College Extends Spring Break; Develops Plans Related to Coronavirus

March 11, 2020

Updated: Friday, March 13, 2020

Members of the college community,

Hudson Valley Community College officials are continuing to monitor the effect of the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) and are developing emergency response plans and protocols. These efforts are designed to protect our community and maintain as much academic and operational continuity as possible. Please be reminded that at this time, there are no identified cases of COVID-19 within the college community, and we are working diligently to protect our students, faculty and staff.

Following guidance issued today by the New York State Governor and subsequent directives from SUNY:

• The college is extending its spring break by one week, to run from Monday, March 16 to Sunday, March 29. No credit-bearing classes will be held during this timeframe. Classes will resume on Monday, March 30. Classes scheduled Thursday, March 12 through Sunday, March 15 will proceed as planned. Spring sprint classes originally scheduled to start on Monday, March 23 will now start on Monday, March 30.
  
• This extended break will provide time for college officials and faculty to further develop plans to deliver academic coursework for the duration of the semester. Expect additional information and guidance on updated plans and procedures.
• The college and its facilities will remain open during the break, however many college and community events and athletic competitions on campus have been canceled or postponed. Check the college’s events webpage for updated information.
• Clean Technologies Early College High School courses at TEC-SMART will continue through the break. The college-level courses in this program will adhere to the extended break and will resume Monday, March 30. Information has been sent to Clean Technologies Early College High School students at TEC-SMART and is available on the Clean Technologies Early College High School website.
• Traditional College In the High School classes, which are college-level courses taught in the classroom at more than 25 school districts around the region, will continue to be offered as usual. Online and interactive videoconferencing college-level courses will adhere to the extended break and will resume Monday, March 30.
• At this time, there are no cancellations or changes to the majority of the college’s non-credit Community and Professional Education and Workforce Development courses. Some individual classes or workshops have been cancelled or postponed and participants have been notified. Please contact the appropriate office if you have questions about an individual course or workshop.
  
• This break does not affect the Capital District Educational Opportunity Center.

Governor Cuomo issued guidance at a press conference earlier this afternoon that all SUNY schools should “implement plans to maximize distance learning and reduce in-person classes,” with specific plans being developed in accordance with individual colleges’ circumstances.

Actions to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 exposure at Hudson Valley may ultimately include a transition to online or distance learning where possible. However, determinations on which classes will be able to transition to an online or distance format are still being made. Additionally, we understand that not all classes may be delivered in an online or distance format, and considerations are being made to address that.

We will continue to coordinate and comply with state and local authorities and share additional information on the plans and accommodations that may be enacted as the situation changes.

With this break approaching, allow me to reiterate that the college strongly encourages students, faculty and staff to refrain from non-essential travel, especially international travel. Any member of the college community traveling to areas classified as Level 2 or Level 3 by the CDC, including China, Italy, Iran, Japan or South Korea, will be required to self-isolate off campus for 14 days or more before being allowed to return to campus.

Additionally, as directed by SUNY, all members of the college community are required to contact College Health Services at (518) 629-7468 if they are planning to travel to, or return from, a Level 2 or 3 area, or if they otherwise believe they have been exposed to COVID-19. Keep in mind that travel guidance may be issued for additional areas or raised to higher levels, leading to unexpected consequences such as delays in returning or mandatory quarantines.

The college also continues to take precautionary measures on campus, such as enhancing cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch and commonly used surfaces and areas; providing sanitation wipes and regularly filling campus hand sanitation stations; and urging members of our community to stay home if sick. Please refer to the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) webpage for more complete information, including symptoms and preventative measures individuals can take, like proper handwashing.

Important information for members of our community is outlined on our Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Information webpage. The site will be updated regularly, and we will continue to communicate directly with you as we receive further guidance from SUNY, New York State and county health officials.

Please continue to monitor your Hudson Valley Community College email, as the situation is fluid and guidance is subject to change. We appreciate your patience as we continue to respond to this evolving situation.

Thank you,

Roger A. Ramsammy, Ph.D., President