Dear Riverbats,
News regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) changes daily, and I want to provide you an update on steps Austin Community College is taking to ensure your safety.
Although public health officials indicate there is currently no threat to the Austin area and the college has no plans at this time to cancel classes, we recognize there are growing concerns. The college is putting a priority on prevention and preparedness.
The ACC executive team is developing plans in advance of any possible cases in our region. We are working through various “what-if” scenarios and planning a broad range of contingencies should there be an impact to campus operations, instruction, student support services, IT, communications, HR, and all areas of the college. We are also compiling information to assist employees and students and provide guidance on ways to accommodate anyone who may need to temporarily complete assignments or work remotely.
Here are some of the measures currently underway at ACC:
- ACC’s Emergency Management team is monitoring the evolving situation and coordinating closely with local and state health and public safety agencies, as well as local government, schools, and universities.
- ACC is posting regular updates to its Coronavirus (COVID-19) information website.
- The college is posting signage about washing hands and healthy habits to help prevent viruses from spreading.
- ACC’s custodial crews are sanitizing facilities day and night, including high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and handles.
- Hand sanitation stations are available on campus and may be found outside elevators and in labs. Additional stations are being installed districtwide.
- College Operations is working to provide the appropriate sanitizing wipes for computer keyboards in labs and ACCelerators.
- The college is monitoring CDC travel alerts. At this time, no International Study Abroad programs for summer 2020 are impacted. We are prepared to make adjustments to our approach as circumstances warrant.
Our goal is to minimize risk. On the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we ask that you take a moment to review the CDC’s best practices for prevention. Your health and safety is our priority. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates to our ACC community.
Thank you,
Richard M. Rhodes, Ph.D.
President/CEO
Austin Community College District