Dear faculty and staff,
As we begin this new fiscal year, I reflect on the challenging, and yet, rewarding, year we just completed and think how blessed The Woods is to have such dedicated faculty and staff. Thank you for pivoting with grace while delivering an excellent education and services to support our students and institution during an unimaginable time in the history of our College, our nation and our world.
The SMWC COVID-19 Task Force continues to thoughtfully plan for the fall as we work through the steps to reopen the College for in-person instruction. You can find this information outlined in The Avenue to Reopening Plan.
The next stage for SMWC begins July 13, as we fully reopen all campus offices and ask all staff to return to work for a regular schedule on campus:
July 3 -10, 2020
- The College will be closed for summer shutdown and only essential employees should be on campus during this time.
Beginning July 13, 2020
- Campus offices and operations will return to normal with regular summer staffing as the College follows Indiana’s Back on Track Plan.
- Employees with underlying conditions or special circumstances must provide documentation to the Human Resources Department to seek an extension on remote work schedules.
- Faculty allowed to return to physical office spaces as needed.
As we continue to follow the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the summer, SMWC remains committed to being vigilant. We will be ready to adapt and evolve, I often say, it’s what we’ve known how to do for 180 years.
Stay healthy and have a restful break!
Janet R. Clark, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
Other Important Reminders
Implementation of Infectious Disease Protocols at SMWC
All employees are asked to follow the SMWC COVID-19 safety protocols once they return to work and until otherwise advised:
- Stay home when sick or having been notified of contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19.
- Use proper social distancing and do not congregate in public areas in buildings.
- Recommend wearing face masks in public spaces including hallways where social distancing is not possible or may be difficult to maintain.
- Employees will be required to wear masks during College-sponsored events
- Disinfect common or shared equipment such as printers and copiers before and after use.
- Limit sharing of paper documents.
- Limit in-person meetings by utilizing technology.
Required Weekly Employee Self-Screening and Self-Reporting Procedures
All employees will be required to complete the COVID-19 Weekly Screening Form at the start of each week (or following two or more consecutive days of being away from campus) beginning May 26 until further notice.
- The form is to be submitted electronically prior to each employee’s arrival on campus in the morning, or before the start of the workday.
- This screening will ask employees to self-report symptoms, temperature and possible contact with others who may be infected in an effort to bring awareness to the importance of self-monitoring while helping to protect the well-being of the College community.
All employees who exhibit symptoms, have been tested or who believe they have been exposed to the virus or if you have traveled to a place that may be considered a “hot spot” are required to complete the COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form.
All personal health information will be confidential and HIPPA compliant.
SMWC Health Clinic
The Health Clinic will open summer operations for non-COVID-19 related issues by appointment only beginning June 15, 2020 and be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon. Students, faculty and staff that have a fever or are experiencing a cough or shortness of breath should go to smwc.edu/covid-19 on the website for guidance and contact information for assistance.
SMWC’s Commitment to Providing a Safe Environment
The College has made a commitment to providing a safe environment for all staff and faculty through the implementation of the following measures:
- Housekeeping will complete twice daily cleaning of high traffic and high touch areas in all buildings.
- Housekeeping will not be entering or cleaning individual offices or workspaces; employees may request cleaning or trash services if needed.
- Efforts will be made to separate workspaces and employees in order to maintain a safe distance.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be maintained and are clearly marked throughout campus.