Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources

Omicron Update and Subsequent Changes to College Operations 

Hello LWTech Lions:

Welcome to Winter quarter! It’s been quite a busy week so far with the start of the quarter, the remnants of snow, and new information about the Omicron variant. Each day we are learning more and more about the Omicron variant, and how it differs from the original COVID-19 strain, and the Alpha and Delta variants.

Executive Cabinet and I have been discussing this in several meetings, and yesterday, the presidents of the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges met to discuss potential impacts to our colleges. In this meeting, the following key predictive data from the University of Washington was shared with us that I want to share with you:

• Omicron is 2-to-4 times more contagious than the Delta variant
• Omicron can be shared by asymptomatic carriers
• It’s predicted that there may be up to 40,000 new cases of the Omicron variant a day in Washington state later this month
• It’s predicted that 40%-50% of the total population of the state may be Covid positive in the next three to four weeks
• It’s predicted, as of yesterday, that the current Omicron wave will peak in late February

We know that booster shots, especially Moderna, offer tremendous protection. If you are eligible, please do not wait until the on-campus booster clinic at the end of this month for your additional shot. If you are able to get your booster shot before then, I encourage you to do so.

Also, Executive Cabinet and I recognize that for those of you with immunocompromised family members or children who are not yet able to be vaccinated it is an especially stressful time.

With all of this information at hand, we are making changes to Winter quarter on-campus Instruction and activity.

Changes to Winter Quarter Instruction

Instruction is preparing to move to the hyflex model for many classes which is a proven course model that allows students to combine components of hybrid learning. Many students will have the option to participate online, in-class, or a combination of both. Students can adjust as needed. This will allow for the most flexibility for students and our faculty. Students will hear more about this from their faculty members as we ramp up this new feature.

In preparation for this, the college is purchasing additional technology and has funding from federal COVID relief funding to support this change.

Laptops and webcams are available for students to check out in the library. The library will continue to stay open for student use. If students have an on-campus class and an online class on the same day, they can participate in their online class from the library with their laptop.

We are not immediately moving to fully online instruction. Many students have shared the importance of in-person instruction and the impact it has on their mental health and ability to learn course material. We also want to be sure that we are providing an accessible and equitable path forward for all students.

We learned a lot from the past two years and the impact it’s had on some of our student populations. We now know that:

• When LWTech moved fully online, students of color and individuals with disabilities were disproportionately impacted: BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students dropped out at a rate of 30% as compared to 16% of white students from Winter to Spring 2020; BIPOC students reported access to campus resources (tutoring, library, counseling, etc.) as a top COVID-related concern; this was of virtually no concern for white students; and, compared to white students, more BIPOC students planned to access mental health counseling.
• Many of our students have expressed a desire to have access to in-person mental health counseling. Last quarter, our counseling team had 194 appointments and students waited an average of 12 days to be seen.
• Students have made it clear that they need and want to get back into their classrooms and labs, especially those who are in our professional technical programs.

Changes to Winter Quarter On-Campus Activity

Beginning Monday, January 10, 2022 we will implement the following changes to on-campus staffing:

• Reduce on-campus staffing. This will look different for each department. Some departments may move entirely online, others may have limited on-campus office hours, and others may have rolling on-campus schedules for team members. We anticipate some changes for in-person meetings with staff and advisors. Dr. Hayden, our Vice President of Student Services will be sharing this information soon.

I want to be very clear that we are being proactive and that we are not in a crisis mode as we were in March 2020. We are prepared and ready. We know what our options are, and we are able to move to different learning and staffing modalities as needed. Two years into the pandemic, and as the first college in the country to experience Covid on campus, we are more than well prepared.

Finally, I want to acknowledge that these are stressful times, and we know that Winter quarter can be especially stressful and unpredictable. I want you to know that you are not alone. Students can reach out to our Counseling Center staff who are here to help. Employees have resources available through the Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

We are continuing to listen to the experts and will keep you updated as new information becomes available. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me, any time.

Stay well, take care of yourselves, and each other.

Amy

Dr. Amy Morrison
President, Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Welcome to Fall Quarter!

Message from President Amy Morrison

Hello LWTech Lions!

I want to take this opportunity to welcome you to LWTech! All of us at the college are so glad you’re here! Your commitment to getting your education is inspiring, and we are here to support you, every step along the way.

Your health and safety are our priority. Being that we’re still in the midst of the COVID pandemic, LWTech is what the Governor is calling a “vaccinated campus.”

On Friday August 27, 2021, Governor Jay Inslee updated the requirements for higher education. The most relevant proclamations are Proclamation 12.5 and Proclamation 12-14.1. Based on these proclamations, LWTech, like all other public colleges in King County, will be requiring vaccines for employees and students as well as tracking the vaccination status of all enrolled students who come to campus.

If you plan to come to campus for any reason (attending classes or accessing other services), you must use this link in order to attest to your vaccination status.  If you haven’t already done so please complete this process as soon as possible.

When you go to the link you have the options of:

• Attesting to the type and dates of the COVID19 vaccine you have received OR
• Attesting that you have a medical exemption OR
• Attesting that you have a sincerely held religious exemption

If you attest to a medical exemption, a college employee will send you a form that must be filled out by your healthcare provider. Please return the form promptly so it can be reviewed as part of your exemption request. Approval or denial will be communicated in writing to your student email address.

If you attest a sincerely held religious belief has led to your exemption, a college employee will review your request and an approval or denial will be communicated in writing to your student email address.

You can read more about how to plan for your visit to campus on our website.

Student Support Services

Advising, Assessment, Counseling, Disability Services, Financial Aid, Enrollment Services, TRIO, Veteran’s Services, High School Programs, and WorkForce Development are open and available on campus on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. All of these offices are also scheduling online appointments over Zoom Monday - Thursday. Be sure to check out our website for specific department office hours. All of us at LWTech are here to support you. Be sure to reach out to your advisor, faculty, or a member of our staff if you need assistance during the quarter.

Technology Support

As in previous quarters, the college has technology available for students to borrow, including basic tablets with internet access, laptops, and webcams. To learn more, visit our website where you can submit your technology request. We also have tutoring available to you in the Learning Lab, which is now located in the Library in room T217.

Campus Amenities

I’m also happy to share that our library and bookstore, the Stopwatch Espresso stand, and our student-run Bakery will all be open this quarter.

Finally, I wish you a successful Fall quarter! We are so glad you’re here! Take care, and I look forward to seeing you on campus!

Amy

 

Sent to the LWTech College Community

Good Afternoon Colleagues:

As I mentioned in my message last week, LWTech is following the Governor’s vaccine proclamation for higher education and mandate, and will be a vaccinated campus for Fall quarter. The college will be open and providing classes and services on campus and online. The Governor has made it clear that the purpose of the proclamation and mandate is to ensure that no unvaccinated people are on state agency property, unless they have received an accommodation based on a medical or sincerely held religious belief exemption. We take this mandate seriously. We have been negotiating with our unions as we develop the 2021-2022 COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, which will be brought to the Board of Trustees in October. We are working transparently and in good faith on behalf of all employees to be sure that our campus is safe.

Vaccine Deadlines

All college employees and volunteers (including student employees) must complete the LWTech COVID-19 Self Attestation. This is required for all employees and volunteers, whether you are attesting to the vaccination or filing a medical or religious exemption. Just because a request for an exemption has been made, it does not automatically mean that an accommodation will be made. These will be granted on a case-by-case basis following an interactive process with Human Resources and your Supervisor. The deadline for completing the attestation is the end of the day on Friday, September 24^th.  

NEW: During my remarks on Monday’s Opening Day, there will be an opportunity for you to do your self-attestation if you haven’t done so already. Please have the following information with you on Monday:

1. Your SID
2. Your PIN
3. Type of vaccine you received or if you are filing for a medical or sincerely held religious belief exemption
4. Date of first vaccine
5. Date of second vaccine (if not the Johnson & Johnson)

Operating and Office Hours for Fall Quarter

Campus operation hours for fall quarter are:

• Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Sunday, closed

Department office hours for fall quarter are:

Student Services and Basic Education for Adults Intake:

• Monday (virtual only)
• Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (in person and virtual)
• Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (in person and virtual) and 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. (virtual only)
• Thursday (virtual only)
• Friday, closed for LionsLink work

Finance Office:

• Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cashier:

• Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday, closed for LionsLink work

Instruction:

• Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday, closed for LionsLink work

Human Resources/Payroll:

• Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Foundation:

• Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Communications and Marketing:

• Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Office of Institutional Research and Grants:

• Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in person (virtual from 7:30am to 4:30 p.m.)
• Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in person (virtual from 7:30am to 4:30 p.m.)
• Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in person (virtual from 7:30am to 4:30 p.m.)
• Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in person (virtual from 7:30am to 4:30 p.m.)
• Friday, closed for LionsLink work

IT Helpdesk:

• Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

• Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

President’s Office:

• Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Stopwatch Espresso Stand:

• Hours to be announced soon

Chef City Grill:

• Closed

Bakery:

• Hours to be announced soon; open to students and employees only

Fitness Center:

• Closed

Early Learning Center:

• Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Library:

Open to students and employees only

• Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bookstore:

• Information to come

Fall Quarter Q&A

A few of you have asked questions about expectations for Fall quarter. Below are those questions and the answers from Executive Cabinet:

Question 1:

Q: What is the consensus on what our day-to-day schedule will look like? Do we have the ability to flex, especially with those that have children (especially children that cannot be vaccinated)?

A: During the entire pandemic we have demonstrated our understanding that you have needs and that things may come up, like taking care of an ill loved one, daycare issues, children in school who may have a need to quarantine, or you’re not feeling well. Employees should work with their supervisors and Human Resources when seeking a flexible schedule. Also, anyone who is going to be teleworking Fall quarter will need to fill out, and turn in, an approved telework agreement. Please work with your supervisor to get your form.

Question 2:

Q: Is there some kind of plan in how we can make flexing more equitable?

A: Cabinet has been transparent and clear that we are not putting absolutes around teleworking because people have different positions, and those positions have different requirements. We understand that departments operate differently and have different needs based on the services they provide. Each Cabinet member will continue to work with their teams for the best path forward for the demands of their jobs.

Question 3:

Q: Is there sensitivity around how we are to discuss our schedules with our colleagues?

A: Teams should share their schedules with their co-workers as needed. I’ve noted department schedules, above.

Question 4:

Q: How will the meetings work when some folks are working on campus and others are teleworking?

A: Meetings can be held in hybrid format, like the Board of Trustees meeting was this past Monday. Our IT team has done an outstanding job outfitting classrooms and conference rooms with updated technology, with more upgrades coming later this fall so that some employees can participate in person and others can remote into the meeting.

Question 5:

Q: If we are working a hybrid schedule, what is the expectation for technology (second monitors, etc.)?

A: This will be discussed on a case-by-case basis with your supervisor. If you recall from when we began remote operations, employees were expected to get supplemental technology to telework, and not take home their office equipment and furniture, unless they received approval from their supervisor. If you need technology, please speak with your supervisor. This does not guarantee that there will be equipment available, however. There is an equipment request form on the back of the telework agreement.

Question 6:

Q: There is a lot of anxiety about being around many folks all at once (especially with rising cases). Is there something in place to help ease some of those anxieties? What is the expectation about how we can manage people’s feelings after so many months of being isolated? What happens if individuals have a hard time adjusting to coming back, even after several weeks of trying? How do we address those kinds of issues?

A: As we are with Opening Week, we are giving employees the choice to remote-in or participate in person, when possible. We will continue that expectation. All college meetings will have a remote option. We are reopening in as much of a safe and healthy way as possible, and we recognize that this has been a difficult 18+ months for all of us. We hope that by being a vaccinated campus and by limiting visitors this will help alleviate some anxiety folks may be feeling. This has been a difficult time for many of us. Please stay in communication with your supervisor. If you are struggling or would like to speak to a mental health expert, please take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This is a confidential program.

Question 6:

Q: What happens if there’s a Covid outbreak on campus? How quickly will we pivot online? What will determine that?

A: We have a very seasoned COVID Supervisor in Dr. Suzanne Ames, who will inform the college community when we have a positive case on campus. As we’ve done throughout the pandemic, we will monitor closely and make decisions as we go. If a broader outbreak occurs beyond one-off cases, the campus community will be notified by me or Dr. Ames.

I’ll talk more about fall quarter expectations in my Opening Week remarks on Monday.

Finally, next week, I’ll return to my weekly Amy’s Update communication.

Please stay safe, take care of yourselves, and each other.

Amy

Sent to LWTech College Employees

Plans for Fall Quarter as a Vaccinated Campus

Good Afternoon Colleagues:

As I mentioned earlier this summer, Executive Cabinet and I were planning to meet after Labor Day to finalize plans for Fall quarter. Yesterday, we held an all-day retreat where we put our plan in place, in accordance with Governor Inslee’s proclamation for higher education. First and foremost, the college will be open and providing classes and services on campus and online fall quarter. I’ll share more specifics about what that looks like below, next week in Amy’s Update, and Opening Day.

Per the proclamation and mandate, the requirements for state employees and students differ slightly from each other; however, one requirement that is the same for both groups is that the Governor has removed the vaccine requirement exemption for philosophical reasons. The only vaccine exemptions will be for medical reasons and sincerely held religious beliefs.

Vaccine Deadlines

Per Meena Park’s recent email, all college employees, and volunteers (including student employees) must complete the LWTech COVID-19 Self Attestation. This is required for all employees and volunteers, whether you are attesting to the vaccination or filing a medical or religious exemption. The deadline for doing this is the end of the day on Friday, September 24^th.

Technically there are no deadlines for students imposed by the Governor’s mandate, but the intent was clear that students should be vaccinated or have exemptions approved before Fall quarter. Based on when we notified students, that would not give them enough time to go out and get the vaccine, therefore we’ll be flexible. The Attestation link is currently live under the student toolbox on our website. We may prevent students from registering for Winter 2022 classes if they have not finished the attestation/vaccination process by late October.

Door Monitoring, Campus Access, and Operating Hours

As a vaccinated campus, and with self-attestation, we will no longer have door monitors and limited access to campus. Building doors that were open pre-COVID will once again be open during regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. We will be sharing plans for Saturdays in the coming days. With that said, there will be some changes to when specific offices will be open for in-person support. Next week in Amy’s Update, I’ll be sharing more information about updated office hours.

Masking and Social Distancing

Masks are required indoors at all times unless you are alone in an office with a door that can be closed. Masks will need to be worn if you are in a cubicle area. This is a new change. Previously, we said that if everyone in a meeting was vaccinated masks could be removed. Now, masks must be worn indoors at all times due to the severity of the Delta variant.

Per the Governor’s guidance, LWTech’s status as a vaccinated campus removes any physical distancing requirements. The college’s upgraded HVAC system and the vaccine mandates are eliminating the requirement for physical distancing.

If you don’t feel comfortable meeting with more than one person in your office, please feel free to schedule time in a conference room or use other public areas of the college.

COVID Exposure Protocols

The college continues to have contact tracing, although it looks slightly different. If you have been exposed to COVID and have tested positive, you will need to contact the COVID supervisor at 425-403-6228. At that time, they will assess the type of notifications that must occur.

1. If someone was determined to be within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes of someone who tested positive, they will be contacted directly by the COVID Supervisor.
2. If a classroom or entire work area is affected due to someone testing positive for COVID, an email will be sent to college employees.

Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness should remain home and work with their supervisor to see if working from home is possible. Individuals with an illness (contagious or not) experiencing symptoms that make it difficult or impossible to work remotely should use sick leave.

Updated HVAC System

Two upgrades have been made throughout the entire campus:

1. The air filters have been replaced with filters that trap viruses.
2. The recirculation of air has been eliminated or reduced to a minimum, while the exhaust of used air and replacement with fresh air has been maximized.

Throughout campus, CO₂ levels are monitored by automatic sensors. While CO₂ is not COVID, it is an indication of breath. The sensors’ set points have been decreased by 30 to 40% to automatically open the fresh air damper. Less CO₂ means more fresh air is brought in. We adjusted the minimum sensor setpoint of the fresh air dampers to allow as much fresh air as possible and reduce recirculated air. Even with few occupants in a room there is fresh air circulating.

We upgraded all the filters on our rooftop units to Merv 13 filters. Merv 13 filters sift out 85% of COVID particles. All filters in interior spaces were upgraded to Merv 10. These are not quite as good as Merv 13, but they still filter COVID and other viruses. The air the HVAC system is delivering throughout the entire campus is filtered by these two filters.

We have changed the temperature levels across campus to allow more fresh air for longer. This fresh outside air may be colder or hotter than normal, meaning spaces may be slightly colder or hotter than normal, but with fresh air.

Campus Custodial Plans

The custodial team will regularly clean high-touch areas using CDC-approved supplies. Cleaning supplies will be available for individuals to wipe down areas in classrooms and offices.

Custodial team emphasis will be placed on:

• Doors and hardware
• Light switches
• Tables, chairs, counter surfaces
• Podiums
• Monitors, keyboards, mice (see additional clarification below)
• Sinks, faucets
• Kiosks
• Handrails
• Water fountains
• Elevator push buttons and doors
• ADA push buttons
• Vending machines

Custodians will conduct a two-part cleaning and disinfecting process:

• Wiping down surfaces with a microfiber cloth and a neutral cleaner
• Spraying surfaces with a neutral disinfectant and left to air dry

This two-part process will occur:

• In classrooms, labs, and conference rooms at the end of the day
• In restrooms and in common areas throughout campus, daily while campus is occupied, on a rotating basis

Sanitation of individual office areas will be the responsibility of the employee occupant. Proper sanitation will be the responsibility of instructional programs where there are:

• Regulatory requirements  
• Programmatic requirements as part of curriculum
• Programmatic and or high value equipment 

Updates in Instruction

There is one change to the previously published class schedule. Some English Language Learner (ELL) and Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes will be moved online. Faculty will receive a letter mailed to their home that includes information about Opening Week and classroom COVID protocols for Fall quarter.

Updates in Student Services

As mentioned above, there will be some changes to in-person support hours in Student Services. I’ll share out that information next week. We’ll be providing a balance of in-person and virtual support to students and hours will be clearly posted on department webpages.

As I mentioned above, I’ll have more information next week in Amy’s Update as we continue to finalize plans for fall. As we’ve done during the pandemic thus far, we will remain nimble and flexible if/when more information becomes available. I, along with our Trustees and the members of Cabinet, are incredibly proud of your continued support of our students and each other.

Please stay safe, take care of yourselves, and each other.

Amy 

The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our priority. If we need to close the college we will do so. Everyone’s health and safety is our highest priority.

Unlike our local decision making with weather-related closures, our President will follow the advice and direction from King County Public Health, the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and state officials. 

If we have suspended operations, you will be notified through our FlashAlert and Omnilert systems that send out calls, emails and text messages. Now is a great time to make sure that your notification settings are correct.

Sign up for LWTech's Flash Alert and Omnilert Notifications

Human coronavirus is most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• The air by coughing and sneezing, or close person-to-person contact
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands 

Symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.

Symptoms of coronavirus may include:

• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Cough

If you have traveled to/from any of the countries with travel alerts or outbreaks, and have symptoms, contact a healthcare provider. 

If you have been notified by public health authorities that you might have been exposed, please follow instructions provided by the Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus. The CDC recommends everyday prevention measures, including: 

• Everyone get a seasonal flu vaccination if possible. While it will not prevent the novel coronavirus, influenza is currently in widespread circulation, and initial symptoms can be similar to novel coronavirus.
• Wear a face covering. It is recommended you wear N95/KN95 or better masks in public spaces. 
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home from school or work if sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Don’t share food and drinks.
• Clean and disinfect shared surfaces and objects that are touched frequently. 

Stay home when you are sick. Do not report to work or attend classes if you are ill. Instructors, consider providing students with ways to complete work from home. This is good advice no matter what illness is going around. If you are concerned about your flu-like illness, call your health care provider for advice and share any travel history. Stay home, rest, and stay hydrated.

To prevent the spread of any respiratory diseases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue away
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water

The proper way to wash your hands is for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after going to the bathroom and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Keep some basic supplies at home. The US Department of Homeland Security recommends that people should keep some basic supplies at home in case they get sick or in case it is difficult to get supplies at a store. Here is what they are recommending:

• Store a two-week supply of food. Select foods that do not require refrigeration, preparation or cooking. Ensure that formula for infants and any child’s or older person’s special nutritional needs are a part of your planning. Plan for your pets as well.
• Store a supply of nonprescription drugs, such as pain relievers, cough and cold medicines, stomach remedies and anti-diarrheal medication, as well as vitamins and fluids with electrolytes (such as sports drinks).
• Store health and cleaning supplies, such as bleach, tissues, a thermometer, disposable gloves, soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
• Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other sources and store them, for personal reference.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.

Make a plan now for how you, your household and your neighbors might need to adapt, rely on each other if there is a significant outbreak. Here are some things that could occur:

• Major events, church and community services and many businesses may be temporarily closed.
• Public transportation might be reduced or suspended.
• Childcare centers and schools may be closed.
• It could be difficult to buy basic supplies.