With continued elevated rates of COVID-19 in our region, I am announcing two important updates for our community regarding our current pause in attendance on campus and our plans for spring quarter.
Extending the Temporary Pause in Campus Attendance
The College will extend the temporary pause in on-campus attendance announced last month through January 31. We ask that employees and students refrain from coming to campus during this period to help reduce the spread of the virus after the winter holidays. Limited instructional programs approved to start earlier may continue to meet on campus as needed, and the curbside pickup/drop-off service will remain in operation for students and employees.
Based on current health data and the anticipated time for widespread vaccinations to take place, the College will continue remote learning and operations through spring quarter (ending June 18, 2021).
For spring, we will offer primarily online, asynchronous courses, with limited exceptions for face-to-face learning in pre-approved programs. While we are eager to return to campus in greater numbers, the safest choice for students, employees, and the community at this time is to limit as much in-person gathering as possible. Despite the challenges of remote learning during a pandemic, I want to say I am so proud of you for continuing to focus on your studies! Our faculty and staff remain committed to supporting you virtually.
Updates to Public Health Guidance
Governor Inslee recently updated the Healthy Washington recovery plan to restart the state in Phase 1. We continue to ask everyone in our community to keep up the excellent work of wearing masks, staying 6-feet apart, avoiding crowds, and washing hands frequently. As COVID-19 vaccines begin to become more available in our region, there is a phased plan for vaccinations, starting with those at highest risk. You can learn more about this plan on Public Health Seattle & King County’s website.
In this new year, while we face many challenges, we also have overcome much and can celebrate the resilient community we call Shoreline. I look forward to seeing all that we will accomplish together, even as we remain apart.
