Published March 10, 2020
“Preparation and Planning, not Panic” is the emphasized theme and guiding roadmap for procedures and protocols being implemented on the Dodge City Community College Campus and at outreach locations off of the main campus. President Harold Nolte authorized the creation of a specific COVID-19 CAMPUS PREPAREDNESS PLANNING Steering Committee earlier last week. “Our top priority is the safekeeping of our students, faculty and employees, and visitors to our campus,” said Nolte. While we certainly do not yet know if this will directly impact our main campus or off campus locations, we do not want to be caught off guard if it does encroach into our campus community,” said Nolte.
Beverly Temaat, Vice President of Student Affairs and Risk Management was appointed to Chair the campus-wide COVID-19 (new coronavirus) planning and prevention efforts. “We appointed members of an oversight steering committee and members of subcommittees last week,” said Temaat. At the planning meeting, all COVID-19 team members heard from Angela Sowers, Director of the Ford County Health Department. Director Sowers provided local, state, national and global updates and initial guidance information for the Campus COVID-19 team. According to Temaat, team members were selected based on expertise or areas of responsibility. The COVID-19 team is comprised of persons from all areas of the campus community. These include Board of Trustee members, campus health professionals, campus housing representatives, maintenance and custodial staff, food services staff, athletics officials, instructional services leaders, student leaders and all members of the administrative team. “We are communicating daily with local health officials, especially the Ford County Health Department, to continuously monitor this developing and evolving situation. In addition, we are following guidance from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) for Colleges and Universities; WHO (World Health Organization) and specific higher education resource associations related to academic instruction, housing, student services and other critical areas,” said Temaat.
Temaat said custodial staff had an early start on facility disinfection efforts at the beginning of the spring semester when protocols were previously implemented to combat Influenza B and Influenza A infections on the campus. “Those already heightened disinfection efforts were expanded last week and will continue for an unknown duration,” said Temaat. Monitoring will occur daily and updates will be sent to the campus community.
“We want to emphasize a thoughtful, robust preparedness to COVID-19 and avoid needless and unnecessary panic,” said President Harold Nolte.
Persons with questions regarding the Dodge City Community College COVID-19 Preparedness Planning may call 620-227-9204 or 620-227-9303 with questions or emails can be sent to [email protected].