Blue Ridge Community College Coronavirus (COVID-19) Monitoring and Response

What to Expect Fall Semester

With the fall semester quickly approaching on August 19, we are preparing — just as we always are –for a successful start to the semester. Obviously, this year looks a little different, but our intentions of helping you reach your educational goals and prepare for your future are unwavering.  

Staff and faculty are working together to ensure we can operate as safely as possible while delivering top quality instruction and training to our students. As we’ve all come to expect in our “new normal,” we recognize that all plans are made with the understanding that changes in federal, state, county, and North Carolina Community College guidance may require quick adjustments going forward. Flexibility, patience, and teamwork continue to be our guiding principles.

Here’s what to expect for Fall Semester:

Blue Ridge will offer instruction in various formats to best serve student needs and meet social distancing and protective practices requirements.

1. HyFlex: With appropriate physical distancing and protective practices in place, Blue Ridge will offer in-person lecture classes on our campuses. However, in many cases, these courses will also provide HyFlex options that allow some students to be in the classroom with an instructor, and others the ability to view the lecture remotely from home. This option gives students a choice to come to class or attend remotely if they prefer. 
2. Hybrid: Blue Ridge will also offer a blended option where some courses will have a reduced number of days and hours that students are required to be on campus.
3. Online: This year, the College is offering even more courses that are 100% online. Even some science lab courses are being offered online. Please be advised that some course sections that are currently scheduled to meet in-person may be rescheduled to meet online if guidance from local and state authorities changes. Please check your Blue Ridge email address regularly for the latest schedule updates from the College and your faculty.
4. In-person Labs: Most lab classes will continue on campus with appropriate physical distancing and protective practices in place. We appreciate your patience as you’ll notice that some labs may use additional screening tools to ensure students’ safety in these classes. Hands-on Courses: Strict safety guidelines will be in place for those students taking hands-on courses such as automotive, welding, healthcare, and cosmetology. Should conditions or guidance change, students will be updated and appropriate accommodations made. 

The good news is that students have the option to come to campus at a frequency that suits their comfort level. Whether it’s a minimal number of times or not at all, fully online or HyFlex, or hands-on instruction, you have choices. 

Blue Ridge’s Current Physical Distancing and Protective Practices

The following list will be updated regularly to include the latest guidance from state and local health authorities.

• Masks and physical distancing (minimum of 6’ apart) are required while on campus.
• Physical distancing is reinforced by taping off seats and areas to discourage the gathering of individuals.
• Physical distancing is reinforced by signs to control traffic flow in hallways and customer service areas.
• Plexiglass counter guards have been installed in customer service areas such as Cashier and One Stop. 
• Frequent handwashing is strongly encouraged, but when hand washing is not an option, we encourage the use of hand sanitizer.
• We have increased the number of hand sanitizer stations on campus.
• Posters are displayed in classrooms and on entry doors to buildings reminding students and visitors to follow established rules for masks and physical distancing. These posters are highlighted to students and visitors regularly by faculty and staff.
• Virtual meetings with academic advisors, student services staff, and faculty are available for students.
• To support remote learning platforms and other technology needs, we encourage students to email helpdesk@blueridge.edu for technology support.

We remain committed to delivering a high-quality, elevated educational experience regardless of your program or course selection. Blue Ridge is working hard to protect the well-being of everyone in our campus community. If you are attending classes in person at any of our locations, we expect you to adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines. These include wearing a face covering, keeping a physical distance of six feet from others, washing your hands frequently, and staying home if you feel ill.

This video provides an overview of our current safety protocols:

Registration for the fall semester is now open. If you would like to make changes to your schedule or still need to register, you may do so by emailing advising@blueridge.edu to request assistance from an academic advisor.

Thank you for your trust in Blue Ridge. Remember, we are Education Elevated.

Based on North Carolina Governors Executive Order No. 147, people are now required to wear face coverings in public spaces, whether inside or outside, where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. This applies to our campus grounds and buildings.

Effective June 26, 2020, at 5 p.m., all employees, students, and guests of Blue Ridge Community College will be required to wear face coverings when on our campuses, whether inside or outside, where physical distancing of six feet is not possible.

Please bring your own face covering to use while on campus.

In addition to the new requirement outlined above, please make sure you are adhering to the guidelines listed below:

• Social distance in all work and learning spaces.
• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day.
• Adhere to campus and directional signage posted at entrances, exits, and hallways.
• Do NOT come to work or class if you are sick.
• Clean your workspaces, classrooms, and labs as directed by your supervisor or instructor.

Here are some links to helpful resources:

• North Carolina Governor Executive Order No. 147 Extension of Phase 2 Order and New Measures to Save Lives in the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• Frequently Asked Questions for Executive Order No. 147
• NCDHHS Requirements for the Use of Face Coverings and Masks

Please remember that the guidance provided here could change and you should check this webpage regularly.

Blue Ridge Community College students, staff, and faculty have proven to be resilient and determined as the College responded to COVID-19 during the last six weeks. We are proud of our student accomplishments and celebrate that we are near the end of another successful semester at Blue Ridge Community College. 

Registration and Financial Aid
Registration continues for Summer Term and Fall Semester, and we encourage all students to go ahead and register now for the courses they need to stay on track in their educational journey. Academic advisors are available via email to schedule online advising appointments. If you need assistance locating contact information for your academic advisor or registering for classes, please contact us.

Registration Assistance
Phone your academic advisor or call (828) 694-1800 or 883-2520
Email: admissions@blueridge.edu
Text: (828) 600-5019

We have multiple ways to help students pay for tuition and fees, including a new Student Needs Fund and funding allocated for Blue Ridge Community College students through the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office at any time to request assistance. Please do not let paying for your tuition and fees be the reason you do not continue your educational journey. We are here to help. 

Financial Aid Office
Phone: (828) 694-1816
Text: (828) 600-4955
Email: finaid@blueridge.edu

Course Delivery Beginning May 11
We have some news to share with you that mostly affects students and faculty in certain areas of the College. However, this update sheds light on the College’s diligent work to provide relevant training for our community and ramp the College back up as soon as it is safe for our students, employees, and community. 

The majority of courses for the Summer Term will be delivered online. This decision was made some time back, and it still stands true. 

There will be a few exceptions to that beginning this month. Working off the assumption that the Governor of North Carolina will move us into the firsts phase of reopening the state on May 8, the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS), the governing body for community colleges in North Carolina, has given guidance that will allow Blue Ridge Community College to hold face-to-face instruction in the following areas beginning May 11: 

• Science labs
• Automotive Systems and other transportation programs
• Machining
• All engineering technology programs
• Welding
• Brewing

This action by the North Carolina Community College, in conjunction with actions by the Governor, will allow faculty and students to begin to make up lab time missed during Spring Semester in the areas above as well as hold face-to-face instruction in these areas during Summer Term. 

NCCCS identified these areas because of their direct tie to businesses that are deemed “essential” in the Governor’s Executive Order Number 131 dated April 9, 2020.

The College will follow these protocols in spaces, classrooms, and labs that begin holding face-to-face instruction. 

• Students and faculty will practice social distancing and will be encouraged to wear face coverings. 
• Personal protective equipment will be provided for students who are completing labs or clinicals in areas that require it such as nursing and emergency medical science. 
• High-touch areas will be sanitized regularly. 
• Hand sanitizer will be available for students and faculty. 

Students enrolled in the areas listed above that can hold face-to-face instruction will receive information directly from their faculty members via email or notification in their online course about meeting times, locations, and any special instructions. Students enrolled in the areas mentioned above for face-to-face instruction who can not or are not comfortable attending classes in this format, must communicate with their instructor who will make accommodations for the instruction to be delivered in a different format at a later date. 

Today, Henderson County and the State of North Carolina issued a stay-at-home order. Because the College has already shifted services online and many of our employees are teleworking, the College’s current operations are in compliance with both orders.

Services and instruction outlined in our COVID-19 Response update on March 19 are still in place to make sure our students can complete their courses successfully and that our workplaces are safe.

All interactions on our campuses are in strict adherence to social distancing and other required practices such as making sure there are no more than 10 people, having hand sanitizer available, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces regularly.

Students should call (828) 694-1800 or 883-2520 to discuss the assistance they need and how the College can best deliver that service. Email addresses for faculty and staff can be searched in the Faculty & Staff Directory.

Registration for Summer Term and Fall Semester is going on now, and students may contact their academic advisors by email for virtual advising sessions and registration assistance. These advising sessions may be done by email, phone, or other virtual environment and students will be allowed to complete their registration via myBlueRidge. Tuition and fee payments may be made online or by mail.

We are all in this together and our faculty and staff stand ready to help. Please let us know how we can help.

Blue Ridge Community College is postponing its May 2020 Commencement ceremonies and Spring pinning ceremonies. We are exploring alternative ways to recognize our graduates. The commencement ceremonies were previously scheduled for May 9.

This decision was made after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State Governor’s Office, and local health officials issued guidance to limit mass, in-person gatherings for the next two months in efforts of slowing the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, information regarding alternatives for commencement will be announced at a later date. Updates will be sent through College-issued email and posted on the Blue Ridge Community College webpage.

For all information regarding Commencement, visit the Commencement webpage or contact the Registrar’s Office by email at registrar@blueridge.edu.

Dear Blue Ridge Community College family:

As we continue to follow and learn more about the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with your safety in mind, we have finalized our plan to deliver courses solely online (or through alternative delivery) until further notice. We are suspending face-to-face instruction, including work-based learning, effective Monday, March 23. To accommodate the critical need for public safety and public health services in response to this crisis, some exceptions will be allowed and have been outlined clearly by the North Carolina Community College System.

Here is what you need to know:

• Faculty members will move from in-person classes to delivery of their course materials online or via other distance methods beginning Monday, March 23.
• Some face-to-face instruction that could not be transferred to online will be suspended until a date to be determined later in the semester.
• Students should check their Blue Ridge email and online course shell before March 23 for instructions on how their courses will proceed.
  • This document gives information about how courses will proceed but students should also refer to emails from their instructors.
• Beginning Monday, March 23, the following will be in place to assist students:
  • Students who need assistance, including academic advising, are strongly encouraged to call the College ahead at (828) 694-1800 or 883-2520 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to find out if the service they need can be provided online, virtually, or by email or text.
  • Students who need tutoring or help with online courses should call (828) 694-1866, also between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • The Killian Building on the Henderson County Campus and the Straus Building on the Transylvania County Campus will serve as our Student Support Center and have designated spaces to provide access for current students who need to use Blue Ridge computer labs or access wifi with their personal devices. Students must respect social distancing practices of maintaining a distance of six feet from each other and waiting if there are more than ten people using the lab or the wifi areas when they arrive.
  • The Sink Building on the Henderson County Campus and the Straus Building on the Transylvania County Campus will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for student support services. Students who need assistance are strongly encouraged to call ahead to the College at (828) 694-1800 or 883-2520 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to find out if the service they need can be provided online, virtually, or by email or text. Walk-in requests for services are strongly discouraged.
  • Registration for Summer Term and Fall Semester will continue as planned, and students may contact their academic advisors by email for virtual advising sessions and registration assistance. These advising sessions may be done by email, phone, or other virtual environment and students will be allowed to complete their registration via myBlueRidge. Tuition and fee payments may be made online or by mail. For more information, visit our Ways to Pay webpage.
  • Blue Ridge’s IT department will continue to provide services to students by contacting the IT staff directly submitting an IT support ticket, emailing helpdesk@blueridge.edu, or calling (828) 694-1895. Unscheduled walk-ins to the Help Desk area are not permitted.
• Other than the buildings listed above (Killian, Sink, and Straus) to give students access to computers, wifi, and student services, students nor the public will be allowed access to campus buildings.
• The NCWorks Career Centers located on the Henderson County Campus (Sink Building) and the Transylvania County Campus (Straus Building) will be closed to walk-in traffic but will be providing services by phone at (828) 694-1755 or 883-2550 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Those who need computer access to file for unemployment, must call the Career Center at (828) 694-1755 or 883-2550 and they will be served in the order received.
• The health and safety of our campus community remains our top priority. As always, please know that we are working to ensure that our students finish the semester successfully.

Thank you for your patience as we all work together to navigate this unprecedented challenge.

Curriculum classes at Blue Ridge Community College (all locations) are cancelled until Monday, March 23.

All full-time faculty and staff should report to work the week of March 16.

Continuing education and adult literacy classes will continue to meet.

Online instruction will begin March 23 for all Seat-Based Classes. These courses will be transitioned to online or alternative formats. Students should monitor their Blue Ridge email accounts during the week of March 16 regarding how their specific classes will proceed.

Please continue to check the website for further updates.

• Registration for Summer Term and Fall Semester will continue as planned, and students may contact their academic advisors for advising sessions and registration assistance. These advising sessions may be done by email, and students will be allowed to complete their registration via myBlueRidge.
• All student life events are canceled until the end of April. This includes the theatre production, Traditions Around the Table, Spring Picnic, and the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day events.
• According to the Governor’s Executive Order on March 14, all events, meetings, and gatherings of 100 or more people are canceled or postponed.
• The Fire Training Center located on the Henderson County Campus remains open.
• All non-essential travel for Blue Ridge Community College employees is canceled; only essential travel to clinical or for instructional purposes will be allowed.
• All Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning courses, lectures, and scheduled events are suspended until further notice.

Blue Ridge Community College Community College continues to closely monitor the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19 within our region and follow the guidance offered by our local, state, and national public health officials.

Here are some essential points to remember from our announcement on Friday.

• Blue Ridge Community College continues to be open. The College will continue to enhance its existing environmental cleaning, especially hot spots such as doorknobs, computer keyboards, and other frequently touched areas.
• Our focus continues to be the transition of many of our curriculum courses entirely online no later than March 23.
• Some classes will continue to meet in person. Students and faculty in these classes will practice social distancing to minimize the potential exposure of our faculty, staff, and students during the coronavirus pandemic.
• All students, including high school students who take Career and College Promise courses through Blue Ridge Community College, should check their Blue Ridge email accounts for specific instructions on how their particular courses will proceed. A full listing of curriculum (college credit) courses will be posted on our website on Wednesday, March 18, with a description of the plan for delivery going forward (i.e., fully online, continue on an alternate schedule, continue as scheduled).
• High school students who take Career and College Promise courses will continue with these courses. Again, these students should check email for any changes to the delivery of their courses. See below for additional clarification.
• Students with transportation or technology/Internet barriers are encouraged to let their instructors know. Students may also contact Student Services to talk with a counselor about campus and community resources.
• Blue Ridge faculty will be giving maximum flexibility to students as it relates to class attendance as well as supervisors to employees for reporting to work.
• Registration for Summer Term and Fall Semester will continue as planned, and students may contact their academic advisors for advising sessions and registration assistance. These advising sessions may be done by email, and students will be allowed to complete their registration via myBlueRidge.
• All student life events are canceled for the next month. This includes the theatre production, Traditions Around the Table, and the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day events.
• According to the Governor’s Executive Order on March 14, all events, meetings, and gatherings of 100 or more people are canceled or postponed.
• The Fire Training Center located on the Henderson County Campus remains open.
• All non-essential travel for Blue Ridge Community College employees is canceled; only essential travel to clinical or for instructional purposes will be allowed.
• All Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning courses, lectures, and scheduled events are suspended until further notice.

Information for Career and College Promise Students:

Here is some important information for public school students who take Blue Ridge courses in light of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s executive order to close K-12 schools.

• Blue Ridge Community College courses offered on a high school campus will not meet at the high school while the school is closed. These courses will be moved online or in a rare case may be suspended during the closure of public schools.
• High school students who take Career and College Promise courses online or at a Blue Ridge Community College campus will continue with these courses. You should check your email frequently for updates or changes in how your course will be delivered this week and in the future (fully online, continue on an alternate schedule, continue as scheduled).

Important: Please know that this situation can change within hours. All students, employees, and the public should frequently refer to the College website for updates. Students should especially check their Blue Ridge email several times daily during this time.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate through this challenging situation.

Community colleges and universities in North Carolina remain open. As we announced on Friday, we remain focused on moving seated instruction to online and preparation to implement our Business Continuity Plan to ensure the essential services of the College continue.

Please check your email frequently for updated information as it is changing rapidly.

Blue Ridge Community College Community College continues to closely monitor the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19 within our region. While there are currently no confirmed cases in our service area of Western North Carolina at this time, we feel it is prudent to act with an abundance of caution and follow guidance offered by our local, state, and national public health officials. As recently as March 10, Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency in North Carolina and issued guidance that we will follow to protect our campus community.

Our focus is always on the safety and academic success of our students, faculty and staff. That’s why we are joining other community colleges and universities across the country in transitioning this semester’s seat-based curriculum classes to online and alternate formats until further notice. While Blue Ridge Community College remains open and some classes will continue to meet in person, we will practice social distancing to minimize the potential exposure of our faculty, staff, and students during the coronavirus pandemic.

Many, but not all, curriculum courses will transition to entirely online instruction no later than Monday, March 23. Students should monitor their Blue Ridge email accounts during the week of March 16 regarding how their specific classes will proceed. A full listing of curriculum (college credit) courses will be posted on our website on Wednesday, March 18, with a description of the plan for delivery going forward (i.e., fully online, continue on an alternate schedule, continue as scheduled).

Continuing education courses and adult literacy education programs will continue as scheduled. We are communicating with outside groups who use our performance and conference facilities regarding the feasibility of future use and evaluating requests on a case by case basis. The Fire Training Center located on the Henderson County Campus remains open.

The College has canceled all student life events for the month of March as well as the spring theatre production scheduled for April. Effective March 16, all Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning courses, lectures, and scheduled events will be suspended until further notice. All non-essential travel for Blue Ridge Community College employees has been canceled; only essential travel to clinicals or for instructional purposes will be allowed.

Blue Ridge Community College plans to remain open to provide student and business office assistance, including the ability for students to meet with academic advisors, admissions and financial aid, use computers, and have access to faculty as needed. The College will continue to enhance its existing environmental cleaning, especially hot spots such as door knobs, computer keyboards, and other frequently touched areas.

Registration for Summer Term and Fall Semester will continue as planned and students may contact their academic advisors for advising sessions and registration assistance.

We encourage all students, employees, and the public to refer daily to the College website for critical updates on the evolving situation. Students should especially check email at least daily during this time of transition. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). North Carolina has established a Coronavirus Hotline at 1-866-462-3821.

As Blue Ridge Community College monitors this developing situation, we are working closely with state and local health officials and taking necessary precautions to ensure the well-being of students, staff, faculty, and visitors. We have established a COVID-19 Response Team of faculty and staff, updated our Communicable Disease Policy and Procedure, as well as our Business Continuity Plan, and are implementing measures to keep our College community safe.

We encourage the Blue Ridge community to focus on preventing the spread of germs with frequent hand-washing, using tissues for coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched. Our facilities team is increasing the frequency of disinfection of high-touch areas.

For students and employees exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath:

• Stay home
• Call a healthcare provider
• Contact your instructor or supervisor

The College is committed to ensuring all students can achieve their educational goals even amid this public health concern. While the College is still in full operation, our faculty are working diligently to prepare for the possibility of delivering instruction online.

Students will be given the maximum flexibility in attendance by faculty during this public health crisis. Individual faculty members have the purview to accommodate students who miss class time for legitimate medical reasons. Students are encouraged to keep in close contact with their instructors.

We’re reviewing all scheduled travel for faculty, staff, and students and making cancellations in most instances. Faculty and staff should consult their supervisor as soon as possible to discuss upcoming travel plans.

Please know Blue Ridge Community College is taking the utmost care to ensure safety on campus and closely following guidance from public health agencies. We appreciate your continued flexibility in the face of so much rapidly changing information.

Students and employees should continue to check email, text messages, and this webpage for further College updates.

What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. The disease it causes has been named “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19). Please remember, the risk to residents of North Carolina remains low at this time. Symptoms may range from mild to severe and are similar to a cold or influenza. They include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Who is at risk?
Of the currently known cases, children appear to be the least at risk. Those most at risk are those over 60 years of age, immunocompromised, or adults with underlying health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. More information on COVID-19, such as prevention, treatment, and how it is spread, is available on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

Remaining Safe: The CDC recommends that you use reasonable precautions to maintain your health and prevent the spread of all respiratory conditions. Normal precautions include the following:

• Washing your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
• Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Foregoing handshaking
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then disposing of the tissue in the trash or cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm – never into your hands
• Disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces with regular household cleaners.
• Avoiding contact with people who are sick
• Staying home from school if you are sick or exhibiting symptoms

What is Blue Ridge Community College doing now in response to the spread of coronavirus?
The College’s Emergency Management Team (EMT) is monitoring COVID-19 health advisories issued by both the CDC, North Carolina Department of Public Health, and the Henderson County Department of Public Health. Members of our EMT are in touch daily with local public health and emergency management officials to be able to share current COVID-19 information with the college community.

In order to receive updates from the College, students and employees should sign up for Blue Ridge’s emergency text alerts and check their Blue Ridge email daily.

In addition to monitoring both the spread of COVID-19 and any recommendations by the CDC, here are additional steps Blue Ridge Community College is taking to prepare for a local outbreak. Please remember, the risk to residents of North Carolina remains low at this time.

• Reviewing our policies and procedures to make sure they are applicable in communicable disease emergencies
• Consulting with governmental agencies, professional health and security organizations, schools we partner with, and more
• Reminding students and employees about respiratory etiquette and handwashing
• Participating in information-sharing systems specific to this potential outbreak with other local organizations and governmental agencies
• Monitoring absenteeism and notifying local health officials about significant increases in student or staff absences
• Enhancing existing environmental cleaning

How will Blue Ridge Community College respond if there is a local outbreak?
Based on the situation, responses could include one or all of the following:

• Increased communications about keeping symptomatic students and employees home.
• Increased cleaning of hard surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, and desks.
• Cancellation of extra-curricular events such as Student Life events, meetings, or community events.
• School closure.
• Providing educational programming via online learning and flexibility for students who can not attend class due to illness and/or family illness.

Because of the hands-on nature of our training, online learning may not be a suitable alternative. In those cases, the College will provide appropriate ways for faculty and students to make up the missed class time when the College operations resume.

As updates are needed, Blue Ridge Community College will send an email to faculty, staff, and students. Depending on the nature and/or urgency of the communication, a Blue Ridge Alert may be distributed.

What should students or employees do if they are sick and can not come to school/work?
Students should notify their instructors and stay home if they are sick. For questions, please refer to the Student Class Attendance Procedure.

Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. For questions about sick leave, please contact your supervisor and refer to the Sick Leave Procedure.