August 11, 2020

We have been busy preparing for the fall semester and would like to share how you can help Oxnard College maintain a safe and healthy campus:

1.      Most of our classes will be offered online; however, some select classes and programs will still be offered either fully or partially on-site. Please check our schedule of classes carefully to see if yours are online or on-site. If in doubt, check with the class’ instructor or your counselor. Be sure to read the additional points below if you are visiting any of Oxnard College’s facilities.  

2.      Most student services will be offered online (e.g., counseling, admissions and records, financial aid, etc.). Very few services will be offered in person, so please contact those offices directly by phone or email before visiting campus. 

3.      Our Library (LRC) will have very limited access. Please see the LLR website for further information. 

4.      If you are visiting our campus for any reason, including taking an on-site class, please note that parking will be restricted to Lots A and B, and you must be screened at our Health Screening tables before entering the campus. Please watch this video for more information on that process. Parking is free and no permits are required. 

5.      Every on-site class has a waiver for students to sign. If you don't receive this waiver from your professor in advance of the first day of class, please contact your professor who should provide it either digitally or in person on your first day.   

6.      While on campus, you will need to: 

           a.      Wear a face covering at all times. If you have a documented health concern that prevents you from wearing a covering, please contact your professor through Canvas and our Student Health Center at (805) 678-5832 to discuss appropriate accommodations. 

           b.      Only stay on campus for as long as is necessary to attend class, visit the library, or access our limited Student Services. 

           c.       You may not linger on campus or congregate with others, and you must maintain a six-foot distance from all others.  

           d.      You will need to download our MyVCCCD mobile app so that you can complete a brief self-assessment survey whenever you visit Oxnard College. Please complete the app’s questionnaire prior to arriving on campus. Visit https://www.vcccd.edu/mobile for more information and to download the MyVCCCD mobile app on Apple and Android devices. 

7.      Students who are taking on-site classes will be expected to help clean and disinfect their own areas of the classrooms or labs where they work. Supplies and guidance will be provided on-site.  

8.      Please keep in mind that despite our best efforts to screen all students and employees who visit our campus, there is no foolproof method to prevent the possibility of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, if you are concerned about the possibility of infection, we urge you to stay home, take your classes online, and wait until an effective vaccine is available. Attending on-site fall semester classes at Oxnard College is strictly voluntary.  

9.      Please continue to visit our OC Alerts page for the latest information about Oxnard College's response to COVID-19. If you don't see your questions answered, contact us here or call our Welcome Center at (805) 678-5907.  

Thank you for your cooperation! We look forward to supporting you throughout the semester.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6kxlcAeHG0&t=58s&app=desktop

Oxnard College has drafted our own operating plan, trying our best to align our plans with the more general and constantly evolving State and County guidelines, and congruently with our District’s  Operational Framework. Our plan was drafted based upon weekly meetings of our COVID response committee, comprised of approximately 25 faculty, classified staff members , administrators, and students, as well as representatives from the City’s Fire Department and the Middle College on our campus. Please keep in mind that we are all still scrutinizing the State’s recently-released guidelines to ensure our Plans coincide with those guidelines. None of us have faced a global pandemic of this nature before, and it is likely that our Plans will need to change as conditions change and as guidelines from the State and County change. Our ultimate goal is to offer the vast majority of our classes online and have most of our employees work remotely, to protect the safety and well-being of our students and employees until a vaccine is available and this pandemic is safely behind us. Only those classes and programs which cannot be conducted fully online (due, for instance, to licensing and accreditation requirements), and only such work as cannot be performed online, will take place on campus, and even then under rigorous safety protocols.

Ventura County Recovers

Public Health Orders

• July 16, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Officer Order
• July 13, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Officer Order | Statewide Public Health Officer Order
• July 2, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Officer Order – Bar Closures
  July 2, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Officer Order – Beach Closures
• June 25, 2020 – Ventura County Public Health Department issues modified health order Allows for reopening of additional sectors

• June 11, 2020 – Updated Public Health Order – Effective at 11:59 p.m. on June 11, 2020 | Español
• May 29, 2020 – STAY WELL VC Order – Safely Reopening Ventura County shall become effective at 11:59 p.m. on May 29, 2020
• May 22, 2020 – STAY WELL VC Order – Safely Reopening Ventura County (Amended May 22, 2020) | Additional Amendments
• May 20, 2020 – STAY WELL VC Order – Safely Reopening Ventura County (Amended May 20, 2020)
• May 12, 2020 – More Business Permitted to Reopen in County of Ventura
• May 7, 2020 – STAY WELL VC Order – Safely Reopening Ventura County
• April 22, 2020 – Eviction Prevention Resolution (Ordinance 4563)
• April 20, 2020 – Stay Well at Home Order – Updated | Essential Business List
• April 9, 2020 – Stay Well at Home Order – Updated | Appendix A Social Distancing Protocol Form
• March 31, 2020 – Modified Stay Well At Home Public Health Order
• March 20, 2020 – Stay Well at Home Order
• March 17, 2020 – Public Health Order
• March 12, 2020 – Declaration of Local Health Emergency

California Department of Public Health Guidance for Face Coverings

California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus that was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and is now being spread widely in other parts of mainland China, and is now present in many countries worldwide including the United States. While new cases were initially linked to Hubei Province, China, at this time public health considers being anywhere in China in the past 14 days a risk factor for novel coronavirus infection.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, current global trends indicate that the virus may spread worldwide causing a pandemic.  There are presently nearly 600 confirmed cases in the United States including cases in California.

The virus causes respiratory illness. For up-to-date information regarding the novel coronavirus including number of cases in the United States, see:

• The California Department of Public Health website at https://www.deph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx; or
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Social Distancing

Definition

Social distancing is a public health safety intervention used to reduce the likelihood of transmitting communicable disease. Social distancing involves minimizing exposure to infected individuals by avoiding large public gathering venues, adhering to spacing requirements in the workplace, and following proper personal hygiene practices.

Step 1.  Standard Strategies for Effective Social Distancing: 

Practice at All Times

The goal of social distancing is to limit exposure to infectious bacteria and viruses during a communicable disease outbreak. The following strategies may be useful in conducting social distancing:

Adhere to public health hygienic recommendations by washing your hands after touching commonly used items or coming into contact with someone who is sick.

• Stay home when sick.
  • Remain at home until fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
  • Seek immediate medical care if symptoms become more severe, e.g., high fever or difficulty breathing

• Use “respiratory etiquette”.
  • Cover cough with a tissue or sleeve. See CDC’s Cover Your Cough page.
  • Provide adequate supplies within easy reach, including tissues and no-touch trash cans.

• Wash hands frequently.
  • Encourage hand washing (at least 20 seconds with soap and water) by students and staff through education, scheduled time for handwashing, and the provision of adequate supplies.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces.Daily cleaning and disinfecting of high traffic areas.

• Avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth and avoid rubbing your eyes.

• Properly dispose of anything that comes in contact with your mouth such as tissues or plastic eating utensils.

• Students and staff who start to develop symptoms on site will immediately go home and should contact their own physician or health care provider depending upon level of discomfort and type of symptoms.

• For students using the college Student Health Centers for primary care, please call the Student Health Center for advice and referral for care.It is important for students to call before coming in to minimize exposure to Health Care Center staff, other students, and college employees.

• Face masks are most useful for preventing disease spread when they are worn by people who have symptoms. This is why people are asked to wear a mask at doctors’ offices and hospitals if they are coughing or sneezing.

• Avoid coming in contact with individuals displaying symptoms of illness.

• If working in close proximity to other individuals, attempt to keep a distance of approximately three feet from the nearest person while working.​

​​Step 2.  Notification of VCCCD Implementation of Social Distancing Protocol:  

Occurs Following Ventura County Public Health Notification of a Health Emergency based upon Confirmed Community Transmission of COVID-19 in Ventura County or Cases Occurring in Surrounding Counties

Notification

Implementation of the VCCCD Social Distancing Protocol will be communicated to employees and students by the VCCCD based on recommendations of public health authorities and assessment of circumstances

    Classes and Work

• To the extent possible, maintain a minimum distance between people of three and preferably six feet.Adjust work and classroom spaces as needed.

• Message and format consistent informational flyers and posters will be distributed for posting at all VCCCD sites.

• Classes may be suspended or moved to web-based and/or distance learning modes to continue instruction.Employees and students will be notified of these changes in advance.

• Colleges will apply for and obtain blanket exception from the CCCCO to offer additional classes in an online format.

• Employees may be required to participate in an alternate work schedule or alternate work mode.This could include work from home remotely using phone and computer or staggering work shifts to reduce the number of employees on site. These actions may occur depending upon local circumstances and directives from public health authorities.VCCCD employees will be notified should implementation of alternate work schedules and/or modes be implemented.

• Employees with identified critical functions to maintain District/College operations will be provided technology and access for remote work should that need to occur.

Closures

One possibility of enacting social distancing procedures is the closure of venues where large amounts of people may congregate or closure of specific services e.g. childcare centers. For more information on closing, refer to the VCCCD website. VCCCD employees will be notified should broad scale alternative work accommodation and schedules be implemented.

The colleges and District office may also close depending upon circumstances and recommendations or directives from public health authorities. Closures will be communicated to students and employees on the VCCCD website.

• Any consideration of closures of locations or services at locations (e.g. childcare centers, libraries) will be discussed among District and College leadership.This will ensure that decisions are made in a consistent manner across all District locations evaluating similar criteria and communicating actions in a timely manner to all students and employees.

• Closure of venues where large amounts of people may congregate will likely occur.Information on cancellation of college events and closings of any specific services will be regularly updated on the VCCCD website.

• Individuals should consult public health entities for closings on any public or private venues in their area.

• The colleges and District office may also close depending upon circumstances and recommendations or directives from public health authorities. Closures will be communicated to students and employees on the VCCCD website.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Recommendations for wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves or masks will be issued by public health authorities. If used correctly, PPE may limit some exposures; however, they should not take the place of other preventative interventions, such as proper hygiene practices.

Medical Countermeasures

Consult with a physician for recommendations on obtaining medical prophylaxis.

Immunocompromised and Other High Risk Individuals

Individuals with compromised immune systems, heart disease, pulmonary conditions,   diabetes, and other medical conditions, are encouraged to consult with their personal physician to assess the safety of their workplace during an event that warrants social distancing. They can then work with their supervisor and Human Resources regarding required absences or accommodations.

Step 3.  Implementation of High Intensity Social Distancing Measures: 

Occurs Following Increased Community Transmission of COVID-19 Indicating a Growing Risk to the General Public and the Need for Additional Precautions to Contain Local Community Transmission.  These additional actions will be considered once this status is confirmed by Ventura County Public Health.

• Communicate the implementation of high intensity social distancing measures with faculty, staff, students and the community.

• Employees will be allowed to stay home if someone in their house is sick or school closures have occurred.

• Healthcare provider’s note will not be required for employees or students who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work. Healthcare provider officers and medical facilities will be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely way.

• Classes may be temporarily suspended and public areas or large gathering areas closed.

• Further expansion of alternative work schedules and modes to minimize the number of employees on site will occur.

• Our locations may need to close if there are high rates of absenteeism among employees that make it difficult for safe and effective operations. A call for large scale closure would happen only if there was significant community transmission that could not be well-controlled through other strategies or to follow directives from public health authorities.

• Modify, postpone, or cancel large campus events. Events where people are in close contact with others for an extended period will be cancelled or modified should there be significant community transmission in a particular community or many different communities. Public Health authorities may call for cancellation of many different types of public events.

• Maximize actions to ensure continuity of education services through digital and distance learning options as feasible and appropriate.

• Provide alternative grading mechanisms including grades based upon work to date.CCCCO has provided these types of accommodations in past emergency situations requiring closures of colleges.

On-Campus Classes and Events

Question: Are my classes still taking place on campus?
Answer: the 2020 summer session will consist exclusively of online/virtual instruction classes. Information about the Fall semester will be posted as soon as it is available. 

Question: When will classes resume?
Answer: All Summer 2020 summer classes will be online/virtual as well. No classes will physically take place on campus from March 16 through the end of the Summer 2020 session. To help us provide you with additional updates, we highly suggest that all students and employees update their emergency contact information. See the RESOURCES section at the bottom of this page. 

Question: Are Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College, Ventura College East Campus, and the District Office still open?
Answer: No. Although classes are continuing online/virtually, our campuses and the District office are not open to students or the public. But our employees are still here to help you so please call or email us. 

Question: Is the Child Development Center closed?
Answer: Yes. The Child Development Centers on the Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura College campuses are closed at this time.

Student Services

Question: I'm feeling anxious and stressed about everything that's going on. With the Student Health Center no longer open on campus, can I still call them?
Answer: Yes. If you have medical questions or need mental health services, you can call your Student Health Centers. If you have a medical or mental health emergency, please call 911. Our Student Health Centers or other community resources can be reached at:

• Moorpark College: 805-378-1413
• Oxnard College: 805-678-5832
• Ventura College: 805-289-6346 ​
• Ventura County Behavioral Health Crisis Team: 866-998-2243
• Didi Hirsch 24-hour Suicide Hotline 877-727-4747
• USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Tele-Mental Health
• Text "Courage" to 741741for FREE 24/7 for mental health support. 

Question: With campus and the libraries closed, what can I do to access the internet? ​
Answer: Comcast is offering two months of free internet to households with students participating in online classes. Click here to learn more. You can also call our campus libraries for additional tips.​

Question: What if I need help with an assignment or research paper?
Answer: Librarian services are still available. Contact them at:

• Moorpark College: 805-378-1450 
• Oxnard College: 805-678-5819
• Ventura College: 805-289-6482 

Question: Is my campus bookstore open?
Answer: All of our bookstores are closed to the general public, but you can shop online and enjoy free ground shipping on all orders. Visit your campus bookstore website

• Moorpark College Bookstore
• Oxnard College Bookstore
• Ventura College Bookstore

Question: Is tutoring still available?
Answer: All tutoring services are available online.
Visit your college website for more information

• Moorpark College Tutoring
• Oxnard College Tutoring
• Ventura College Tutoring

Fall Semesters

Question: What if I’ve never taken an online class before?
Answer: There are many resources and tutorials on how to use Canvas, the platform for online classes. Learn more here.

Question: Are there still events planned on campus?
Answer: No. All events have been canceled at this time. ​

Question: Will registration for fall classes continue?
Answer: Yes, Register through MyVCCCD. Please call our counseling or admissions offices for help, do not come to campus.

Question: I'm a Nursing student. What happens to my rotations and upcoming testing?
Answer: All nursing students are encouraged to contact their dean and faculty to receive the most up-to-date information. 

Question: I'm an International Student - how does this affect me?
Answer: SEVP has allowed our schools to move the F2F courses to online as a temporary measure, without penalty to F1 students. Students are allowed to travel as they would under normal circumstances, but they must be aware of the consequences of traveling. Travel restrictions are being implemented daily. We encourage international students to stay put until further notice especially if they are planning to continue their studies in the US. 

General Health Information

Question: Has there been an outbreak of COVID-19 at any of your campuses or offices?
Answer: Yes. On March 21 we learned that a Moorpark College student had tested positive for COVID-19 (i.e., Coronavirus). This is the first and only known confirmed case of COVID-19 at Moorpark College. This student last visited the MC campus on Monday, March 9, and has since received medical care in Los Angeles County.  On March 26 we learned that a Ventura College student recently tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first and only known confirmed case of COVID-19 at Ventura College and the second within the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD). This student last visited the VC campus on Tuesday, March 10.  VC Public Health is aware of this case.

Question: How do I know if I’m sick and what should I do if I’m not feeling well?
Answer: If you’re not feeling well, please avoid public places and contact your primary care provider or clinic. If you begin feeling any flu-like symptoms (like a fever, cough, or shortness of breath), contact your local emergency room. Our Student Health Center is available for phone evaluations. Meanwhile, be sure to email your professor and keep them updated. It is generally advised that you not spend time in public spaces until you’ve gone at least 24 hours without a fever (and that 24 hours should also be without the help of any fever-reducing medication).

Employees and Student Workers 

Question: I’m a VCCCD employee and I’m 65+ years old and/or have underlying health issues (e.g., blood disorders, chronic kidney disease, asthma, chronic liver disease, compromised immune system, pregnancy in the last two weeks, metabolic disorders, heart disease, and other serious health conditions) that make me more susceptible to the coronavirus. Do I need to report to my office for work? 
Answer: No. In line with Governor Newsom’s March 15^th announcement, you should work with your supervisor regarding remote work options from home. You are not required to report to campus.

Question: If I'm working remotely, will I still get paid?
Answer: All employees (faculty, staff, student workers, and probationary and provisional employees), whether working on-site or working remotely from home, will continue to get paid for normal work hours throughout the duration of this situation. Details and work-plans will be communicated directly to you by your supervisor. 

Question: I’m a VCCCD employee with travel plans for work. Can I still go?
Answer: All non-essential travel has been canceled for now.

Resources

Question: How do I update my Emergency Alerts contact information?
Answer:

STUDENT

• Students may update their ALERTS information on the MyVCCCD portal
• Once you are in the portal, click the MyCollege tab then click on Maintain Emergency Alert Information.
• On the next screen, click on Maintain Emergency Alert Information and update your information

EMPLOYEES

• Employees may update their ALERTS information on the MyVCCCD portal
• Go to MyVCCCD portal
• Visit the Work Life tab – click on Personal Information.
• On the next screen, click on Maintain Emergency Alert Information and update your information

Question: Can I get FREE Internet?
Answer: We know that many students are challenged with finding the necessary tools that are needed in order to succeed with online classes. We understand that both Comcast and Spectrum are now offering free internet service for students who are not current customers. Visit their web page https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19 or call 1-844-488-8395 for more information

What else should I be doing?

1. Remember to keep an eye out for emails from faculty, the college or Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD).
2. Keep taking regular precautions to avoid getting sick. Wash your hands, avoid being around people who are sick, avoid touching your face, cough/sneeze into your arm, and wipe down regularly-touched objects and surfaces with disinfecting wipes and sprays.
3. There’s always more information to follow at the Ventura County Public Health office and the VCCCD alerts page.

If you’re not feeling well, please don't come to campus - contact your primary care provider or clinic. If you begin feeling any flu-like symptoms (like a fever, cough, or shortness of breath), contact your local emergency room. Student Health Centers are available for phone evaluations.

Be sure to email your professor and keep them updated. Please do not return to campus until you’ve gone at least 24 hours without a fever (and that 24 hours should also be without the help of any fever-reducing medication).

Public Health continues to recommend that the public do the following to protect themselves from all respiratory illnesses:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Facemasks are most effective when used appropriately by health care workers and people who are sick.
• Get a flu immunization to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season.

If you have recently traveled to China and are experiencing flu like symptoms, please call Ventura County Public Health Communicable Diseases at (805) 981-5101.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) HEALTH CARE AGENCY INFORMATION  For  general questions about COVID-19 visit www.vcemergency.com or join the County of Ventura on Facebook. You may also call 2-1-1. If you have questions about your symptoms or possible exposure to the virus, your primary care provider is the best person to help you. Please call your primary care clinic, unless you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing. If you do not have a primary care provider, call the clinic or provider listed on your medical card if you have insurance. If you do not have insurance, click here to search for a clinic near you. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Español - Para preguntas generales sobre COVID-19, visite http://www.vcemergency.com/homepage-es o únase al Condado de Ventura en Facebook. También puede llamar al 2-1-1. Si tiene preguntas sobre sus síntomas o la posible exposición al virus, su proveedor de atención primaria es la mejor persona para ayudarlo. Llame a su clínica de atención primaria, a menos que tenga síntomas que pongan en peligro su vida, como dificultad para respirar. Si no tiene un proveedor de atención primaria, llame a la clínica o al proveedor que figura en su tarjeta médica si tiene seguro de salud. Si no tiene seguro de salud, haga clic aquí para buscar una clínica cerca de usted. Si tiene una emergencia médica, llame al 9-1-1 o vaya a la sala de emergencias más cercana.