COVID-19 FAQ

Westchester Community College continues to monitor closely the evolving public health situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). A Preparedness Response Team is working closely with all areas of the college to respond to this evolving situation. The team continues to maintain close contact with the Westchester County Department of Health, New York State Department of Health, and the State University of New York System Administration.

Q. Are there any confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at Westchester Community College?

A. No.

Q. Is anyone at Westchester Community College observing self-quarantine?

A. While there are currently no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) within Westchester Community College, some members of the college community may be observing self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution. No personally identifiable information will be released in compliance with FERPA and HIPPA privacy regulations.

Q. Is Westchester Community College open or closed?

A: Starting Monday, March 16, the main campus and all extension centers are closed to in-person activities until further notice. Classes and student services are available online and via remote access through telephone and email.

Q. How are cancellations or college closings announced?

A. The Office of Marketing and Communications makes announcements on the college’s website (www.sunywcc.edu) and via college email. Please be sure your information is up-to-date in MyWCC to receive official college communications. For the latest and most accurate information, see the college website at https://www.sunywcc.edu/covid-19.

Q. What happens if someone at the college tests positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

A. The college would follow guidance from the Westchester County Department of Health, which may include notifying individuals who may have come in contact with the person who tested positive and closing the college for a specified amount of time in order to sanitize affected areas. College communications will be updated to indicate the number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19. No personally identifiable information will be released in compliance with FERPA and HIPPA privacy regulations.

Q. What is the college doing to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

A. We have closed the main campus and all extension centers to in-person activity to help mitigate the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We have implemented an enhanced cleaning procedure including utilizing special sanitizing products and equipment to ensure all spaces are clean and safe when the college reopens. We are reminding all college students, employees, and guests to follow CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of viruses, including washing hands and staying home if sick.

Q. Will the deep cleaning and sanitizing continue on a regular basis?

A. Yes.

Q: This is a stressful time. What counseling and support resources are available?

A: Here are some tips for managing stress and anxiety brought on by COVID-19:

Reduce exposure to media coverage of COVID-19.
Recognize what you have control over and what you do not.

Though we do not have control over the situation at hand, we do have control over the steps we take to protect ourselves and practice self-care.

Take care of your physical well-being:

Take deep breaths, stretch, and meditate.
Eat health, well-balanced meals.
Exercise regularly.
Go outside (even if you are avoiding crowds).
Try to get plenty of sleep.

Engage in activities you enjoy and that you normally do.

Maintaining a sense of normalcy is important during times of crisis.

Connect with your family, friends, and others to talk about your feelings
Practice positive thinking and remind yourself of your resiliency

Most people overestimate how they will be impacted by negative events and underestimate their ability to cope with stress effectively.
Remind yourself of healthy ways you have dealt with stress before.
Remind yourself that with time the situation will pass and so will your feelings.

Accept feelings of anxiety, worry, and uncertainty.

Describe the feeling in the moment to yourself or others.
Acknowledge how you feel without judging the feeling.
Facing anxiety in the moment will lead to less anxiety over time.

Reach out to professional help if needed!

Check-out our Personal Counseling Department’s Resource Page for local mental health resources.

Academic Support

Q: What do I do if I need a tutor?

A: Students will be able to access the Academic Support Center tutorial services remotely via our ASKATUTOR service Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information visit https://www.sunywcc.edu/academics/asc/ask-a-tutor/

Q. Can I still get other student services by coming to the main campus or an extension location?

A. Yes. For the latest updates on our student support services please visit: Admissions Information Office of Student Financial Assistance Office of the Registrar International Transfers Disability Services Federal Work-Study

Bursar and Financial Aid

Q: When will Financial Aid Refunds be sent?

A: Financial Aid disbursement will begin on March 17.

Counseling

Q: How can I receive Academic Counseling?

A: Counselors are available to meet with you virtually, as well as speak to you via email, or via phone. Please visit the Counseling webpage for hours and contact information.

Classes

Q. Are classes canceled?

A. No, classes will be moved online starting March 23. Check your MyWCC email for announcements from your professors, and go to www.sunycc.edu/online for information on how to access Blackboard.

Q. What happens on March 23 when classes resume?

A. When classes resume, they will take place in an online format. Students should check their MyWCC email or Blackboard for information from their professors. Additional support information is available at www.sunywcc.edu/online.

Q. How long will classes take place online instead of in person?

A. We are preparing to conduct classes online for at least one week, and it may be longer depending upon input from state and local public health authorities and the ongoing need to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Commencement

Q: Is Commencement still happening?

A: We have canceled many events and will continue to monitor this fluid situation. You’ll hear more from us on the status of Westchester Community College graduation events in the next few days

Online Learning

Q. Do you offer support for online learning?

A: Yes. Our website has information you need to get started including a demo course, a computer skills tutorial and assessment, as well as contact information for telephone support if you encounter any issues. For more information, go to www.sunywcc.edu/online

Q. How can I access my class when it resumes online?

A: There are multiple ways for you to access your online class. Blackboard offers a mobile app you can download for free from the app store and is supported on devices that are running iOS 9.0+, Android 4.2+ and Windows 10+. You can also log on to Blackboard via a desktop or laptop computer by visiting https://sunywcc.sln.suny.edu/

Q. I’m not comfortable with online classes, are there any other options for me?

A: All of our classes are transitioning to an online format to reduce the risk of exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19). We understand changing to an online class may not be ideal for everyone and we are providing Blackboard support to help this transition and support the teaching and learning experience you are familiar with and expect.

Registration

Q: When does Summer/Fall registration open?

A: Registration for Summer courses is currently ongoing. Registration for Fall courses begins March 30. For more information and to get started please visit www.sunywcc.edu/summer

Testing Services

Q: Is placement testing still available?

A: Not yet. In order to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on our community, the Testing and Assessment Center is cancelling all scheduled group placement testing sessions until further notice.

Additional Info

Q. Are events canceled?

A. Yes. The college has cancelled many events in order to promote recommended social distancing practices. For an up-to-date listing of canceled events please visit https://www.sunywcc.edu/covid-19.

Q. Will canceled events be rescheduled?

A. Rescheduling decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. For more information, contact the event organizer directly.

Q. How are decisions made to cancel events?

A. Decisions to safeguard the health and safety of the college community are made on a case-by-case basis with input from state and local public health authorities based upon information available at the time. This may change depending upon the ongoing need to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Since this is a very fluid situation, the best advice is to have a backup plan and remain flexible.)

Q. Will I be paid?

A: Westchester Community College is following SUNY’s recommendations. Under the FLSA, employers generally only have to pay employees for the hours they actually work, whether at home or at the employer’s office. Hourly employees who cannot work remotely will not be paid and salaried employees who cannot work remotely are required to use their entitlements.

Q: When am I expected to return to my office?

A: As of August 1, 2022, all employees are required to return to work for their regularly scheduled hours in the location they are assigned.

Q: How can I request time off?

A: You can still enter your request into PeopleSoft as usual. Your supervisor will have to approve your time.

Westchester Community College, State University of New York