Central Wyoming College, which has four campuses across the state, will transition from virtual learning back to in-person instruction for the fall term, officials have announced.
CWC has released its general guidelines for college operations in Lander, Dubois, Jackson and Riverton. Classes are slated to begin Aug. 24.
While the school year will begin with in-person instruction, all courses will shift to remote learning for the week between the end of the Thanksgiving break and the end of the fall term on Dec. 4, the college’s plan said. The plan is similar to the one in place for the University of Wyoming’s reopening.
The plan also said the college expects a chance that the campuses will see students, visitors or employees who have been exposed to or contracted the virus. Enhanced cleaning protocols and social distancing guidelines will be implemented for the fall semester, the plan said and it warned that short-term “rolling closures” might be implemented if virus activity picks up.
Signs will be placed throughout the four campuses letting students, employees and visitors know they should stay home if they’re experiencing any coronavirus-like symptoms, urging them to practice social distancing and to wear a mask when in common areas.
All employees and students will have to submit to a health screening when using any CWC facility. Seating and equipment in the college facilities, including its classrooms, will be removed, moved or clearly labeled to maintain 6 feet between individuals.
No gatherings larger than 50 people will be allowed indoors. Phone and email interactions will be encouraged, and when in-person meetings occur, they will be scheduled using the Google Calendar function to assist with contact tracing, if necessary.
No self-service food options, such as buffets or salad bars, will be available at any of the campus facilities.
If federal coronavirus relief funds are available to campuses, some of the money will be used to pay for or partially reimburse students for internet service subscriptions or mobile hotspots for students who are remote learning from home, the plan said.
Non-athlete student residents on campus will be assigned one person per dorm room and no guests will be allowed except in designated areas. Five rooms, with private bathrooms, will be reserved in the event a student needs to be quarantined or isolated.
