As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the SMWC COVID-19 Task Force is committed to providing updates to minimize the spread of the virus and to share information specific to SMWC. Please continue to check your email daily for possible updates.
FAQ
- Are students required to return to campus while instruction is online March 18 – April 3, 2020?
Students are not required to be on campus March 15 – April 3 while instruction is fully online, however, they can be if they want. Le Fer will be open to students, dining services will be open and other campus offices and services will operate as normal. - What is the College doing to ensure teaching continues?
We take great pride in our residential model, which provides invaluable connections, camaraderie and support. In addition to this strength, SMWC is well recognized regionally and nationally for our online education model. Since 1973 we have offered distance education. Our longevity and success can be attributed to a combination of faculty engagement and accessibility, innovative use of technology and a commitment to student support. - Are all athletic events canceled?
Yes. Athletic events are canceled through April 3, 2020. - What do I do if I feel sick?
- Students on campus sick should go to the Health Services Clinic.
- Students at home should go to their family medical provider or local urgent care clinic.
- Employees may use the Health Services Clinic on campus or your family medical provider.
- Will the College hold or forward my mail?
The College will hold mail for residential students. - May I return to campus to pick up some items from my room?
Yes. Students may retrieve any personal belongings. Non-student visitors are not allowed on the residential floors at this time. - Is there a housing plan for students who become sick with the virus?
We will follow the direction of public health officials. Students may be asked to return home or be isolated on campus. We will assist and support students. - Is there a cleaning plan for areas that may become infected with the virus?
Yes. Facilities staff has implemented procedures recommended by the CDC and has supplies to carry out those procedures. - Who should people report cases involving COVID-19 or symptoms?
- Students should report using the college travel and symptoms form.
- Employees should report to immediate supervisor and using the college travel and symptoms form.
- How will time off be handled if employees are off work due to a sick family member or no child care?
Employees are to use sick, vacation and personal time. Once this time has been exhausted, an employee may take the time unpaid. All unpaid time off should be discussed and approved by the employees’ supervisor and Cabinet member. All approved leave policies will apply. - Is the College in communication with outside medical agencies?
Yes. The College and the Health Services Clinic staff is in communication with the Vigo County Health Department.
SMWC Building Restrictions
SMWC is implementing room/floor restrictions across campus. We appreciate your patience.
Classrooms
Selected classroom restrictions will apply to lessen the amount of possible contamination in nonessential areas. The restrictions will be as follows:
- Hulman Hall – All second and third floor classrooms
- Guerin Hall – All classrooms on first, third and fourth floors.
O’Shaughnessy Hall
Beginning with dinner today, March 16, 2020, all dining services on campus will be to go. Dining options and varieties will still be available, but will be to go style. Sodexo will utilize sustainable to-go containers that are completely biodegradable. Students are encouraged to ask the Sodexo staff if there is something they want, but it is not out on the serving lines.
Offices
If you have an office on campus, you will have full access to that office during our normal business hours.
Club ’64
Club ’64 will open on Wednesday, March 18.
Hours are limited to Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Club ’64 will be closed on the weekends. All access to the facility will be granted by a member of the athletic administration. If utilizing Club ’64, you are doing so at your own risk as there will not be a front-desk worker on staff. Please remember to use disinfectant wipes on all equipment before and after each use.
SMWC Meetings
We continue to support the recommendations by the CDC for social distancing. If you are attending a face-to-face meeting, keep a distance of 6 feet between participants and refrain from handshaking. Additionally, to reduce the spread of germs, you may increase ventilation in your office by opening the window to allow fresh air to circulate.
Internet Providers
With an increase in students taking online courses and business people working remotely during the COVID-19 outbreak, internet companies are offering free or discounted internet services. Below is a list of those services.
NOTE: SMWC does not endorse any providers. If you are considering any of these options, be sure to read the agreement thoroughly to make the best decision for you.
AT&T
AT&T will be waiving data overage fees for all at-home internet subscribers who don’t already have unlimited access. Additionally, through Access from AT&T, it will continue to offer internet data to qualifying limited-income households for $10 a month.
Charter Communications
Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, Charter Communications will offer free broadband access for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students who do not already have a broadband subscription. It will also open its Wi-Fi hotspots across its footprint for public use. Charter will continue to offer Spectrum Internet Assist, a high-speed broadband program to eligible low-income households.
Comcast
Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, Comcast is giving new customers its Internet Essentials program two free months of service. New and existing customers will see a speed increase to 25 Mbps for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads. Families who are eligible for public assistance programs, do not have outstanding debt less than a year old with Comcast and live in a location where Comcast service is available, but have not subscribed to the service in 90 days may qualify for the program.
Cox Communications
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, Cox Communications is offering one month free service to new customers of its low-income service and Connect2Compete packages will be automatically upgraded to speeds of 50 Mbps.
NewWave Communications
NewWave Communications announced it will make unlimited data available on all internet services and waiving late fees for its customers for the next 30 days. Additionally, NewWave is offering payment deferrals to customers who call to make payment arrangements.