive cases.  Four additional residential students who tested off campus self-reported positive test results.  Additional testing was done with 972 off-campus students with 6 positive cases reported.  Over 200 faculty and staff were tested with no positive cases.  Weekly testing results are available on the individual university dashboards.
  • Central Dashboard
  • Eastern Dashboard
  • Southern Dashboard
  • Western Dashboard
• This week the CDC updated guidance for operations of K-12 schools revising physical distancing recommendations to at least 3 feet between students in classrooms rather than 6 feet. CSCU schools are using this recommendation to inform our fall planning after consultation with CT’s Department of Public Health representatives while we await CDC guidance on institutions to higher education.  Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Prevention | CDC
• Governor Lamont announced the easing of restrictions for businesses, social and recreational gatherings, sports and outdoor events effective March 19.  However, the Governor stressed that face coverings and masks continue to be required in public including on all campuses.
• Connecticut residents and travelers to Connecticut should follow travel-related guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH). Mandates and requirements are not currently in place in Connecticut.  Travel Advisory for Connecticut During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Starting April 1, the state’s vaccine rollout plan allows for those 16 and older to be vaccinated. For more information on CT’s vaccine stages and rollout plan, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut: Main Portal.
• Guidance is now available from the CDC for those fully vaccinated.
• All residents have robust access to no-cost COVID-19 testing through multiple hospital, community health center and other pop-up sites. All CSCU employees are encouraged to take advantage of the state sponsored sites. Find a test site near you.

On Friday, March 5, Dr. Edie Ouellet, Director of Nursing and Allied Health, hosted a COVID-19 Vaccination Information Session via WebEx during which she presented clarifying information about the vaccine and how to schedule one. This was followed by a question and answer session. The information session was taped and can be watched here.

Also, attached here is the slide presentation Dr. Ouellet created and went over in the meeting. It includes information about the different vaccines as well as information and links for obtaining appointments.