COVID-19 Information Archive

COVID-19 Case Counts at Seattle Colleges

The dashboard below is new as of Oct. 27, 2022, and it will track case counts by campus at Seattle Colleges. The data is updated daily. You may adjust the settings to view positive on-campus vs. total confirmed cases and the time frame. Past case count information is archived below.

 

Student Vaccination Rates 

Consistent with Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-12.3, all Seattle Colleges students must attest to being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an exemption to this requirement due to a disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance. Additional exemptions may also be provided to: 

  • Students who do not/will not reside in Washington (WA) state while enrolled in all online classes, i.e. international and other students residing out of state. (Note, this does NOT exempt WA residents taking online courses at Seattle Colleges.) 
  • Off-site (at non-college owned and operated facilities) apprenticeship students. (Note, this does NOT exempt apprenticeship students attending instruction at Seattle Colleges campuses and facilities.) 

As of September 29, 2022, the vaccination versus exemption rate for students by college is: 

College Percent Students
Attesting Fully Vaccinated
Percent Students Attesting 
with Religious or Medical Exemptions
North Seattle College   95.85%   4.15%
Seattle Central College   95.03%   4.97%
South Seattle College   90.83%   9.17%
Seattle Colleges Districtwide   94.35%   5.65%


Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 

The tables below list suspected and confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 for individuals who were at a Seattle Colleges location during their potentially infectious period as compiled by Seattle Colleges’ Health and Safety team. The Health and Safety team may become aware of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 through various channels. Because all cases may not be reported to the district, the table may not include all cases of COVID-19 among members of the Seattle Colleges community. 

Note: the reports below only include cases reported to the Seattle Colleges Health and Safety Team as of the corresponding week.

Confirmed Cases
A confirmed case is any person (employee or student) with laboratory confirmation of a COVID-19 infection with or without signs and symptoms. This includes those in the Confirmed Cases on Campus chart.

Confirmed Cases Sept. 26
-Oct 2
Oct.
3-9
Oct.
10-16
Oct.
17-23
Oct.
24-30
North Seattle College  3  5  4  4  
Seattle Central College  8  3  2  2  
South Seattle College  0  0  2  4  
South - Georgetown Campus  0  0  0  1  
Central - Wood Technology Center  0  0  0  0  
Central - Maritime Academy  0  0  0  0  
Central - Health Education Center  0  0  1  1  
District - Siegal Center  1  0  1  1  


Confirmed Cases on Campus
A confirmed case on campus is any person (employee or student) with laboratory confirmation of a COVID-19 infection with or without signs and symptoms who was on campus during their contagious period. These numbers are included in the above Confirmed Cases chart.

Confirmed Cases on Campus Sept. 26
-Oct 2
Oct.
3-9
Oct.
10-16
Oct.
17-23
Oct.
24-30
North Seattle College  1  3  1  1  
Seattle Central College  5  3  1  1  
South Seattle College  0  0  2  3  
South - Georgetown Campus  0  0  0  1  
Central - Wood Technology Center  0  0  0  0  
Central - Maritime Academy  0  0  0  0  
Central - Health Education Center  0  0  1  1  
District - Siegal Center  1  0  1  1  

As of July 8, 2022, the vaccination versus exemption rate for students by college is: 

College Percent Students
Attesting Fully Vaccinated
Percent Students Attesting 
with Religious or Medical Exemptions
North Seattle College   95.05%   4.95%
Seattle Central College   95.63%   4.37%
South Seattle College   94.20%   5.80%
Seattle Colleges Districtwide   95.10%   4.90%


Confirmed and Suspected Cases of COVID-19 

The tables below list suspected and confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 for individuals who were at a Seattle Colleges location during their potentially infectious period as compiled by Seattle Colleges’ Health and Safety team. The Health and Safety team may become aware of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 through various channels. Because all cases may not be reported to the district, the table may not include all cases of COVID-19 among members of the Seattle Colleges community. 

Note: the reports below only include cases reported to the Seattle Colleges Health and Safety Team as of the corresponding week.

Confirmed Cases
A confirmed case is any person (employee or student) with laboratory confirmation of a COVID-19 infection with or without signs and symptoms. This includes those in the Confirmed Cases on Campus chart.

Confirmed Cases June 27-
July 3
July
4-10
July
11-17
July
18-24
July
25-31
Aug
1-7
Aug
8-14
Aug
15-21
Aug
22-28
Aug 29-
Sept 4
Sept
5-11
Sept
12-18
Sept
19-25
North Seattle College   8  5  1  2  4  3  4  4  0  1  3  2  1
Seattle Central College   5  4  7  2  2  1  1  0  2  0  0  1  1
South Seattle College   3  2  2  6  3  2  1  0  0  0  1  1  3
South - Georgetown Campus   0  0  1  1  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0
Central - Wood Technology Center   0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0
Central - Maritime Academy   0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Health Education Center   0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
District - Siegal Center   2  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  1  1


Confirmed Cases on Campus
A confirmed case on campus is any person (employee or student) with laboratory confirmation of a COVID-19 infection with or without signs and symptoms who was on campus during their contagious period. These numbers are included in the above Confirmed Cases chart.

Confirmed Cases on Campus June 27-
July 3
July
4-10
July
11-17
July
18-24
July
25-31
Aug
1-7
Aug
8-14
Aug
15-21
Aug
22-28
Aug 29-
Sept 4
Sept
5-11
Sept
12-18
Sept
19-25
North Seattle College   3  2  1  0  2  2  3  4  0  1  3  0  0
Seattle Central College   1  2  2  1  2  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0
South Seattle College   1  2  2  6  2  2  1  0  0  0  1  0  2
South - Georgetown Campus   0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Wood Technology Center   0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Maritime Academy   0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Health Education Center   0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
District - Siegal Center   1  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  1


Suspected Cases 
A suspected case is any person (employee or student) presenting COVID-19 infection symptoms (CDC: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea), who has not been confirmed with a laboratory COVID-19 infection at the time of recording. Data was not tabulated at the time of reporting.

Suspected Cases June 27-
July 3
July
4-10
July
11-17
July
18-24
July
25-31
Aug
1-7
Aug
8-14
Aug
15-21
Aug
22-28
Aug 29-
Sept 4
Sept
5-11
Sept
12-18
Sept
19-25
North Seattle College   2  0  2  0  0  0  NA  NA  NA  NA  NA    
Seattle Central College   2  0  1  1  0  0  NA  NA  NA  NA  NA    
South Seattle College   1  0  0  0  0  0  NA  NA  NA  NA  NA    
South - Georgetown Campus   0  1  0  0  0  0  NA  NA  NA  NA  NA    
Central - Wood Technology Center   0  0  0  0  0  0  NA  NA  NA  NA  NA    
Central - Maritime Academy   0  0  0  0  0  0  NA  NA  NA  NA  NA    
Central - Health Education Center   0  0  0  0  0  0  NA  NA  NA  NA  NA    
District - Siegal Center   0  0  0  0  0  0  NA  NA  NA  NA  NA    

 

As of April 4, 2022, the vaccination versus exemption rate for students by college is: 

College Percent Students
Attesting Fully Vaccinated
Percent Students
with Religious or Medical Exemptions
North Seattle College   95.55%   4.45%
Seattle Central College   95.93%   4.07%
South Seattle College   92.97%   7.03%
Seattle Colleges Districtwide   95.20%   4.80%


Confirmed and Suspected Cases of COVID-19 

The tables below list suspected and confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 for individuals who were at a Seattle Colleges location during their potentially infectious period as compiled by Seattle Colleges’ Health and Safety team. The Health and Safety team may become aware of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 through various channels. Because all cases may not be reported to the district, the table may not include all cases of COVID-19 among members of the Seattle Colleges community. 

Note: the reports below only include cases reported to the Seattle Colleges Health and Safety Team as of the corresponding week.

Confirmed Cases
A confirmed case is any person (employee or student) with laboratory confirmation of a COVID-19 infection with or without signs and symptoms. This includes those in the Confirmed Cases on Campus chart.

Confirmed Cases Mar. 28-
April 2
April
3-9
April
10-16
April
17-23
April
24-30
May
1-7
May
8-14
May
15-21
May
22-28
May 29-
June 4
June
5-11
June
12-18
June
19-25
North Seattle College   0  0  6  0  12  12  7  8  5  1  9  4  5
Seattle Central College   0  5  7  8  14  5  5  11  8  6  7   2  2
South Seattle College   2  1  2  4  0  2  2  1  2  0  3  1  3
South - Georgetown Campus   0  0  0  0  2  2  0  1  0  2  0  1  0
Central - Wood Technology Center   0  1  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Maritime Academy   0  0  1  0  0  0  0  1  1  0  0  1  0
Central - Health Education Center   0  1  0  0  2  1  2  1  0  2  0  0  1
District - Siegal Center   0  1  0  0  1  0  0  1  1  0  0  0  0


Confirmed Cases on Campus
A confirmed case on campus is any person (employee or student) with laboratory confirmation of a COVID-19 infection with or without signs and symptoms who was on campus during their contagious period. These numbers are included in the above Confirmed Cases chart.

Confirmed Cases on Campus Mar. 28-
April 2
April
3-9
April
10-16
April
17-23
April
24-30
May
1-7
May
8-14
May
15-21
May
22-28
May 29-
June 4
June
5-11
June
12-18
June
19-25
North Seattle College   0  0  2  0  8  7  4  4  5  0  6  3  1
Seattle Central College   0  3  4  5  8  3  2   10  16  5  6  2  0
South Seattle College   0  0  2  2  0  2  1  0  2  0  0  1  0
South - Georgetown Campus   0  0  0  0  1  1  0  1  1  0  0  0  0
Central - Wood Technology Center   0  1  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0
Central - Maritime Academy   0  0  1  0  0  0  0  1  1   0  0  0  0
Central - Health Education Center   0  0  0  0  2  1  0  1  2  0  0  0  1
District - Siegal Center   0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0


Suspected Cases 
A suspected case is any person (employee or student) presenting COVID-19 infection symptoms (CDC: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea), who has not been confirmed with a laboratory COVID-19 infection at the time of recording. Data was not tabulated at the time of reporting.

Suspected Cases Mar. 28-
April 2
April
3-9
April
10-16
April
17-23
April
24-30
May
1-7
May
8-14
May
15-21
May
22-28
May 29-
June 4
June
5-11
June
12-18
June
19-25
North Seattle College   0  4  6  2  3  3  2  2  9  1  2  2  0
Seattle Central College   1  1  4  9  6  14  7  6  14  3  2  1  0
South Seattle College   1  1  5  1  2  2  0  5  5  0  1  0  0
South - Georgetown Campus   0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Wood Technology Center   0  0  1  1  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Maritime Academy   0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Health Education Center   0  0  1  0  0  0  2  0  1  0  0  0  0
District - Siegal Center   0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  1

As of January 10, 2022, the vaccination versus exemption rate for students by college is: 

College Percent Students
Attesting Fully Vaccinated
Percent Students
with Religious or Medical Exemptions
North Seattle College   95.60%   4.40%
Seattle Central College   95.77%   4.23%
South Seattle College   91.83%   8.17%
Seattle Colleges Districtwide   94.87%   5.13%


Confirmed and Suspected Cases of COVID-19 

The tables below list suspected and confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 for individuals who were at a Seattle Colleges location during their potentially infectious period as compiled by Seattle Colleges’ Health and Safety team. The Health and Safety team may become aware of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 through various channels. Because all cases may not be reported to the district, the table may not include all cases of COVID-19 among members of the Seattle Colleges community. 

Note: the reports below only include cases reported to the Seattle Colleges Health and Safety Team as of the corresponding week.

Confirmed Cases
A confirmed case is any person (employee or student) with laboratory confirmation of a COVID-19 infection with or without signs and symptoms. This includes those in the Confirmed Cases on Campus chart.

Confirmed Cases Dec.
27-31
2021
Jan.
2-8
2022
Jan.
9-15
Jan.
16-22
Jan.
23-29
Jan. 30-
Feb. 5
Feb.
6-12
Feb.
13-19
Feb.
20-26
Feb. 27-
Mar. 5
Mar.
6-12
Mar.
13-19
Mar.
20-26
North Seattle College   1  18  5  9  7  4  2  1  0  2  1  1  1
Seattle Central College   5  11  19  20  9  4  3  1  1  2   2  0  0
South Seattle College   4  21  13  19  6  0  2  2  2  0  0  0  1
South - Georgetown Campus   *  1  2  3  1  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Wood Technology Center   *  0  5  2  1  3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Maritime Academy   *  0  2  2  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Health Education Center   *  2  4  1  3  0  1  0  0  1  0  0  0
District - Siegal Center   *  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0

* Data was not tabulated at the time of reporting.

Confirmed Cases on Campus
A confirmed case on campus is any person (employee or student) with laboratory confirmation of a COVID-19 infection with or without signs and symptoms who was on campus during their contagious period. These numbers are included in the above Confirmed Cases chart.

Confirmed Cases on Campus Dec.
27-31
2021
Jan.
2-8
2022
Jan.
9-15
Jan.
16-22
Jan.
23-29
Jan. 30-
Feb. 5
Feb.
6-12
Feb.
13-19
Feb.
20-26
Feb. 27-
Mar. 5
Mar.
6-12
Mar.
13-19
Mar.
20-26
North Seattle College   *  *  2  4  1  3  1  1  0  1  1  1  1
Seattle Central College   *  *  8  8  5  1   2  1  0  1  0  0  0
South Seattle College   *  *  6  10  2  0  2  2  1  0  0  0  0
South - Georgetown Campus   *  *  2  3  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Wood Technology Center   *  *  1  1  0  3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Maritime Academy   *  *  1  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Health Education Center   *  *  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0
District - Siegal Center   *  *  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0

* Data was not tabulated at the time of reporting.

Suspected Cases 
A suspected case is any person (employee or student) presenting COVID-19 infection symptoms (CDC: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea), who has not been confirmed with a laboratory COVID-19 infection at the time of recording.

Suspected Cases  Dec.
27-31
2021
Jan.
2-8
2022
Jan.
9-15
Jan.
16-22
Jan.
23-29
Jan. 30-
Feb. 5
Feb.
6-12
Feb.
13-19
Feb.
20-26
Feb. 27-
Mar. 5
Mar.
6-12
Mar.
13-19
Mar.
20-26
North Seattle College   3  5  0  3  3  3  4  3  1  1  0  4  5
Seattle Central College   2  16  1  14  5  1   0  4  1  2  0  0  0
South Seattle College   2  5  1  6  0  5  0  2  1  0  1  2  2
South - Georgetown Campus   *  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0
Central - Wood Technology Center   *  0  0  0  2  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Maritime Academy   *  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Central - Health Education Center   *  0  2  1  0  1  1  1  0  0  0  0  0
District - Siegal Center   *  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0

* Data was not tabulated at the time of reporting.

 

Email Message Archive

Click on any accordion box to view the update and related information. Note, this section archives email messages regarding COVID-19 and related procedures and protocols that were sent to students and employees districtwide across Seattle Colleges.

Dear Seattle Colleges Community, We are writing to update you on current public health conditions and to share steps you can take to stay healthy in the face of the several respiratory viral illnesses that are circulating in our community. This will help protect your health and the health of our entire community. We are now into cold and flu season, and while COVID-19 community levels remain relatively low at Seattle Colleges and in King County, we are seeing high levels of influenza. RSV and other cold viruses are also circulating. This combination of illnesses is straining health-care providers, hospitals and resources here and around the country.

Gatherings and travel have the potential to spread these illnesses further, which is why everyone is encouraged to take the following steps:

  • Avoid gatherings, work, or travel if you have symptoms of an infectious illness. Please visit Seattle Colleges Entry Procedures and the CDC for indication on what you should do if you test positive for COVID-19, have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms.
  • Get boosted with the updated COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines are available at clinics and pharmacies, as well as other local health agencies. Getting boosted now will help improve your immunity.
  • Get your annual flu shot. We are seeing high levels of influenza here and around the United States. Like the COVID-19 vaccines, it takes a couple of weeks for the immunity provided by a flu shot to be fully effective.
  •  Wear a high-quality mask in indoor public spaces and while traveling. Masks will also be recommended the first two weeks of winter quarter. High-quality masks help protect the wearer and others from a range of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and influenza.
  • Take a coronavirus test if you have symptoms or have been exposed, before and after travel — including to campus for the start of the winter quarter — and before attending large indoor gatherings. PCR and rapid tests are widely available in our area.
  • Activate WA Notify on your phone in order to receive exposure notifications and so that you can anonymously let others know of their exposure if you test positive.
  • Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

We hope you have all had a successful end to the quarter. Enjoy the holiday break. Sincerely,

Health and Safety

All of Governor Inslee’s COVID-19 emergency orders will end Oct. 31, 2022. This means on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022: 

  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will no longer be required for students and employees at Seattle Colleges.

  • The required daily wellness screening check will end.
     

What’s changing with the daily wellness screening?

The new COVID-19 Health Screening Form will now be an optional resource to receive instant, automated guidance for concerns about COVID-19 symptoms, exposure, and testing results. If you have recently reported a positive COVID-19 test to Seattle Colleges, you may also use this tool to determine when it is safe to return to campus.
 

What’s changing with reporting positive COVID-19 cases and contact tracing?

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, use the new COVID-19 Positive Test Reporting Form and do not come to campus. This form is only for self-reporting positive cases of COVID-19.

  • For employees, this will also automatically alert your supervisor of your absence with a predicted return date.

  • For students, to alert a teacher, you must follow instructions in the form.

After completing this form, you will receive detailed instructions in an automated message sent to your Seattle Colleges email. These instructions will guide you through the process of notifying close contacts, when you can safely return, and how long you should wear a face covering.
 

What do I do if I was exposed? Do I need to quarantine or cancel my class?  

If you were exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, you are not required to quarantine. Refer to the CDC COVID-19 Exposure Guidance.

  • This includes if you were exposed at home. You must wear a KN95 mask for 10 days from the exposure date in public or around others on campus.

  • This includes classroom exposures. Students and faculty must wear KN95 masks if they have had exposure in the classroom.

  • If you would like to notify folks anonymously about a COVID-19 exposure, tell your close contacts.
     

What about masks and face coverings?

Masks and face coverings will continue to be optional in most settings. However, students in healthcare-related programs and other settings may be required to wear masks. Students, please consult with faculty in your program to determine masking requirements. Please remember, some members of our community may continue to choose to wear face coverings. We ask that you respect the choices of others.

For more information visit the Campus Entry Procedures webpage.

If you have questions about reporting your positive COVID-19 test, please email healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu.


District Health and Safety 

Hello Seattle Colleges Employees,

This message includes important information, please read it in its entirety.

On September 8, 2022 Governor Insley announced the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency for Washington State, effective October 31, 2022 (information on this announcement and change can be found on the Governor’s News & Media website and on L&I’s Health Emergency Labor Standards Act Q&A website). The federal state of emergency regarding COVID-19 remains in place. 

If these changes impact any employee’s circumstances and they need to pursue full-time remote work as a medical-related accommodation, they will need to reach out to their campus HR (NorthCentralSouthDistrict) to engage in the interactive process for reasonable accommodation. Further information about this accommodation process can be found here. (Reminder: All health-related concerns should always be directed to HR directly to ensure privacy.

Seattle Colleges’ systems, structures, and decisions are focused on serving our students. As we continue to increase our on-campus operations and instructions, the nature of some positions will require employees to have a direct, on-site presence at all times.  Other positions, however, may continue to lend themselves to remote work to some degree.  When making these decisions, Seattle Colleges is committed to setting out clear expectations that are based on public health guidance, are consistent with our legal obligations, and support equity for everyone in our community. The impacts of COVID-19 on our students, our employees, their families, and the District as a whole are undeniable. As we transition into this next stage, we will continue evaluating how to best serve our students in a safe, effective, trauma-informed manner. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to your campus HR (NorthCentralSouthDistrict). 

Thank you for all that you do. Seattle Colleges Human Resources

All of Governor Inslee’s COVID-19 emergency orders will end Oct. 31, 2022. This means on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022: 

  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will no longer be required for students and employees. Students may enroll, faculty may teach, and employees may work at Seattle Colleges without proof of vaccination. 

  • The daily wellness screening check will end. However, Seattle Colleges’ Health and Safety team is implementing a new contract tracing system. More information will be provided when that system is operational.  

  • Masks and face coverings will continue to be optional in most settings. However, students in healthcare-related programs and other settings may be required to wear masks. Please consult with faculty in your program to determine masking requirements. Also, some members of our community may continue to choose to wear face coverings. We ask that you respect the choices of others. 

If you test positive for COVID-19
In the event you have symptoms or test positive (+) for COVID-19, please isolate at home, report your positive (+) test for COVID-19 to Seattle Colleges AND to King County (you do not need to report symptoms), and then notify your close contacts

Please note: there have been significant changes in public health guidance for isolation and quarantine as well as contact tracing. We encourage you to review the revised guidance from King County Public Health

Additional updates will be provided as the Nov. 1 date approaches. Your continued patience and grace are appreciated as we work together to keep everyone safe. 

District Communications

This is an important reminder of COVID-19-related protocols and procedures. Please read it carefully.  

COVID-19 Rates Are Low
The COVID-19 community level in King County is currently low, meaning the number of new cases, related hospital admissions, and occupied inpatient bed are at low levels (below 200 per 100,000 people).  

Governor Inslee’s Recent Announcement
On September 8, Governor Inslee announced he will lift Washington’s state of emergency for COVID-19 by October 31, 2022. However, COVID-19 vaccine requirements remain in place at this time for workers at most Washington state agencies, including public higher education and Seattle Colleges. Face covering requirements for health care and long-term care facilities also remain.  

Continuation of Both In-Person and Virtual Classes and Services for Fall Quarter
Similar to Spring and Summer Quarters, Seattle Colleges will continue offering both in-person and virtual classes and services for Fall Quarter 2022. Faculty members teaching classes will continue to teach in the mode they established for Fall Quarter.  

Vaccination Still Key to Fighting COVID-19
Vaccination remains the best protection from COVID-19. King County recommends additional booster shots in alignment with the flu vaccine this fall for those who are eligible. For vaccine locations and scheduling, visit the Department of Health’s (DOH) Vaccine Locator. The DOH also offers more information on COVID-19 booster guidance. 

Symptoms, Exposure, or a Positive (+) COVID-19 Test
If you have symptoms or have tested positive (+) for COVID-19: 

  1. DO NOT come to campus. 

  1. If you have symptoms, GET TESTED

  1. Report any positive (+) COVID-19 test to Seattle Colleges AND stay home for at least 5 days. You may return on the 6th day if symptoms have resolved and you have been free of fever for 24 hours. If you are still sick after the 6th day, talk to your primary care provider for a safe return date. Employees, you can speak with HR if you have questions about your absence options.  

  1. Notify your supervisor or teacher that you’ll be absent or follow the standard absence procedures.  

  1. Then report your positive (+) COVID-19 Test to King County, using their contact tracing process. 

  1. Then tell your close contacts

Refer to Current Campus Entry Procedures or King County COVID Resources for full details. 

Seattle Colleges Health and Safety is working to implement a new contract tracing system. More information will be provided when that system is ready to launch. Until then, please continue to use the existing system and follow current campus entry protocols

Masks and Face Coverings
For Fall Quarter, masks will continue to be optional but encouraged at Seattle Colleges. This aligns with state and local guidelines. Choose what works best for you, and please respect the choices of others. 

Masks will continue to be required in some instances, including but not limited to: 

  • Clinical and other health-care settings and educational programs (dental hygiene, respiratory care, nursing, EMT, NA-C, etc.) 

  • For those who test positive and are returning to campus after isolation at home. 

  • For those who have been exposed to someone with COVID. 

 

Thank you for your continued attention to these important issues. Working together, we can continue to keep everyone safe. 

District Communications 

As we find ourselves in the middle of Summer Quarter, many of you are anxious to learn about plans this fall. At this time, Seattle Colleges plans to continue in a hybrid model when it comes to on-campus learning and services, with both in-person and virtual classes and services being offered. There have been no decisions made yet at the district level with respect to additional changes for the Fall Quarter. The district is monitoring the latest variant of COVID-19, BA.5, as case counts are currently on the rise, and related public health guidance.

As soon as we learn of changes for the fall, we will be sure to share them with you. We know this uncertainty can be frustrating, but the most important thing is for us to make the right decision when it comes to the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

In the meantime, here are some important reminders from our Health and Safety team:

Monitoring COVID-19 Community Level
Currently, the COVID-19 community level in King County is in the medium (yellow) level. If it enters the high (red) level and the county requires face coverings, face masks will again be required inside buildings on campus. At this level, we will have reached a critical point where implementing the face mask requirement inside buildings will best protect our campus and community.

We continue to strongly encourage high-quality masks in crowded spaces indoors and will provide them to employees and students upon request. If the situation changes, we will share updates as quickly as possible.

We also continue to closely monitor the King County COVID-19 Dashboards and follow the guidance provided by the Washington Department of Health for Higher Education and the Public Health of Seattle-King County. The COVID Community Level dashboard guides safety protocols on campus and considers not only transmission levels, but new COVID-19 admissions and the percentage of inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients.

Vaccination Still Key to Fighting COVID-19
According to public health agencies, being vaccinated and getting a booster shot when eligible are still the best ways to fight the effects of COVID-19. For more details, please see King County COVID-19 Outcomes by Vaccine Status.

Gov. Jay Inslee’s proclamation requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or to have been granted an exemption and accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief or practice remains in place. This includes new hires.

Daily Screening and Keeping Current on COVID-19
Everyone who comes to campus must complete the Daily Wellness Screening Form. Districtwide information and updates regarding COVID-19 can be found on the COVID-19 Information Updates webpage. This page is updated regularly and includes information about cases at each campus, including North. With COVID-19 cases rising in our community, all faculty, staff, and students are reminded to follow the health and safety measures outlined on the Coming to Campus webpage.

Please only report positive cases of COVID-19 to Seattle Colleges by completing this survey. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested right away, and report if you test positive through the same survey above. And then Report your Positive (+) COVID-19 Test to King County, use their contact tracing process, and then Tell your close contact (How to determine close contacts).

A few additional notes provided by Health and Safety:

  1. You can get antigen and PCR/NAAT tests through a health care provider, clinic, test site, or lab. Find a free or low-cost testing site, clinic, or lab in King County. You will be asked to provide your ID and insurance card (if you have insurance), but it is not required to be tested.
  2. You can also do an antigen test at home. These are called at-home, over-the-counter, or rapid self-tests. Antigen tests can be purchased at a pharmacy, retailer, or online. If you have health insurance, it will cover eight home tests per person each month (contact your insurer directly).

Or, you may request free rapid test kits here:

Important note: If you have a confirmed positive test for COVID-19, or if you have symptoms of COVID-19 consistent with the relevant public health guidance, district protocols are to isolate or quarantine for five days and return on the sixth day if your symptoms have improved and you have been fever-free for 24 hours.

If You Have Been Exposed to COVID-19
If you are boosted and up to date on your vaccines, you are not required to quarantine. If you come to campus, you are expected to wear a KN95 mask while on campus for 10 days and monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days. (KN95 masks are available in the campus Security and Security office.) If you end up testing positive, complete the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Survey.

If you are not boosted or living with someone with COVID-19, you must quarantine for five days, and only return on the sixth day if you do not have symptoms. You must wear a KN95 mask while on campus for 10 days and monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days. If you end up testing positive, complete this COVID-19 Contact Tracing Survey.

It is important to note that employees should notify their supervisors of their absence. If there are questions about COVID-19 leave or sick leave, please work with Human Resources’ benefits team.

The college still provides accommodations for employees who are at high risk due to the current declared COVID-19 public health emergency and must continue to work remotely full time as a medical-related accommodation covered under the state’s Health Emergency Labor Standards law. Further information about this accommodation process can be found here. (Reminder: All health-related concerns should always be directed to HR directly to ensure privacy.)

Again, thank you for your continued patience as we work through the challenges of COVID-19. We appreciate each one of you and thank you for all you do for our students.

This is an important message from your Health and Safety (H&S) team and part of the periodic series of COVID19 related updates to help keep you informed.

Based on Public Health's data from Monday, April 25th, our rate of cases now puts King County into the Medium COVID-19 Community Level as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): over 200 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over a seven-day period. Click here for What does medium COVID-19 level mean for you? King County’s latest data and steps to take with cases rising, Public Health Insider blog

For more information about applicable infection controls at Seattle Colleges, go to the district’s Infection Control Program available here: www.seattlecolleges.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-infection-control-program-and-safety-training

Don’t forget the Requirements for On-Campus Activity. Please be diligent with these measures. We are in this together and together we will conquer this bug.

QR code imageUse this QR-code for - confidentially - reporting if you test positive or have been exposed to COVID19. You can also email healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu to get an automatic-reply with the link. Provide your details, someone from the district contact-tracing team will be in contact with you shortly.

Did you know both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines have been fully approved by the FDA since February 2022? FDA has cleared every level of review after rigorous testing, real-world data, tens of thousands in clinical trials, and billions of doses administered. Public Health on Facebook.

Auburn testing site hours will change starting Saturday April 30. COVID-19 testing locations and guidance for Auburn updated

The following are information resources and H&S Updates on COVID19 in our community

COVID-19 case rates and BA.2: A Q&A with our health officer, Dr. Jeff DuchinPublic Health Insider blog

In recent weeks, we've heard a lot about fluctuating COVID-19 case rates in other cities and countries, and the spread of the BA.2 variant. Public Health Insider sat down for a Q&A with King County's Health Officer, Dr. Jeff Duchin, to get a better sense of what we're seeing in King County.


What does it mean for COVID19 to be Endemic? Seattle Colleges District H&S

This is a 15 minute presentation on COVID19 as an endemic disease – it is an introductory level discussion on simple endemic disease patterns and how it relates to what we’ve been experiencing as COVID19 transitions from a novel virus to an endemic disease.


COVID-19 first and second booster shots

Everyone aged 12 and older should get a first booster dose to be fully protected:

  • Five months after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna
  • Two months after one dose of J&J

Second boosters have been authorized for people:

If you are eligible, you can get the second booster at least four months after your first booster.


A Pediatrician's Guidance for Protecting Your Child From COVID-19Washington State Dept. of Health blog

Informative guidance on COVID-19 infections, boosters, and the latest news on vaccine eligibility for young children: A conversation with Dr. Elias Kass, a naturopathic doctor at Intergalactic Pediatrics in Seattle.


Need at home COVID-19 tests for yourself or your family?

SayYesCovidHomeTest.org now allows up to 2 orders per household every month, while supplies last. Each order contains 5 tests. That's 10 tests/month for people in WA! If you already ordered from SYCT, you can order again.


COVID-19 summary case report data dashboard (Updated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays)

Other local COVID-19 dashboards are posted at 

Dear Students,

Welcome back for Spring Quarter 2022 at Seattle Colleges. Below are a few reminders about health and safety and infection control measures to keep in mind as we return to campus.

Please complete your Daily Wellness Screening before you come to campus. This should be done each day you come to campus (ideally, before you get here).

Do you have COVID-19 Symptoms? Tested positive or exposed? Please, do not come to campus if you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms or test positive or have had an exposure, and follow the instructions on the Wellness Screening form.

If you develop any symptoms within 48-hours after being on-site, immediately notify healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu so that contact-tracers can promptly complete their response work. Please complete this COVID-19 Contact Tracing Survey.

Other important things to note:

  • If someone tells you they have COVID-19 or have been exposed, direct them to immediately contact healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu and report the situation to H&S (not others) so that, if they do not report, contact-tracers can rapidly respond in a confidential and professional manner.
  • Faculty, staff, and students are not to be making announcements about someone else’s personal health situation (even if the information is volunteered to you). Communications of that kind are managed by trained and authorized officials, only.
  • Faculty, staff, and students do not have the right to ask for diagnostic information – such as COVID-19 test results – especially, if they are in a position of authority.
  • If instructors want validation on a COVID-19 related absence, they can direct the student to obtain and provide a written declaration from H&S by reporting their situation to healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu.

For more details about requirements for on-campus activity, see the attached summaries, below links, or visit the Current Campus Entry Procedures page for infection control program updates and for the Requirements for On Campus activities.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep everyone safe and healthy.

District Health and Safety

Good Afternoon, Seattle Colleges Faculty,

Welcome to Spring Quarter. As we return to on-site work with new, optional-masking standards, we want to take a moment and briefly reiterate the expected infection controls for on-campus activities for Spring 2022.

If you haven’t done so already, please complete your Daily Wellness ScreeningThis should be done each day you come to campus (ideally, before you get here). Please, do not come onsite if you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms and follow the instructions on the screening form. If you develop any symptoms within 48-hours after being on-site, immediately notify healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu so that contact-tracers can promptly complete their response work. Please remind your students of this, as well.

Other important things to note:

  • If someone tells you they have COVID19 or have been exposed, direct them to immediately contact healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.eduAnd report the situation to H&S (not others) so that, if they do not report, contact-tracers can rapidly respond in a confidential and professional manner.
  • Faculty, staff, and students are not to be making announcements about someone else’s personal health situation (even if the information is volunteered to you). Communications of that kind are managed by trained and authorized officials, only.
  • Faculty, staff, and students do not have the right to ask for diagnostic information – such as COVID19 test results – especially, if you are in a position of authority. 
  • If instructors want validation on a COVID19 related absence, they can direct the student to obtain and provide a written declaration from H&S by reporting their situation to healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu

For more details about requirements for on-campus activity, see the attached summaries, below links, or visit the Current Campus Entry Procedures page for infection control program updates.

Please, share this (not germs) with your students. 

Thank you for keeping all of us healthy and safe.

District Health and Safety
healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu

 

See also

 *Please immediately notify healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu if you develop COVID19 symptoms within 48 hours of being on-campus.

Seattle Colleges Community, 

A reminder: beginning Spring Quarter (Monday, April 4) masks in most indoor settings at Seattle Colleges will be “optional but encouraged.” If public health conditions change, face-covering requirements will be reassessed. 

Masks Still Required in Some Instances

Masks will continue to be required in some instances, including but not limited to: 

  • Clinical and other health-care settings and educational programs (dental hygiene, respiratory care, nursing, EMT, NA-C, etc.). 

  • For those who test positive and are returning to campus after isolation at home.

  • For those who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. 

Please contact healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu immediately to report a positive test, exposure, or symptoms. More information is available about what to do when someone is sick with COVID-19.

Continue to bring a mask when coming to any of our campuses or locations. Areas requiring masks will be clearly marked with new signage, and masks will continue to be provided at centralized locations on each campus.

People in our Seattle Colleges community may need or choose to wear—or not wear—a mask for a wide range of reasons. Please respect the choices others make for their own health, safety, or comfort.

Other Protocols Remain in Place

All other protocols remain in place, including the daily wellness screening, COVID-19 vaccination requirementsisolation/quarantine standards, and contact-tracing protocols.

Refer to the following resources for more information.

Again, thank you for doing your part to ensure the health and safety of everyone as we continue the transition back to more in-person services and instruction.

District Communications 

Seattle Colleges Community, 

Beginning Spring Quarter (Monday, April 4) masks, for the most part, will be “optional but encouraged” at Seattle Colleges. This aligns with the state’s higher education guidelines and King County’s Current COVID-19 guidance. Mask requirements, however, may be reinstated in the future if conditions change.  

Masks will continue to be required in some instances: 

  • Clinical and other health-care settings and educational programs (dental hygiene, respiratory care, nursing, EMT, NA-C, etc.). 

  • For those who test positive and are returning to campus after isolation at home. 

  • For those who have been exposed to someone with COVID. 

While masks will be optional and encouraged, please respect those who continue to wear masks for their own health, safety, or comfort. 
 

Rationale for Lifting the Mask Mandate 

There were several factors leading to this decision: 

  • Vaccination and booster rates are high in Seattle and King County. 

  • Washington state’s data has shown a trend toward lower COVID-related transmission, hospitalization, and death rates. 

  • State public health officials continue to monitor for other variants. 

  • The CDC and King County recently updated their masking guidelines based on COVID-19 and related hospitalization rates.  

  • Seattle Colleges will continue to employ and encourage multiple strategies to ensure the safety of our students and employees. 
     

Other Protocols Remain in Place 

While masks are optional, other protocols will remain in place: 

  • Continue to fill out the Daily Wellness Screening Form if you are coming to campus for instruction, services, or work. This helps with contact tracing. 

  • Do not come to campus if you are sick, think you may have COVID, or have been exposed to or tested positive for COVID. 

  • The current Covid-19 vaccination requirements for employees and students will remain in place. 

  • Masks will continue to be available at various places across Seattle Colleges campuses.  

  • Practice good respiratory etiquette (coughing or sneezing into the inside of your elbow) and wash hands frequently. 

Thank you for doing your part to ensure the health and safety of our campus community as we navigate this changing pandemic and continue the transition back to more in-person services and instruction. 

For more comprehensive information, refer to our Current Campus Entry Procedures webpage. 

Seattle Colleges Community,

Last week Gov. Jay Inslee announced he will lift the indoor mask mandate effective Saturday, March 12, 2022, for many businesses and organizations (schools, child-care facilities, grocery stores, bars, gyms, and others). The governor also gave the option for these businesses and organizations to continue mask requirements past March 12 if they choose. At this time, colleges are still required to follow the higher education proclamation and Department of Health guidance.

Seattle Colleges will continue the current mask requirement through Friday, April 1, 2022. A decision regarding mask requirements for Spring Quarter (starting Monday, April 4) has not yet been made, as further guidance from the state is forthcoming.

We will alert everyone prior to any changes in protocols for Seattle Colleges. Until then, please continue to observe current protocols and procedures.

Your patience and support are appreciated as we work together to keep everyone healthy and safe during this evolving pandemic.

District Communications

This message is an important Isolation/Quarantine COVID19 Health and Safety (H&S) update to all employees of Seattle Colleges.

Seattle Colleges has taken measures to align our isolation/quarantine standards more closely to the guidance given by Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, we similarly follow guidance from Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Labor & Industries (L&I), and local King County Public Health (KCPH) agencies. Our infection control measures meet or exceed those given by the presiding agencies. Please pay attention to the standards discussed below as there may be differences from those posted by the CDC or individual agencies.

*If you are an instructor or supervisor with employee direct reports, be sure to develop a thorough understanding of the material presented here; and be sure to discuss these materials with your students/employees. This can be as simple as handing out the attached documents and offering a few minutes of Q&A. If you need support in understanding the materials presented here, consult with your supervisor. If you – as a supervisor – need support in understanding the COVID19 or other H&S policies and procedures, please join the next session of your campus Safety Committee meeting. These meetings are open to the public and welcoming sessions of opportunity to discuss campus safety concerns, hazards, and mitigation measures.

Attached is a thorough discussion of the summary table below on various situations where an employee/student may be absent from on-campus activity during Washington’s State of Emergency Operations due to COVID19. Click here for an interactive presentation. Further explanation may be found in the attached documents. These materials are also available and will be updated – as things change – here: www.seattlecolleges.edu/coming-campus/current-campus-entry-procedures. (follow link for full information)

Other important things to note:

  • If someone tells you they have COVID19 or been exposed, direct them to contact healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu. And report the situation to H&S (not others) so that, if they do not report, contact-tracers can rapidly respond in a confidential and professional manner.
  • Faculty, staff, and students are not to be making announcements about someone else’s personal health situation (even if the information is volunteered to you). Communications of that kind are managed by trained and authorized officials, only.
  • Faculty, staff, and students do not have the right to ask for diagnostic information – such as COVID19 test results – especially, if you are in a position of authority.
  • If instructors want validation on a COVID19 related absence, they can direct the student to obtain and provide a written declaration from H&S by reporting their situation to healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu.

(Note: this information was also sent to employees.)

Gov. Jay Inslee recently announced the elimination of Washington’s COVID-19 indoor mask requirements effective March 21 for many establishments (K-12 schools, child-care facilities, grocery stores, bars, gyms, and others). This follows King County’s announcement that some businesses (restaurants, bars, gyms, and theaters) will no longer require vaccination checks after March 1.  

These announcements will not affect Seattle Colleges’ entry procedures and protocols and vaccination requirements. They will remain in place for now. The Governor’s Office has indicated guidance specific to higher education will be forthcoming. Announcements will be made when our procedures and protocols change. 

Please continue to complete the Daily Wellness Screening Form and follow campus entry procedures and protocols. KN95 masks are available at each campus. Visit our Coming to Campus webpage for the most current COVID-19 information for Seattle Colleges. 

Thank you for doing your part to keep everyone safe and healthy. 

Hello, this is an IMPORTANT update from your Health and Safety (H&S) team.

When should someone isolate?

Anyone who experiences the COVID19-like symptoms should isolate. Do not come to campus for 10 days after symptoms first start, especially if you’ve had an exposure incident. Get tested. Continue to isolate, even if your test results are negative. Why then should you get tested? Because if positive, you can notify those who you may have exposed and stop the spread. COVID19-like symptoms are: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore or scratchy throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea/vomiting, or diarrhea.

When should I get tested?

  • If you have been exposed to someone infected with COVID19, get tested no sooner than 5-7 days after contact with the infected individual.
  • If you have symptoms of COVID19, get tested as soon as possible. Rapid testing works well and is cheap and available at your local drug store.
  • Can’t get tested? Here is what to do.

What if students or employees tell you they are sick, have COVID19, or have been exposed?

Tell them to contact healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu for isolation/quarantine instructions and support. Then notify H&S, as well. Do not cc or notify others. Let trained professionals coordinate with the individual. But if the individual does not contact H&S, you’ve done your part to notify us and allow us to help them. Be courteous and dignified. We are all in this together.

When should someone quarantine?

Anyone who has had direct-contact with a person infected with COVID19 with 2 days before they developed symptoms or tested positive, should quarantine and contact healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu for clearance to return to campus. During the current Omicron outbreak, please quarantine regardless of your vaccination status. Do not come to campus until 10 days after having contact with the individual or until the clearance date that H&S declares. Direct-contact means being closer than 6 feet for 15 minutes or more, being intimate, or being sneezed or coughed on. Being around someone who is not vaccinated is not a potential exposure. Please don’t stigmatize someone based on their vaccination status.

Do family members and housemates have to quarantine if you’ve been directed to quarantine?

Family members and housemates do not have to quarantine unless the exposed person develops symptoms or tests positive for COVID19. When is doubt, ask about it. Contact healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu. You can also call the King County COVID19 call center between 8 a.m.-10 p.m. at 206‑477‑3977.

Need help to isolate or quarantine?

Contact the King County COVID19 call center between 8 a.m.-10 p.m. at 206‑477‑3977.

Confused and don’t know what to do?

Stay home, contact H&S, and follow their instructions. Be patient, H&S will respond to you as soon as we can.

See also:

Seattle Colleges Community,

The omicron variant is producing another wave of COVID-19 cases. (More info about the variant and its effects is available at the CDC website.)

The board of trustees, chancellor, and the Chancellor’s Executive Cabinet recognize how stressful this is for employees and students. We continue to monitor the developments, evaluate our responses, and adjust as we learn more from CDC, State Health Officials, and other educational institutions.

For everyone’s health and safety, vaccinations, booster shots, and masks are now either required or strongly encouraged.

More Health and Safety Measures

In addition to the measures announced in the 12/30/21 email, we have decided to take further steps. For winter quarter:

  1. All three colleges and the district office will begin to order a supply of N95/KN95 masks for campus distribution to support any necessary in-campus interactions. Each College and District Office will inform the masks’ availability when orders are delivered.
     
  2. Where possible, all in-person meetings should transition to remote meetings. In-person meetings does not include classroom instruction. All other meetings (including those with external partners and vendors) should be held remotely, if possible.
     
  3. All three colleges will begin conducting random spot checks to verify vaccination status for on-campus students, starting in the coming weeks. Students who provide false information may be subject to disciplinary actions.

Moving All Instructional Activities Online

The college presidents and the chancellor carefully evaluated that option and decided against it at this time, for these reasons:

  1. We are an open access institution serving many underrepresented student groups. Our educational mission calls for us to remove barriers to education.
     
  2. We have many CTE and prof tech programs in our district. For these programs, instruction is best carried out in person. Instructional activities for these programs have been offered in person since spring 2020. Our track record for keeping students and employees safe is solid.
     
  3. Faculty in CTE, prof tech, and other academic programs continue to ask for the flexibility to teach and train students in person.
     
  4. Most of our winter quarter classes were listed as online. Our MOU with AFT- Seattle provides the flexibility to work with their deans and Environmental Health & Safety in adjusting the mode of instruction.
     
  5. Our infection control protocols are in place and follow county, state, and national public health guidelines.
     
  6. Seattle and King County have one of the highest rates of vaccination in the country.

How These Kind of Decisions Are Made

Since the start of the COVID Pandemic, Seattle Colleges mobilized the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and added representatives from college and district office staff including Instruction, Student Services, Business, Health and Safety, Facilities, and Purchasing.

The ERT meets regularly, discusses issues, evaluates options and recommends actions to the Chancellor’s Executive Cabinet for final decision making.

When the Emergency Response Team, CEC, and Return-to-Campus team meet, they use Seattle Colleges’ mission, vision, and values as a guide:

Seattle Colleges’ Mission: As an open-access learning institution, Seattle Colleges prepares each student for success in life and work, fostering a diverse, engaged, and dynamic community.

Vision: Seattle Colleges is recognized as an exemplary learning institution that transforms lives, promotes equity, and enriches the community.

Values:

  • Accessibility for all learners and partners
  • Collaboration through open communication and commitment to working together
  • Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity for all individuals, particularly the underserved in our community
  • Fiscal Sustainability for long-term viability and excellence in service and operations
  • Growth and Engagement of faculty and staff through professional development
  • Innovation in instruction, student services, operations, and organizational culture
  • Integrity by adhering to the highest standards of ethics and public stewardship

We also use the following criteria and sources of information:

Criteria

  1. Student and employee safety
  2. Student access and success

Sources of information

  • Governor’s proclamation of higher education
  • Seattle Colleges health and safety guidance
  • King County public health guidance and mandates
  • CDC public health guidance and mandates
  • COVID mitigation strategy groups involving presidents, chancellors, and other higher education groups

Recognizing we are a system of three colleges, all final decisions are thoroughly discussed, debated, and vetted among the college presidents, chancellor, vice chancellor of Academic and Student Success, vice chancellor of Human Resources, and the environmental and health team before reaching a final decision and/or making recommendations to the board of trustees.

Unprecedented Times

As we travel into the second year of this pandemic, the stress and strain are obvious and substantial. Let’s assume that everyone is making their best effort to adjust and make the best decisions they can with the information available. Together, we learn; we adjust; we improve; we move forward.

Sincerely,

Shouan Pan, Chancellor, Seattle Colleges

Chemene Crawford, President, North Seattle College

Yoshiko Harden, Interim President, Seattle Central College

Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap, President, South Seattle College

This is an important message from your Health and Safety (H&S) team and the first of a periodic series of COVID19 related updates to help keep you informed.

Our local community is experiencing dramatic rise in COVID19 cases due to the omicron variant. Omicron is very contagious and already rapidly overtaking the delta variant as the dominant strain in our community. Although extremely contagious, the evidence suggests that there is lower risk of hospitalization and/or death. The trend is expected to continue to rise for at least a short while. The following measures are the best strategies for keeping Seattle Colleges healthy and safe.

Please:

Get vaccinated and boosted

1. If you have not already done so, get double-vaxed; this means two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

2. If you are vaccinated, get boosted (another shot).

  • If five months have passed after their second dose of Pfizer
  • If six months have passed after their second dose of Moderna
  • If two months after one dose of J&J.

Get tested

  • No sooner than five to seven days after a COVID19 exposure event
  • Immediately, if you have COVID19 like symptoms
  • Do not go to emergency departments and urgent care clinics just for COVID testing. Hospitals are overloaded caring for ill patients and cannot provide testing for people who do not need emergency care. Go here to locate testing centers and updates.

Stay home when sick
If you feel sick, stay home and isolate for 10 days (yes 10! which is the current local public health standard for institutions of higher education):

Notify healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu

  • If you develop symptoms within 48 hours after being on any of our campuses
  • If you have been exposed to COVID19 (H&S will help determine a safe campus return date)
  • If someone tells you they have been exposed. Do not notify others (that's the way false rumors and stigma grow), notify H&S only.

Each day you come to campus, follow all campus entry procedures and complete your daily wellness check. This gives contact-tracers the quickest access to your contact information if they need to notify you of a potential exposure.

Wear a high-quality, well fitted mask like those described here.

Also check out the WA Notify App. This helps you to get notifications from infectious strangers you might have encountered in the community. For more details, click here.

Christel Olsen (she/her pronouns)
Environmental Health & Safety Manager
Seattle Colleges
healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu

The chancellor, college presidents, and our Health and Safety personnel are actively monitoring the Omicron variant and its impact on the start of winter quarter, beginning Tuesday, January 4. 

The safety and well-being of students and employees remain a top priority. To that end:

  • As a community, we need to renew our emphasis on preventing transmission. This means:
  • The colleges will continue to provide on-campus, online, and hybrid instruction. You will be notified, via your college email, of any changes to the mode of instruction by the instructor, dean, or college staff.
     
  • The colleges will continue to provide in-person student services (admissions, financial aid, registration, etc.) as well as online services.
     

We Are Working for You
The stress and strain of balancing the unpredictability of the pandemic, our educational mission, and the rhythm of everyday life is putting everyone to the test. Please know all Seattle Colleges employees are working hard to support you and to ensure things keep moving forward for your education.

Be safe and enjoy the rest of the holiday break.

Additional References and Resources  

The chancellor, college presidents, and our Health and Safety personnel are actively monitoring the Omicron variant and its impact on the start of winter quarter.  

The safety and well-being of students and employees remain a top priority. To that end: 

  • As a community, we need to renew our emphasis on preventing transmission. This means:
  • Faculty members are encouraged to work with the college instructional deans to make necessary adjustments to the mode of instruction for winter quarter, as appropriate. This follows the Seattle Colleges–AFT Seattle Winter Quarter MOU agreement signed earlier this year.
     
  • The colleges will continue to provide in-person student services (admissions, financial aid, registration, etc.). 
     
  • Supervisors are encouraged to be creative and flexible in approving requests for telecommuting during the month of January 2022. 

A similar message will be sent to students today. 

Take Care of Yourself 
The stress and strain of balancing the unpredictability of the pandemic, our educational mission, and the rhythm of everyday life is putting everyone to the test. Please take the time you need to maintain your mental, spiritual, and physical health. If you need help or assistance, please reach out to Washington State Employee Assistance Program for help. 

Be safe and enjoy the rest of the holiday break. 

Additional References and Resources  

As we prepare for Winter Quarter in January, we want to remind you of the Health and Safety protocols in place and bring your attention to a few updates.

Current Health and Safety Protocols 

Programs should already be following the standard infection control requirements for on-campus activity and have a solid program-specific Return to Campus (RTC) plan approved by Health and Safety (H&S). If you have not been teaching or working on-campus before Winter Quarter, check in with your supervisor regarding your program-specific RTC plan. 

Campuses will continue to reinforce the current campus entry procedures, including the daily wellness check-in protocols and the main safety guidelines of wearing a mask, vaccine mandates, staying home when sick, and maintaining distance as possible for new classes, meetings, or office work under existing RTC plans.

Updates to Health and Safety Protocols

Unit Administrators Can Use Existing Plans

Unit administrators (Deans, Directors, Department Heads) have the authority and discretion to make decisions using the following guidance:

  • Any newly returning-to-campus instructors/employees who work for a unit that already has an active, approved program-specific or course-specific RTC plan will operate under the terms of that plan.
  • If the standards established there cannot be met by the new on-comer, they may submit a new RTC application to be reviewed, which details their individual/situation specific circumstances.
  • The decision of whether to file a new plan or operate under a formerly submitted plan (and which plan they would be operating under) will be determined by the unit administrator.
  • For any plans that are considered overly stringent due to changes in general policy that occurred after the plan was originally submitted, the unit administrator may choose to refile a new plan that characterizes the less stringent operations, and H&S will review/declare if any addition safety measures will need to be incorporated.

Group Meetings and Events 

Group meetings, such as staff meetings, held only among Seattle Colleges employees do not need to file RTC plans, provided they follow existing protocols. 
 
If you are planning a meeting or event that differs from your current approved RTC plan, you will need to consult with H&S and will likely need to complete an RTC plan to ensure the appropriate protocols are in place. Examples include, but are not limited to: 

  • Parties with food and beverages 
  • Student retreats 
  • Student orientation activities 
  • Art exhibit openings 
  • Meetings that include numbers of non-employee guests or members of the public 

Health and Safety Resources 

H&S will continue to be an authority on requisite safety measures and minimum required safety/compliance standards. They serve as a helpful resource and support your planning processes. All campus operations must continue to enact infection control measures designated in the infection control program and in their program’s specific RTC plans and must continue to utilize the specific mask/PPE materials that H&S has declared.

Those employees who do not know their designated PPE requirements should contact their supervisor before commencing in-person work. As always, you can reach out to healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu for support.

Dear Students,

This final reminder is being sent to all students but is intended for those of you who have not yet reported your status. If you have already reported your COVID-19 vaccination status in ctcLink, nothing more is required at this time and you can disregard this reminder.

All students are required to report their COVID-19 vaccination status or file for an exemption by Nov. 1, 2021. Report your status now using ctcLink. Details and instructions are available online.

Attention: Work-study students, if you have completed your vaccination verification with Human Resources, you still need to report your COVID-19 vaccination status through ctcLink.

Students who do not report their vaccination status or file an exemption by Nov. 1 will not be allowed to register for Winter Quarter 2022 classes until they complete the process.

This step has been taken for everyone's health and safety and to meet the requirements of Governor Inslee's higher education proclamation for fully vaccinated college campuses.
 

Getting Vaccinated

Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccine is always free, no insurance required. Most pharmacies, clinics, and public health centers now offer drop-in COVID-19 vaccination with no appointment needed. Find information about free vaccinations at Vaccinate WA and the King County Vaccination Pop-Ups Schedule
 

Thank you for your attention to these important matters.

More Details Are Available on Our Website

Unit, department, and program supervisors are required to complete and submit a return to campus (RTC) health and safety plan and have it approved prior to Nov. 1. These RTC plans are important because they explain how employees within your subunit will return to in-person operations while maintaining current health and safety protocols.

If your group does not already have a program-specific RTC plan and approval letter that has been shared throughout, please submit one for your team. It is a guided process. The program will help you identify the necessary measures to prepare for your Nov. 1 return.

Please note, some programs who’ve already developed an RTC plan through this process may yet need to resubmit a new plan if the mode of operations or infection controls have changed. This is necessary for an accurate transmission risk assessment of your program-specific operations. For example:

  • If the program is no longer enacting certain infection controls previously declared in the original plan, that group needs to resubmit and characterize the actual infection controls being carried out.
  • If the previous plan hosted very limited numbers of people/schedules for the purposes of mitigating transmission risk and now the group is returning to pre-pandemic capacities/schedules, that group needs to resubmit and characterize the actual infection controls being carried out.

Resources:
Complete and submit an RTC Safety Plan Application Form
For further guidance on whether to resubmit a new plan, see Guidelines for RTC Submittals.
For questions and support through this process, contact your campus COVID-19 site supervisor.

Health & Safety
 

Seattle Colleges will officially end remote operations and begin a full return to campus on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021. Employees are expected to come to work at their campus of employment. Following are some important things to keep in mind for those of you preparing to return. 

Return with Confidence 
With the vaccination requirement and health and safety protocols in place, Seattle Colleges is working to maintain a safe environment for everyone to work, teach, and learn. These efforts are listed on the Return with Confidence web page.  

Campus Entry Protocols  
When you arrive back to your campus of employment, please observe the current COVID-19 campus entry protocols, including the following. 

  • Wear a mask/face covering that fully covers your mouth and nose while in any indoor public spaces. Masks/face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status.
  • Complete the Daily Wellness Screening Form each day, ideally before you come to campus. This process aids in contact tracing, if needed. 
  • Do not come to campus if you are experiencing COVID19-like symptoms,​ and get tested for COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours after being on campus, promptly notify campus contact tracers by calling 206.934.5522 (leave a message) or email healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu.    
  • Social or physical distancing of three to six feet of physical distancing is encouraged, where possible. 

 
Building Ventilation and HVAC Systems 
Facilities and maintenance engineers are working with Health and Safety to adjust ventilation systems as public health guidelines continue to evolve. Each campus has undertaken a full system review of indoor air filtration, ventilation, and recirculation. The colleges have upgraded filtration efficiency and maximized fresh air exchange for ventilation and HVAC systems. Faculty and staff are encouraged to open classroom doors and windows wherever and whenever possible. Learn more on the Return with Confidence web page.  

Please keep in mind the most effective infection control measures are to get vaccinated and wear a mask or face covering while in indoor public spaces. 

Telecommuting Plans 
If you have a job that allows for working from home and plan to continue to telecommute some days each week, you need to have an approved telecommuting agreement in place with your supervisor and filed with Human Resources (HR).  If you do not have a telecommuting agreement on file signed by the College Appointing Authority, the expectation is that you will be working 100% on-site on campus beginning Nov. 1 and after. Consult with your supervisor if you have questions. 

Related resources: 

Student Return to Campus Survey 
A Return to Campus student survey will be sent to all currently enrolled students. The eight-question survey asks students about their plans to enroll in in-person instruction, desired course modalities, and student service preferences. We ask faculty and staff to encourage students to complete this survey. Responses will be used to inform class scheduling and student services staffing. 
 
Thank You 
For many of you, returning to campus after approximately 18 months of working from home will be an understandable adjustment as we move a step closer toward our pre-pandemic normal. Thanks to each of you for your dedication, patience, and grace as we continue our important work of educating and supporting our students and one another—with special acknowledgement and thanks offered to all those who have been working on our campuses throughout the pandemic. 

District Communications 
 

Note: this reminder was also sent to students who use Starfish, and it is posted on each college's Canvas notifications page.

Dear Students,

All students are required to report their COVID-19 vaccination status or file for an exemption by Nov. 1, 2021. Report your status now using ctcLink. Details and instructions are available online.

Attention: Work-study students, if you have completed your vaccination verification with Human Resources, you still need to report your COVID-19 vaccination status through ctcLink.

Students who do not report their vaccination status or file an exemption by Nov. 1 will not be allowed to register for Winter Quarter 2022 classes until they complete the process.

This step has been taken for everyone's health and safety and to meet the requirements of Governor Inslee's higher education proclamation for fully vaccinated college campuses.
 

Getting Vaccinated

Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccine is always free, no insurance required. Most pharmacies, clinics, and public health centers now offer drop-in COVID-19 vaccination with no appointment needed. Find information about free vaccinations at Vaccinate WA and the King County Vaccination Pop-Ups Schedule
 

Thank you for your attention to these important matters.

More Details Are Available on Our Website

Note: this reminder was also sent to students who use Starfish, and it is posted on each college's Canvas notifications page.

Dear Students,

This email contains an important reminder. Please read it carefully.

Students Are Required to Report Vaccination Status by Nov. 1, 2021 

For everyone’s health and safety, we’ve chosen to be a fully vaccinated campus, per Governor Inslee’s higher education proclamation. The proclamation requires all students, staff, and faculty to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with some exemptions.

All students are required to report their vaccination status or file for an exemption by Nov. 1, 2021. You can report your status now using ctcLink. Details and instructions are available online.

Students who do not report their vaccination status or file an exemption by Nov. 1 will not be allowed to register for Winter Quarter 2022 classes until they report their status or file an exemption.

Getting Vaccinated

Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines. Find information about free vaccinations at Vaccinate WA and the King County Vaccination Pop-Ups Schedule. Each of our colleges is looking to host additional free pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Details will be provided when available.

If You Are Coming to Any of Our Campuses

If you plan to come to any of our campuses for instruction or services, please observe the following protocols. 

  • Wear a mask/face covering that fully covers your mouth and nose while in any indoor public spaces. Masks/face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status.   
  • Complete the Daily Wellness Screening Form each day before you come to campus. 
  • Do not come to campus if you are experiencing COVID19-like symptoms, and get tested for COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours after being on campus, promptly notify campus contact tracers by calling 206.934.5522 (leave a message) or email healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu.   
  • Social or physical distancing is no longer mandated at Seattle Colleges. However, three to six feet of physical distancing is encouraged, where possible.

More Details Are Available on Our Website

Thank you for your attention to these important matters.

Dear Students,

This email contains an important reminder. Please read it carefully.

Students Are Required to Report Vaccination Status by Nov. 1, 2021 

For everyone’s health and safety, we’ve chosen to be a fully vaccinated campus, per Governor Inslee’s higher education proclamation. The proclamation requires all students, staff, and faculty to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with some exemptions.

All students are required to report their vaccination status or file for an exemption by Nov. 1, 2021. You can report your status now using ctcLink. Details and instructions are available online.

Students who do not report their vaccination status or file an exemption by Nov. 1 will not be allowed to register for Winter Quarter 2022 classes until they report their status or file an exemption.

Getting Vaccinated

Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines. Find information about free vaccinations at Vaccinate WA and the King County Vaccination Pop-Ups Schedule. Each of our colleges is looking to host additional free pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Details will be provided when available.

If You Are Coming to Any of Our Campuses

If you plan to come to any of our campuses for instruction or services, please observe the following protocols. 

  • Wear a mask/face covering that fully covers your mouth and nose while in any indoor public spaces. Masks/face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status.   
  • Complete the Daily Wellness Screening Form each day before you come to campus. 
  • Do not come to campus if you are experiencing COVID19-like symptoms, and get tested for COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours after being on campus, promptly notify campus contact tracers by calling 206.934.5522 (leave a message) or email healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu.   
  • Social or physical distancing is no longer mandated at Seattle Colleges. However, three to six feet of physical distancing is encouraged, where possible.

More Details Are Available on Our Website

Thank you for your attention to these important matters.

In order to verify employee’s vaccination status as required by the Governor’s proclamation, HR will be hosting further drop-in verification sessions via Zoom. During these drop-in sessions, all employees joining the Zoom meeting will be held in the Zoom lobby. A member of the HR team will then bring employees individually into a private Zoom breakout room where their vaccination information can be verified. 

You can drop-in to any general drop-in sessions listed below. The next general verification drop-in sessions are scheduled as follows: 

  • Monday, Oct. 4 - 3:00PM to 4:00PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Monday, Oct. 4 - 4:00PM to 5:00PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Tuesday, Oct. 5 - 2:00PM to 3:00PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Tuesday, Oct. 5 - 3:00PM to 4:00PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Wednesday, Oct. 6 - 3:30PM to 4:30PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Wednesday, Oct. 6 - 4:30PM to 5:30PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Thursday, Oct. 7 - 12:30PM to 1:30PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Thursday, Oct. 7 - 4:00PM to 5:00PM – All employees: Join Session 

The HR team has launched a website (https://www.seattlecolleges.edu/administration/human-resources/covid-19-vaccination-requirement-employees) to help keep employees informed and up-to-date regarding the governor’s proclamation. This webpage includes information about the verification process, the schedule for drop-in verification sessions, information about accommodations, and an FAQ. 

For information about accommodations and exemptions, please refer to the HR site: https://www.seattlecolleges.edu/administration/human-resources/covid-19-vaccination-requirement-employees.

If, after reviewing the HR website, you have any questions regarding the verification or accommodation processes, please contact the HR team through: hr.vaccine@seattlecolleges.edu. As a reminder, please do not send medical information via email, including vaccination information. 

In order to verify employee’s vaccination status as required by the Governor’s proclamation, HR will be hosting further drop-in verification sessions via Zoom. During these drop-in sessions, all employees joining the Zoom meeting will be held in the Zoom lobby. A member of the HR team will then bring employees individually into a private Zoom breakout room where their vaccination information can be verified.

You can drop-in to any general drop-in sessions listed below. The next general verification drop-in sessions are scheduled as follows:

  • Monday, Sept. 27 - 3:00PM to 4:30PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Tuesday, Sept. 28 - 1:30PM to 3:00PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Wednesday, Sept. 29 - 9:30AM to 11:00AM – All employees: Join Session  
  • Wednesday, Sept. 29 - 6:00PM to 7:00PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Wednesday, Sept. 29 - 7:00PM to 8:00PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Thursday, Sept. 30 - 9:30AM to 11:00AM – All employees: Join Session 

The HR team has launched a website (https://www.seattlecolleges.edu/administration/human-resources/covid-19-vaccination-requirement-employees) to help keep employees informed and up-to-date regarding the governor’s proclamation. This webpage includes information about the verification process, the schedule for drop-in verification sessions, information about accommodations, and an FAQ.

For those claiming a religious accomodation, please email your completed Religious Accommodation Request Form to hr.vaccine@seattlecolleges.edu by no later than September 29, 2021. 

For those claiming a medical accomodation, if your medical provider has included private health information on your disability-related reasonable accommodation form, please do not send the form via email and instead send a note to hr.vaccine@seattlecolleges.edu, and we will provide you with a secure folder to transmit your form(s) by no later than September 29, 2021. 

If you are denied an exemption you will instead have a choice between becoming vaccinated or subject to non-disciplinary dismissal from employment for failing to meet the requirements of your job. If choosing vaccination, you must complete the full vaccination series by not later than October 4, 2021.

If, after reviewing the HR website, you have any questions regarding the verification or accommodation processes, please contact the HR team through: hr.vaccine@seattlecolleges.edu. As a reminder, please do not send medical information via email, including vaccination information.

Dear Students, 

Welcome to Fall Quarter and the beginning of a new academic year. We are happy to have you with us. This email contains updated information and reminders. Please read it carefully.

Campus Entry Protocols  

If you plan to come to any of our campuses, please observe the following infection control measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and maximize everyone’s safety.

Masks or Face Coverings Required 

Seattle Colleges currently requires everyone on our campuses to wear a mask/face covering that fully covers the mouth and nose while in any indoor public spaces (per the governor’s proclamation). Masks/face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status.  

Each Day Before Campus Entry 

QR code imageEach day, ideally before you come to campus, complete the Daily Wellness Screening Form available at https://forms.office.com/r/7UvrsHYY02. A QR-code to access the form is available. Providing your contact information allows contact tracers to notify you if they find you might have been exposed. Note: the data collected is available only to trained public health professionals. 

Social Distancing Is Encouraged 

Social or physical distancing is no longer mandated at Seattle Colleges. However, three to six feet of physical distancing is encouraged, where possible. 

If You Are Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms 

If you are experiencing COVID19-like symptoms, do not come to campus and get tested for COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours after being on campus, promptly notify campus contact tracers by calling 206.934.5522 (leave a message) or email healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu

Students Required to Report Vaccination Status by Nov. 1, 2021 

For everyone’s health and safety, we’ve chosen to be a fully vaccinated campus, per Governor Inslee’s higher education proclamation. The proclamation requires all students, staff, and faculty to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with some exemptions. 

All students are required to report their vaccination status or file for an exemption by Nov. 1, 2021. You can report your status now using ;ctcLink. Details and instructions are available online. Students who do not register their vaccination status or claim an exemption by Nov. 1 may be unable to register for Winter Quarter 2022 classes. 

Getting Vaccinated 

Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines. Find information about free vaccinations at Vaccinate WA and the King County Vaccination Pop-Ups Schedule. Each of our colleges is looking to host additional free pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Details will be provided when available. 

More Details Are Available on Our Website 

Thank you for your attention to these important matters.  

District Communications 

In order to verify employee’s vaccination status as required by the Governor’s proclamation, HR will be hosting further drop-in verification sessions via Zoom. During these drop-in sessions, all employees joining the Zoom meeting will be held in the Zoom lobby. A member of the HR team will then bring employees individually into a private Zoom breakout room where their vaccination information can be verified.

You can drop-in to any general drop-in sessions listed below. The next general verification drop-in sessions are scheduled as follows:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 22 - 10:00AM to 11:00AM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Wednesday, Sept. 22 - 11:00AM to 12:00PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Thursday, Sept. 23 - 1:00PM to 2:00PM –All employees: Join Session 
  • Thursday, Sept. 23 - 2:00PM to 3:00PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Thursday, Sept. 23 - 3:00PM to 4:30PM – Faculty employees: Join Session 
  • Friday, Sept. 24 - 11:00AM to 12:00PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Friday, Sept. 24 - 12:00PM to 1:00PM – All employees: Join Session 
  • Friday, Sept. 24 - 1:00PM to 1:30PM – All employees: Join Session 

The HR team has launched a website (https://www.seattlecolleges.edu/administration/human-resources/covid-19-vaccination-requirement-employees) to help keep employees informed and up-to-date regarding the governor’s proclamation. This webpage includes information about the verification process, the schedule for drop-in verification sessions, information about accommodations, and an FAQ.

For those claiming a religious or medical exemption, please email completed Religious Exemption Request Form or Vaccine Medical Exemption Form to hr.vaccine@seattlecolleges.edu by no later than September 29, 2021.

If you are denied an exemption you will instead have a choice between becoming vaccinated or subject to non-disciplinary dismissal from employment for failing to meet the requirements of your job. If choosing vaccination, you must complete the full vaccination series by not later than October 4, 2021.

If, after reviewing the HR website, you have any questions regarding the verification or accommodation processes, please contact the HR team through: hr.vaccine@seattlecolleges.edu. As a reminder, please do not send medical information via email, including vaccination information.

The HR team has launched a website (https://www.seattlecolleges.edu/administration/human-resources/covid-19-vaccination-requirement-employees) to help keep employees informed and up-to-date regarding the governor’s proclamation that all state employees must have their COVID-19 vaccination or accommodation (medical or sincerely held religious belief) status verified by October 18 as a condition of employment. This webpage includes information about the verification process, the schedule for drop-in verification sessions, information about accommodations, and an FAQ.

As a reminder, in order to verify employee’s vaccination status, HR will host several drop-in verification sessions online via Zoom. During these drop-in sessions, employees will be held in the Zoom lobby. A member of the HR team will then bring employees individually into a private Zoom breakout room where their vaccination information can be verified.

 This week’s drop-in verification sessions are as follows: 

  • Monday, Sept. 13 - 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Last names beginning M - P: Join Session  
  • Tuesday, Sept. 14 - 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Last names beginning Q - S: Join Session  
  • Wednesday, Sept. 15 - 9:00  to 11:00 a.m. – Last names beginning T - Z: Join Session  
  • Thursday, Sept. 16 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon – All employees: Join Session 

If you can’t make the assigned time, you can drop in to another session. Additional general drop-in sessions will be scheduled in the coming weeks, so if you are unable to attend at this time, you will have other opportunities.   

If you have any questions regarding the verification or accommodation processes, please contact the HR team through: hr.vaccine@seattlecolleges.edu. 
 

Thank you,

Your district wide HR team

Most of you are aware that the Governor’s proclamation that requires Seattle Colleges employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment requires that an employee’s proof of vaccination be verified by the District.  

The HR team will be handling vaccination verification for Seattle Colleges. This information will be kept private, like all medical information received by the District.  

In order to verify employee’s vaccination status, HR will be hosting drop-in verification sessions via Zoom. During these drop-in sessions, all employees joining the Zoom meeting will be held in the Zoom lobby. A member of the HR team will then bring employees individually into a private Zoom breakout room where their vaccination information can be verified. 

To avoid long wait times, we’re scheduling Zoom drop-in sessions based on the first letter of employees’ last name. We’re asking that employees attend the session that corresponds with the first letter of their last name if they are able. If you can’t make the assigned time, you can drop-in to another session. We will also be scheduling general drop-in sessions in the coming weeks so if you are unable to attend at this time you will have other opportunities.  

The first few verification drop-in sessions are scheduled as follows: 

Please click the above link(s) to join the Zoom waiting room for your drop-in session. Additional drop-in sessions for next week will be announced later this week.  If we need to adjust the schedule we will send out an updated message. 

The following are acceptable forms of proof of your full vaccination status: 

  • CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card (or a legible photo of the card), or 
  • Documentation of vaccination from a health care provider or electronic health record, or 
  • State immunization information system record. 
  • Review the Visual Guide to Official Washington State Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for more information on acceptable forms of documentation. 

For teams that are primarily working on campus, your campus HR team will follow-up individually with supervisors of those units to arrange times for in-person verification. 

Even if you already completed the self-attestation form in ctcLink, HR still needs to visually verify your proof of vaccination. 

Please also remember that the District will provide disability-related reasonable accommodations and sincerely held religious belief accommodations to the requirements of the proclamation. Information regarding how to request one of these accommodations can be found in the email sent out by Jennifer Dixon at approximately 5:22 PM (PDT) on Wednesday, September 8. 

Additional information will be available online once our website is updated. 

If you have any questions regarding the verification or accommodation processes, please contact the HR team through: hr.vaccine@seattlecolleges.edu. 

Thanks for all that you do for our students and community.

The Governor’s proclamation that requires Seattle Colleges employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 permits the District to provide disability-related reasonable accommodations and sincerely held religious belief accommodations to the requirements of the proclamation. 

In order to facilitate this accommodation process, Seattle Colleges created the following forms for employees to request either a disability-related reasonable accommodation or a sincerely held religious belief accommodation. Completed forms should be submitted to hr.vaccine@seattlecolleges.edu.

If your medical provider has included private health information on your disability-related reasonable accommodation form, please do not send the form via email and instead send a note to hr.vaccine@seattlecolleges.edu, and we will provide you with a secure folder to transmit your form(s). 

After your completed forms are submitted, a member of the HR team will be in contact with you if additional information is required, or if your accommodation request has been approved or denied. As with any accommodation process, private information submitted to HR will not be shared unless otherwise necessary or authorized. 

HR will be following up in the coming days regarding opportunities for employees to verify their vaccination status, as required by the Governor’s proclamation, as well as a website with information about how Seattle College’s HR team is complying with the Governor’s proclamation. 

If you have any questions regarding the accommodation process, please contact the HR team through: hr.vaccine@seattlecolleges.edu. 

Thank you for all that you do.

Students,

Welcome back. 

We are looking forward to seeing you this fall. Classes begin Monday, Sept. 27. To ease enrollment this quarter, we’re increasing our in-person student services and support at all our colleges. 

For your safety and health, we’ve also chosen to be a fully vaccinated campus (per Governor Inslee’s higher education proclamation). The proclamation requires all students, staff, and faculty to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Exemptions to this requirement will be offered for medical or religious reasons.

Students Required to Report Vaccination Status by Nov. 1

All students are required to report their vaccination status or file for an exemption by Nov. 1, 2021. You can report your status now using ctcLink. Students who do not register their vaccination status or claim an exemption by Nov. 1, may be unable to register for Winter Quarter 2022 classes.

Use ctcLink to Report Your Status Now

  1. Login to ctclink at https://gateway.ctclink.us
  2. Select your student homepage from the menu in ctcLink.
  3. Select the Immunization Attestation tile, enter your information, and hit the submit button. 

Step-by-step Instructions are available at
http://ctclinkreferencecenter.ctclink.us/m/79750/l/1440196-9-2-student-immunization-attestation.

Note: If the Immunization Attestation tile does not appear, clear the web browser cache, close the browser, and then reopen the browser. Or login to ctcLink in a different web browser, such as Chrome or Firefox, to see if that fixes the issue. Contact the IT Help Desk if you encounter problems with ctcLink.

Getting Vaccinated

Get the facts about COVID19 vaccines. Find information about free vaccinations at Vaccinate WA and the King County Vaccination Pop-Ups Schedule. Each of our colleges will also host free pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in September operated by UW Medicine – Harborview. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be offered. There is no cost. View the full schedule at www.seattlecolleges.edu/coronavirus

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to returning to in-person teaching, learning, and related student services, to the fullest extent possible, while safeguarding against transmission of COVID-19 and its variants.

Seattle Colleges is postponing its 2021 fall quarter employee return-to-campus date to Monday, Nov. 1 (previously Monday, Sept. 13).

The postponement is in response to Gov. Inslee’s recent announcement about the October 18 vaccine mandate for state employees and recent COVID-19 Delta variant outbreak.

Student support and retention remain the top priorities. All three colleges are increasing in-person student services in preparation for fall quarter. Classes will be instructed as published in the class schedule.

Information will be sent and posted as the Chancellor’s Executive Cabinet and the COVID-19 Emergency Response Team clarify additional details of the date change and vaccination requirements.

Seattle Colleges Community,

Seattle Colleges will be a fully vaccinated higher education institution in accordance with Governor Jay Inslee’s recent COVID-19 Proclamations. The decision comes after consultation with the board of trustees, health and safety officials, and labor partners.

Vaccinations Required with Some Exemptions

Full vaccinations are required for students, staff, and faculty coming to campus this fall. This allows the colleges to reopen and return to in-person teaching and learning, to the fullest extent possible, while safeguarding against transmission of COVID-19 and its variants.

  • Employees are allowed exemptions for medical and religious reasons.
  • Students are allowed exemptions for medical and religious reasons.

Employees will have until Monday, Oct. 18 to become fully vaccinated or receive exemption approval. [Note: this sentence is not included in the email to students as it does not apply to them.]

More information detailing the vaccine verification and attestation process will be provided in follow-up emails and posted on the Welcome Back website.

Mask Requirements

Seattle Colleges will continue requiring a mask/face covering in all indoor settings, per Governor Inslee’s order. The covering is required regardless of vaccination status.Wearing a face covering offers additional protection against breakthrough cases and reduces the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to others, including those who cannot be vaccinated.

The mask or face covering should fully cover the nose and mouth. (Note: a clear face shield without a mask is not permitted.)

Exceptions include: 

  • when working alone in a personal office.
  • when actively eating or drinking.
  • when outdoors.

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing is not required at colleges that require vaccination, per the governor’s higher education proclamation. Some people, however, may want to continue distancing. Three to six feet of physical distancing is encouraged, where feasible. Please respect other’s privacy and space.

What Can You Do to Prepare for Fall? Get Vaccinated

The best thing students and employees can do to protect their own health and safety (and others) is to get vaccinated. Get information about free vaccinations at Vaccinate WA and the King County Vaccination Pop-Ups Schedule

Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics at Our Colleges

Each college will host free pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in August and September operated by UW Medicine – Harborview. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be offered. There is no cost. View the full schedule at www.seattlecolleges.edu/coronavirus

Thank You for Your Commitment and Dedication

We continue to monitor events closely, and our protocols and procedures could change in the future based on guidance from public health officials. 

On behalf of the executive leadership team at Seattle Colleges we want to express our deepest gratitude for your dedication and resilience as we all continue our work and studies in the midst of a pandemic.

District Communications

In a recent proclamation Governor Jay Inslee offered two paths for higher education institutions in Washington. The leadership of Seattle Colleges has weighed the options and determined the best path forward is to pursue the fully vaccinated option. It is the fastest way to return to in-person teaching and learning as it eliminates the requirement for social distancing while offering protection of everyone’s health and safety. Our goal is to convert as many classes from hybrid to in-person as safely possible. 

Following the guidelines in the proclamation, fully vaccinated campuses will: 

  • Require students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Students and employees will need to verify they have been fully vaccinated unless they are claiming a medical, religious, or philosophical exemption. 

  • Require those claiming vaccination exemptions and volunteers, contractors, and visitors to wear a face covering at college locations in accordance with the Secretary of Health’s face covering order and to comply with any applicable labor and industry workplace safety requirements. 

Process and procedure details for Seattle Colleges to meet these guidelines are currently being developed and will be discussed with our labor partners. We will share them when finalized. September 13 continues to be the target as our return-to-campus date. 

Until you are notified otherwise, please continue to follow current health and safety protocols involving health screening, entry procedures, required physical distancing, and face coverings. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these issues. 

Governor Inslee recently amended the COVID -19 proclamation for institutions of higher education. As our leadership team evaluates the proclamation’s impact, existing mask and safety protocols remain in place. We will provide an update in mid-July and are still targeting September 13 as our return-to-campus date.

As we look forward, the outlook is promising: more than 79 percent of King County residents over the age of 16 have at least one dose of the vaccine as of July 1, 2021.

Enjoy your holiday weekend.

Seattle Colleges Community,

Recent progress on the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled us to select Monday, September 13 as a Return-to-Campus date for Fall Quarter 2021. This is the date employees should return to campus and resume day-to-day, in-person business and services.

There are three primary reasons why we have chosen September 13:

  1. Current trends indicate that between now and September 13, changes in government-mandated health and safety guidelines will loosen or eliminate the protocols we currently observe. King County recently reached the 70% vaccination threshold for 16 and older, triggering a two-week countdown until the county’s mask mandate is rescinded on June 29. And, last week Seattle became the first major American city to fully vaccinate 70% of its residents 12 and older.
  2. We’ve learned (through formal and informal surveys) that many students want and expect more in-person services and instruction. Survey data also indicate that our almost exclusive move to online learning was a difficult transition for many, especially students of color, students from modest economic backgrounds, and students with disabilities. 
  3. We believe 80-plus days of advance notice gives employees ample time to prepare for a return and, most public schools will return to in-person schooling the week prior.

The pandemic revealed a number of staff roles that lend themselves to varying degrees of remote work, however providing in-person services to our students remains paramount. Please follow up with your supervisor to discuss any request to work remotely. The telecommuting procedure (#447) is being updated and will be available soon.

What does this mean for us in the fall?

Full-time and in-person will be our primary mode of operation on September 13. The actions and steps put in place in March 2020 in response to the pandemic will end. As you begin to make your preparations to return to campus, please consider the following:

  • More in-person instruction.
    We are pursuing more in-person classes this fall than are currently listed in the class schedule. Instructional leadership will be working with faculty and staff to add as much equitable student access/choice as possible in regard to in-person, hybrid, and online instruction. These decisions will be made on a campus-by-campus basis.
     
  • More in-person student services.
    All student services departments will open and provide in-person service. Each department needs to have specific procedures for scheduling an appointment with staff and some may extend operation hours.
     
  • Get vaccinated if you can.
    We await guidance from the governor’s office regarding mandated vaccinations. While we currently do not require employees or students to be vaccinated to return to campus, it is the most effective strategy available to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We encourage you to get vaccinated, keeping in mind that it can take up to five weeks to become fully vaccinated, depending on the vaccine. Refer to Seattle’s vaccination website.
     
  • Remain flexible and patient.
    We will follow any state-mandated health and safety measures that remain in place to keep everyone as safe as possible. Please remain patient and flexible as we all navigate the changing landscape.

More information will be provided as we move forward.

You will be notified when guidelines for COVID-19 change for higher education and what protocols and procedures to follow. Until then, please continue to follow current protocols and procedures. (This includes completing the daily entry/exit screening and wearing masks while you are on campus, even if you are fully vaccinated.)

We know that there are concerns and we anticipate more questions. Updates and more information will be provided on a regular basis in preparation for our fall return. Refer to the Welcome Back to Campus web page.

We want to express our deepest thanks for your hard work and commitment to Seattle Colleges and our students over the past 16 months. We look forward to working with you all to make our collective return to campus a success as we continue our important educational mission. Together we can do this.

Sincerely,

Shouan Pan, Chancellor, Seattle Colleges
Chemene CrawfordPresident, North Seattle College
Sheila Edwards Lange, President, Seattle Central College
Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap, President, Seattle Central College

In-Person Student Services on Tuesdays 

Seattle Colleges is planning more in-person student services this summer at each college. This pilot program will follow state health and safety guidelines, like other programs that have returned to campus successfully.  

As a starting point, the colleges will offer in-person student services on Tuesdays. This will provide consistency districtwide and set a baseline to build from. The tentative times and dates are listed below. 

  • North: Tuesdays from 10 am to 2 pm starting June 29 
  • Central: Tuesdays from 10 am to 2 pm starting June 22 
  • South: To be determined 

Note: the levels of in-person student services may vary at each campus due to building capacity and staffing.


Return to Campus Q&A Video 

Do you have questions about how your unit or department can begin the “return to campus” process and offer services safely over the summer? Christel Olsen, environmental health and safety manger, recorded a Q&A session on Zoom with Julia Buchans, director of the Learning Support Network at Seattle Central. The video covers how staff can approach the process within the current health and safety protocols. The video is available online

Additional information is available on the COVID‐19 Infection Control Program and Safety Training web page, including the Return-to-Campus (RTC) Application form

Note: as state-mandated health and safety guidelines change, these web pages will be updated.
 

Vaccination Information Resources 

The following websites provide current information about vaccination sites and availability: 

For Those Working on Campus, Please Continue to Follow Established COVID-19 Protocols Until Directed Otherwise 

Seattle Colleges follows Washington state-mandated public health and safety guidelines for higher education, which have not changed as of the publication date and time of this update.  

We expect things will change—and they may change quickly. We are awaiting further guidance from Governor Inslee and the state (anticipated in mid-June). You will be notified when guidelines for COVID-19 change for higher education and what protocols and procedures to follow. Until then, please continue to follow current protocols and procedures (this includes wearing masks while you are on campus).

Current protocols and procedures call for completing the daily entry/exit screening. Please continue to complete the check-in and check-out protocols, even if you are fully vaccinated. 

The health and safety of students and employees continue to be the priority. The increase in vaccinations along with our continued adherence to COVID-19 protocols and procedures will promote a safer environment for everyone to teach and learn. 

Recent announcements about COVID-19 by President Biden, the CDC, and Governor Inslee may have left you confused about what protocols to follow. 

To clarify, Seattle Colleges follows Washington state-mandated public health and safety guidelines for higher education, which as of this moment have not changed.  

We anticipate things will change—and they may change quickly. You will be notified when guidelines for COVID-19 change for Seattle Colleges and what protocols and procedures to follow.  

Until then, please continue to follow our current protocols and procedures. 

Colleagues,

We are looking forward with a great deal of optimism and anticipation as we plan the return to in-person instruction and student services (as safely allowed by pandemic guidelines) for Fall Quarter 2021. The increase in vaccinations along with our continued adherence to COVID-19 protocols and procedures will offer a safe environment for everyone to teach, learn, and grow. You can return with confidence.

We will share more information as it becomes available. To assist, we’ve developed a “Welcome Back” website. It will provide updates and new information about our return.

A Phased Approach
Our return will start in 2021 Summer Term and will be a phased approach with strong adherence to state-mandated health and safety protocols and best practices. These protocols and procedures will remain in place and gradually be revised until they are no longer needed.

Levels May Vary by College
The levels of in-person instruction and services will vary at each campus due to building capacity, staffing, and resources. This is in addition to the in-person instruction and services we are already offering.

Prioritizing Student Needs
As we turn to summer and fall 2021, those courses where students face more challenges or need more assistance will return to in-person instruction first. We will also consider courses that serve as perquisites or “gateway courses” for subsequent courses. Similarly, we will explore ways to offer in-person services along with remote services.

We appreciate everyone’s adaptability and hard work over the past year. Moving forward, we will make every effort to keep our employees and students safe as we work together to fulfill our educational mission.

Thank you. 

Colleagues,

As we look ahead with optimism that progress is being made in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, we are providing a quick spring update and looking ahead at what a return to campus may look like in summer and fall.

Spring Quarter 2021
Seattle Colleges will continue to operate remotely for Spring Quarter 2021 with some limited in-person instruction following established health and safety protocols.

Returning in Summer and Fall
As more people become vaccinated and cases and hospitalizations decline, we aim to offer more in-person instruction and services to students in Summer and Fall Quarters. This will be a phased approach; defining how it will roll out will be a priority during Spring Quarter.

We are preparing and actively working to keep everyone safe. Our strong adherence to the protocols and best practices below enabled Seattle Colleges to operate limited in-person education and specialized training for hundreds of students while avoiding community spread on our campuses.

  • Infection Control Program (ICP)
    The ICP is a group of policies and procedures that guide COVID-19 infection prevention and control issues on our campuses. The ICP complies with the Washington State Stay-Home, Stay Healthy mandate and Safe Start Plan for Reopening.
     
  • Weekly COVID-19 Health and Safety (H&S) Training
    All students and employees must participate in an initial COVID-19 H&S training on or before the first day of returning to campus. Follow-up training is required on a weekly basis for all employees and students working and studying on campus.
     
  • Wellness Screening Prior to Campus Entry
    Each day before campus entry, anyone planning to enter one of our campuses conducts a wellness screening check to determine if they have any COVID-19 symptoms. If symptoms are present, individuals are asked to stay home.
     
  • Daily Check-in and Check-Out at Established Locations
    Anyone entering and leaving a campus is expected to check in and out by completing a form at established entry/exit points. This limits access and aids in contact tracing if needed.
     
  • Best Practices of Prevention While on Campus
    While on campus, employees and students are expected to follow best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. These include:
    • Maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from other people.
    • Wearing a well-fitting, multi-layer mask that fully covers the mouth and nose.
    • Practicing good respiratory etiquette by coughing or sneezing into the inside of the elbow (with mask on) – not the hands.
    • Washing hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoiding touching one’s face or mask.
       
  • Contact Tracing
    Seattle Colleges employs trained contact tracers who work directly with Public Health of Seattle and King County to respond immediately to reports of confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 within the college community. They confidentially notify any individual identified as having had direct contact with a confirmed case report.
     
  • Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection
    We are committed to providing safe and effective disinfection materials for campus employees to wipe down their space before and after work and periodically throughout the day. We have increased the cleaning and disinfection frequency of high-touch points in common spaces and follow-up with a thorough cleaning and disinfection activity at the end of each day. Each campus has a trained disinfection response team that promptly activates in the event of a confirmed case report (if they are found to have been on-campus while asymptomatic but infectious).
     
  • Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Return to School and Work (RTW) Committee
    Seattle Colleges’ ERT includes the chancellor and three college presidents as well as other administrative leaders. The ERT meets twice each week to address COVID-19 issues and planning. The RTW Committee, with representation from all campuses, meets weekly to discuss COVID-19 issues, implement responses, and facilitate communication and consistent adherence to protocols and best practices. These groups are involved in the planning of the phased rollout for on-campus activities.
     
  • Return to School and Work (RTW) Health and Safety Planning
    An approved program-specific health and safety plan is required for all college programs that are planning to return to regular on-campus activities. These plans detail how the program will meet ICP standards and best practices of prevention established by federal, state, and local public health COVID-19 guidelines.
     
  • Seattle Colleges Health and Safety (H&S) Team 
    Seattle Colleges' districtwide H&S Team works with each college to address COVID-19 related issues and concerns. These employees provide expertise and training, evaluate and approve RTW plans, and help connect to local and state entities related to COVID-19 health and safety services.

Seattle Colleges will continue to prepare and adapt plans as the circumstances evolve. The situation with COVID-19 will change, and it may change quickly. These protocols and procedures will remain in place and gradually be revised until they are no longer needed. We look forward to that day. In the meantime, our top priorities are the health and safety of our employees and our students as they pursue their academic goals. 

We want your feedback. Please take part in a short districtwide survey related to Summer activities: 

www.surveymonkey.com/r/returntoinperson

District Communications

Dear Seattle Colleges Community,

Happy New Year and welcome back! As we begin Winter Quarter 2021, there is reason to be optimistic. With the approval and distribution of safe vaccines for COVID-19, we are beginning a new phase in fighting the pandemic.

I trust that Winter Break gave you a bit of rest and renewal. As I reflect on how we met the challenges of 2020 and what we must do to continue to adapt, modify, and move forward, I feel comforted and hopeful. I know we can continue to serve our students and community to the best of our abilities.

Continue Your Diligence and Care
We all need to continue to be diligent, careful, and attentive to our protocols and training throughout Winter Quarter. We’ve demonstrated we can do this, and we need to reaffirm to ourselves that we can do this for a while longer.

If we all continue to observe safety protocols and give our best to our studies and work, we will get there.

Thank you all for your dedication, patience, and best efforts as we look forward to a better year.

Sincerely,
Shouan Pan, Chancellor
Seattle Colleges

A new smartphone app that alerts users if they may have been exposed to COVID-19 was launched in Washington state last week.

Downloading and using the Washington Exposure Notifications app (aka WA Notify) is voluntary and completely private. It works without sharing any personal information. It doesn’t know or track who you are or where you go.

If you have a smartphone, we encourage you to consider using WA Notify. And please remember to notify Seattle Colleges' Health and Safety (H&S) Team if this app alerts you that you may have been exposed.

More information about when to contact H&S is below. To learn more about WA Notify, go to wanotify.org.

We appreciate your patience and diligence in working to keep everyone safe.  

When to contact Seattle Colleges' Health and Safety (H&S) Team 

You need to contact H&S if:  

  • you have COVID-like symptoms and you were on-campus within 48 hours before symptoms started.  
  • you have been in direct contact (closer than 6 feet) with someone who:  
    • has tested positive for COVID-19  
    • has COVID-like symptoms  
    • became ill within 48 hours after your direct contact  
  • you live with someone who has COVID-19 or has COVID-like symptoms.  
  • you have been tested or are seeking testing for COVID-19 because you may have been exposed.  
  • you have been instructed by a healthcare provider, public health professional, or contact tracer to quarantine.  
  • your situation is complicated and you are confused. 

How to contact H&S:  

  • email: healthandsafety@seattlecolleges.edu   
  • call: 206-934-5522 or 206-934-3210 - Leave a message and await a callback.  

With the increase in COVID-19 cases in Washington and across the country, it is more important than ever to make sure we are following safety protocols and best practices to help reduce the spread of this virus.

If You Visit Campus
If you visit any campus, it is very important you fill out the Campus Access Form before and after your visit. Filling out the form – both before and after your visit– provides Health and Safety staff with the information they need for thorough contact tracing.

If You Don’t Feel Well
If you are not feeling well and believe you have COVID-19 or if you have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, please stay at home and make arrangements to get tested.

If You Test Positive or Come into Contact
If you test positive for COVID-19 or you come in direct contact (less than 6 feet) with someone who has COVID-19, please immediately notify HealthandSafety@seattlecolleges.edu and provide the following information:

  1. Name, phone number, email address
  2. If you have been directed by a healthcare professional to self-isolate but have not been tested
  3. Date when your symptoms first began
  4. If you appeared on campus (and which campus) within 48-hours before or while symptoms began

You will be contacted by Health and Safety. This personal health information does not need to be reported to your instructor and/or supervisor.

If You Are Asked to Quarantine
Employees, if you are asked to quarantine by a doctor or by Health and Safety, there are COVID sick leave options available outside of your own sick leave. Resources on Inside Seattle Colleges include COVID-19 Leave Guidance (for Classified Staff) and the Families First Coronavirus Act (FFCRA) - Overview. Please contact your campus HR for more information and guidance on how to record your time.

Stay safe and stay healthy.

Please note that higher education is exempt from the COVID-19 restrictions Governor Inslee issued today (11/15/20). Our status remains the same, and we will continue our current protocols and remote operations.

Stay safe and healthy.

Seattle Colleges—Central, North, and South—will continue remote operations for Winter Quarter 2021. Registration for the quarter begins November 2, and classes start January 4, 2021. Please note, South Seattle College has announced plans to continue with primarily remote operations through the end of Spring Quarter 2021.

We will continue offering most instruction and services remotely, with some hybrid and limited face-to-face instruction that observes the public health and hygiene best practices outlined in the Infection Control Program (ICP).

We ask that you continue observing best practices such as social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands frequently, and limiting close contact with others to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Health professionals also recommend getting a flu vaccination as we are entering influenza season.

Employees are asked to work remotely wherever possible. Access to buildings on our campuses will remain limited. Any students, faculty, and staff who arrive at a campus for authorized purposes should follow the designated procedures and safety training requirements.

Employees should contact their supervisor if they have any questions, or Human Resources if they require accommodation due to health concerns. Students with questions should contact their instructors or the designated student services offices at their college. 

We appreciate everyone’s patience and diligence in working to keep everyone safe. 

Resources and updates for specific colleges may be found by following the respective links: 

With the election day coming in a few days, the college presidents and I wanted to pause to reaffirm our values and the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity for all individuals, particularly the underserved in our community.

We encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote in what many are calling the most consequential election in recent memory. That said, and regardless of the outcome, we remain steadfast in our commitment to: 

  • Accessibility for all learners and partners 
  • Collaboration through open communication and commitment to working together 
  • Fiscal sustainability for long-term viability and excellence in service and operations
  • Growth and engagement of faculty and staff through professional development
  • Innovation in instruction, student services, operations, and organizational culture
  • Integrity by adhering to the highest standards of ethics and public stewardship

We recognize that in the remaining days leading up to and after the election, there may also be activities near or on our college campuses. While we respect the spirit of activism behind these activities, we want to encourage everyone to live our values and follow the public health guidelines we are taking to minimize COVID-19 on campus.

Equally important, we hope we can do so in a way that promotes understanding, civility, and public safety. We want to inspire unity and dialogue. To do so, we need to conduct ourselves in a manner that is consistent with respect for one another.

All our colleges are hosting election-related activities. We encourage you to participate. Check your college website for more info. And, as a reminder, gatherings on campus are prohibited unless approved through the return-to-work process via the return-to-school-and-work (RTW) safety plan form.

Seattle Colleges will rise to this challenge—as we always do.

Be safe and well.

Shouan Pan, Chancellor, Seattle Colleges

Chemene Crawford, Interim President, North Seattle College

Sheila Edwards Lange, President, Seattle Central College

Rosannette Rimando-Chareunsap, President, South Seattle College

Higher education, effective Aug. 1, now has its own set of guidelines and compliance standards, separate from K-12 education and other businesses and industries, according to Gov. Jay Inslee and Washington state's Safe Start phased reopening plan.

Our districtwide Health and Safety Team has incorporated this information into the latest version of our official Infection Control Plan(ICP). The ICP guides the decision-making of the Emergency Response Team—including the chancellor, college presidents, leadership teams, and working groups—as they plan for Fall Quarter and beyond.

Fall Quarter 2020

Our top priority continues to be the health and safety of employees and students. As Fall Quarter nears on Tuesday, Sept. 29, we will continue to serve thousands of students with most instruction offered remotely, and some hybrid and limited face-to-face offerings—all observing public health and hygiene best practices outlined in the ICP.

Most employees will continue to work remotely wherever possible. Access to campus buildings will remain limited and by appointment or approval. Any students, faculty, and staff who arrive at a campus for authorized purposes should follow the appropriate procedures and safety training requirements. Employees should contact their supervisor if they have any questions, or Human Resources if they require accommodation due to health concerns.

While we strive to make consistent policy and procedure decisions across our district, our colleges—North, Central, and South—have different programs and levels of resources.

College presidents, vice presidents, and deans are working to make decisions that fit their colleges and programs best while providing student services efficiently in ways that resources and health and safety guidelines allow.

Information about each college’s program and student services offerings is available at the college’s COVID-19 informational website:

We are grateful for the technology that allows us to continue to engage with one another and pursue our collective mission of delivering great instruction and service to our students. Thanks as always for your patience and diligence in working to keep everyone safe.

Seattle Colleges is planning to begin phasing more in-person instruction and activities for fall 2020. Details of which courses are currently planned to be offered in person / on-line / hybrid are reflected in each college’s class schedule. 

Modifications to normal operating procedures will likely be required to address necessary health and safety considerations for students, faculty, and staff. Seattle Colleges continues to consult with public health experts to ensure the transition is made as smoothly and safely as possible. More information on the specific modifications will be announced throughout the summer.

Listed below are key dates for fall quarter.  

Key dates

September 29 – Fall quarter begins

October 5 – Last day to add/register – South

October 12 – Last day to add/register – North and Central

December 17 – Fall quarter ends

This afternoon, Friday, May 29, Governor Inslee gave an update of his Safe Start phased approach to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today’s announcement does not change current operations at our Seattle Colleges locations or our plans for summer quarter.

Authorized employees and students enrolled in certain instructional programs or those seeking services by appointment are being admitted to our college campuses in accordance with public health and social distancing guidelines. All other instruction and services are continuing through remote operations, and campuses remain closed to the public until further notice.

Students with questions should contact their instructors. Employees with questions should contact their supervisors.

We appreciate your patience and diligence in working to keep everyone safe.

 

Reference: Governor Inslee’s “Safe Start” phased approach to recovery

Beginning Monday, May 18, authorized employees and students enrolled in certain instructional programs or seeking services by appointment will be admitted to our college campuses: 

  • Students will be notified by their faculty members or service staff.
  • Employees will be notified by their deans or supervisors.

All other instruction and services will continue remote operations, and campuses will remain closed to the public.

Maintaining Public Health Guidelines 

Seattle Colleges is opening its physical locations in compliance with all public health guidelines. Those authorized to enter campus are asked to follow the processes, actions, and procedures below:  

  • Take your temperature at home—Please take your temperature at home each time you plan to come to campus. If you have a fever of 100.4° F or above or do not feel well, remain at home.  

  • Wear a face mask—You need to wear a face mask that covers your mouth and nose. If possible, please bring your own. We have a limited supply on hand for those who do not have one. 

  • Check in and check out daily at established locations—Everyone entering and leaving a campus will be expected to check in and check out by completing a form (Students | Employees) at established entry/exit points. Click to view the locations at Central | North | South.  

  • Take the required health and safety training—You will be expected to complete health and safety training that details recommended social distancing and hygiene best practices. 

    • Students will be required to complete the training in their classes with their instructors on the first day of class. 

    • Employees are required to complete the training before returning to campus or on their first day at campus. Employees can register to take the training online or view a prerecorded video on Canvas. Anyone without a Canvas account may email dislrn@seattlecolleges.edu to receive one. 

If you have additional questions, students should ask their instructors, employees should ask their supervisors.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and diligence in working to keep everyone safe. 

Seattle Colleges is hoping to resume in-person instruction for the fall quarter. However, in light of the ongoing uncertainty, we will remain flexible to ensure compliance with public health guidance.

Listed below you will find key dates for the fall quarter. Please note that the dates for fall registration have not changed.

Key dates

May 18

Fall registration for returning students

May 26

Fall registration for new students

September 29

Fall quarter begins

October 5

Last day to add/register – South

October 12

Last day to add/register – North and Central

December 17

Fall quarter ends

Today (Friday, May 1), Gov. Inslee extended his statewide stay-at-home order through May 31. Seattle Colleges will continue to operate remotely and offer online and alternative modes of instruction.

There remains a possibility that limited face-to-face instruction for some professional/technical programs may begin earlier. If offered, that instruction will be in accordance with public health and social distancing guidelines.

More information to come as it is available.
 

Summer quarter will begin as scheduled on Monday, June 29, primarily through online and alternative modes of instruction. Programs requiring labs, face-to-face, and hands-on instruction, if offered, will be in accordance with public health and social distancing guidelines.

Summer registration for returning students will open May 18. It will open May 26 for new students. 

Refer to the academic calendar for additional information.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed many things. But it doesn't change the exceptional achievements of our Class of 2020.

In years past, we have used our commencement ceremony to award degrees and celebrate our graduates. This year will be slightly different, but our passion and enthusiasm remain.

Uncertainty around the current pandemic has led us to cancel the June 25 in-person commencement ceremony. However, we are working with student leaders to evaluate options and alternatives to show love, appreciation, and admiration to graduates.

Make no mistake, we are determined to celebrate the Class of 2020 in a manner fitting of our students' hard work and perseverance. Graduates should apply for graduation in the normal manner.

Although things are different from what we had planned, we encourage everyone to keep looking forward, remain hopeful, and show compassion and understanding for those in need.

Stay home, stay healthy, and an early "Congratulations!" to the Class of 2020 from all of us at Seattle Colleges.

Shouan Pan
Chancellor, Seattle Colleges

Kurt Buttleman
Acting President, North Seattle College

Sheila Edwards Lange
President, Seattle Central College

Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap
President, South Seattle College

Spring Quarter 2020 will be different from anything we could have imagined. To help you in your preparations, we are summarizing the changes and adaptations made to ensure Seattle Colleges is in compliance with governmental and public health orders. College websites will have specific information.

We Are Continuing Remote Operations

  • Based on Gov. Inslee’s extended order, there will be no in-person student services or classes until May 5.
  • Seattle Colleges will continue remote operations until further notice.
  • Students have been notified that the majority of academic programs and student services for spring quarter are online for the entire quarter, starting Monday, April 13.
  • Refer to the college websites for specific details on student services and classes at your respective college:
     

Central: Student Services | COVID-19 Updates

North: Student Services | COVID-19 Updates

South: Student Services | COVID-19 Updates

Thank You for Your Hard Work and Resilience

These are unique times, but your hard work and resilience are making a difference. We are all working together to keep our community safe and provide our students with a quality education experience. Thank you, once again, for your patience and dedication

Dear Seattle Colleges Community,

Since my last communication with you, we have all witnessed the disruptive effects of COVID-19. While trying to make sense of presidential and gubernatorial orders, CDC guidelines, stock-market crashes, talks of local and federal stimulus measures, and dizzying media coverages, if you are like me, you have probably felt a little overwhelmed, fearful, and frightened.   

However, it is my belief that goodwill, common sense, and communication will guide us through this uncharted territory. 

In the midst of unprecedented uncertainty and fluidity, we must remain solidly grounded in our institution’s mission and our enduring values (accessibilitycollaborationdiversityinclusion, and equityfiscal sustainabilitygrowthinnovation, and integrity).

We had to adapt very fast the last couple of weeks. Despite this, we have pulled together as an institution. 

Here are some of our collective actions and responses:

  • Faculty have led the way in moving the last two weeks of Winter Quarter classes online (except those that cannot be offered online).
  • Students have been notified that the majority of academic programs for Spring Quarter will be offered online for the entire quarter, starting April 13. Faculty will use the week of April 6 to plan and prepare. Academic administrators are finding ways to support faculty; student services staff and administrators are strategizing the best ways to support students during remote operations.
  • A districtwide Emergency Response Team conducts daily phone calls to strategize cross-system responses and provide policy-level guidance.  At the same time, Seattle Colleges’ senior leadership team members are engaged with local, county, and state officials.
  • College presidents and their leadership teams have implemented college-specific plans and provided information and resources in support of campus-based programs.
  • We are increasing our supplies of disinfectant and protection equipment for frontline personnel who are actively cleaning buildings and classrooms.
  • We are working to secure IT supplies and equipment for faculty, staff, and students who need them for teaching, learning, and administrative services. The IT staff continues to share useful resources and tips for teaching remotely and telecommuting.
  • HR staff are developing training and learning modules for non-instructional staff to use while working from home.  Useful resources on ergonomics have also been shared for staff working remotely.
  • Seattle Colleges Foundation has launched an Emergency Fund Campaign to support students who are in desperate need of financial assistance. The goal is to raise $500,000. I encourage you to make a donation at a level you feel comfortable. 

The COVID-19 virus has been very disruptive, and it is keeping us apart, but we must NOT allow it to threaten our community. I ask all of us to remain united while staying temporarily apart. Our future is tied together, and we will weather this crisis together.

We are facing a real test. This will demand patience, resilience, kindness, generosity, and sacrifice from us—collectively and individually. Hearing the words, seeing the actions, and feeling the spirit of our faculty, staff, and administrators across the system the last two weeks, I am confident that Seattle Colleges will remain strong. For sure, we will go through some rough waters, but we will survive, and we will thrive on the other end.

Allow me to express my heartfelt appreciation to every Seattle Colleges faculty and staff member for the remarkable amount of collaborative spirit, patience, and resilience you have displayed. 

Let us stay connected; let us stay safe; let us stay healthy. 

Sincerely,         

Shouan Pan, Chancellor, Seattle Colleges

In compliance with Gov. Inslee’s Stay-at-Home order, Seattle Colleges is closed to the public and operating only essential services at physical locations until midnight April 6. Supervisors will contact employees needed to operate these services.

Seattle Colleges will provide more information about operation and working conditions beyond April 7 as it becomes available.

Plans for Spring Quarter 2020 remain, with the following modifications:

  • We will announce a new date for opening core student services—such as bookstore, registration, financial aid, admissions, and cashiering—soon. Remote (online, phone, etc.) services remain available.
  • The Spring 2020 Academic Calendar has been adjusted:
    • April 6 – Tuition due date (originally March 9)
    • April 13 – SPRING QUARTER BEGINS
    • April 17 – Last day to withdraw with 100 percent refund (less processing fee). Last day to add/register (South)
    • April 24 – Last day to add/register—instructor permission required (Central and North). Last day to change audit/credit status without instructor permission.
    • April 29 – Last day to withdraw without a "W" appearing on transcript.
    • May 2 – Last day to withdraw with 50 percent refund.  
    • May 13 – Development Day
    • May 29 – Last day to change/audit credit status—instructor permission required. Last day to withdraw (no refund)
    • June 19 – SPRING QUARTER ENDS

Seattle Colleges remains committed to helping our students achieve their academic goals. We are balancing this with the need to keep our students and employees healthy and safe. This may require more modification to these plans. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

In the meantime, stay home and stay healthy.

Seattle Colleges will start spring quarter classes Monday, April 13, and offer instruction through online and alternative modes for the entire quarter, except for those programs requiring labs, face-to-face, and hands-on instruction due to regulatory or accreditation requirements. The colleges will have limited on-site services. (See the college websites for more details: NorthCentralSouth.)

The Seattle Colleges leadership team, under consultation with faculty leadership and with the current guidance from our state and health officials, has developed a plan for Spring Quarter 2020 that will allow students to continue to make academic progress and achieve their educational goals.

Spring Quarter classes will start April 13 primarily through online and alternative modes of instruction where possible. Programs requiring labs, face-to-face, and hands-on instruction will also begin April 13 at all campuses and locations. (See the college websites for more details.)

Students, faculty, and staff should prepare for online and alternative modes of instruction for the entire quarter, except for those noted.

This decision is in keeping with Gov. Inslee’s March 13 announcement calling for colleges and universities to transition to online and alternative modes of instruction through April 26. It also follows his guidance to observe social distancing and hygienic best practices for courses required to meet in person due to regulatory or accreditation requirements.  

Following are the adjustments that will be made to Spring Quarter 2020.

Beginning March 30
The following in-person services will be available on a limited basis for those who cannot access these resources online:

April 6-10

  • Faculty will use April 6-10 to prepare and adapt their classes for online and alternative modalities. 
  • Classes originally scheduled to begin Monday, April 6, will instead start on Monday, April 13.

Beginning April 13

  • Spring Quarter 2020 will begin for students on Monday, April 13.
  • Classes that cannot be offered online due to regulatory or accreditation requirements will meet in person while observing social distancing and hygienic best practices.
  • Students will receive information from their instructors about how to proceed with their respective courses.

April 27 and beyond

  • The end of Spring Quarter 2020, June 19, will remain as scheduled.
  • Faculty instruction will adapt as circumstances allow.

We appreciate your resilience and hard work as we adjust to these temporary measures for Spring Quarter. We believe these changes will allow us to protect our community while continuing to serve our students as they work to complete their education.

Today, Gov. Inslee called for colleges and universities to transition to online instruction, effective Monday, March 16, through Sunday, April 26. Classes that cannot be offered online due to regulatory or accreditation requirements may continue with social distancing, and core campus operations can continue.

This is aligned with our current planned operations for Winter Quarter and up to March 30. Employees are expected to work remotely, where possible, and remain readily available. Human Resources will follow up with additional information.

We know you are also thinking ahead to Spring Quarter and likely have many questions about it in light of Gov. Inslee’s comments today. The Seattle Colleges leadership team is meeting to determine the best way to provide instruction for Spring Quarter, which begins April 6. More information about Spring Quarter will be provided next week.

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Seattle Colleges will move to remote operations on Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27. All facilities will cease on-site operations except in the case of instructional programs that must meet face-to-face to satisfy regulatory or accreditation requirements.

Courses are continuing using alternative modes, where possible. Employees are expected to  work remotely, where possible, and remain readily available. Please contact your supervisor for more details.

Seattle Colleges will resume operations March 30, pending guidance from public health officials. Seattle Colleges plans to begin Spring Quarter April 6 as scheduled. 

Telecommuting, Human Resources, and Information Technology (IT)

  • Employees should check their email for a districtwide message from Human Resources detailing the policy and procedures for telecommuting and follow up accordingly with their supervisor. Refer to procedures for Policy 447 on Telecommuting.
  • Employees with questions should contact their supervisor.
  • IT is working to meet and support the technology needs of employees moving to remote operations/telecommuting. Refer to the IT website for more information.
  • In addition to working via telecommuting, employees will be encouraged to take the opportunity to complete online training modules for such initiatives as ctcLink. A website with links to online training opportunities is being developed and will be shared when complete.

We are following the recommendations of public health experts and the request of elected officials in making this decision.  Gov. Inslee’s event announcement reinforced social distancing strategies, and Public Health of Seattle & King County has encouraged employers to enable as many employees as possible to telecommute—all in order to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

For Reference

Governor Calls for Cancellation of Events of 250 or More People

Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced new community strategies and social distancing plans to minimize COVID-19 exposure. Effective immediately and through March 31, 2020, unless extended, events taking place in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties bringing together more than 250 people are prohibited. This order applies to gatherings for social, spiritual, and recreational activities.

Seattle Public Schools Close for Minimum of Two Weeks

Seattle Public Schools announced today that beginning Thursday, March 12, all school activities, including instruction, child care, health services, enrichment, and events, are canceled for a minimum of 14 days and until further notice.

Your Work Is Appreciated

Dear Seattle Colleges Community,

With reports of the global and local spread of COVID-19, we are writing to express our sincere appreciation of your resilience and ask for your continued support and engagement. 

Despite the reality and severity of this situation, we are buoyed by your response. Each day, as new challenges emerge, you demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, empathy, and resilience.

College and district leaders are meeting daily—often more than once—to stay on top of this situation. The health, safety, and well-being of our community are a top concern as we keep equity and fairness at the forefront of our decisions.

We thank the members of our districtwide and college emergency response teams; our health, safety, and security officers; and the custodial staff at all of our facilities for their tireless work and steadfast commitment.

We also appreciate our faculty, who are working hard to move to alternative teaching modalities. This is no small task, and their dedication to our students is evident. 

Our student services and other administrative staff members across the district are showing great dedication as they work to serve students and meet the challenges of the day. 

And finally, thanks to our students for their patience and concern as we continue to work to meet their needs in this extraordinary circumstance.

We will continue to manage this unique situation—and the resulting disruptions—with our best short- and long-term interests in mind. During this challenging time, let’s stay healthy and supportive and work wisely.

Thank you for your calm and patience. With care, concern, and thoughtful leadership, we will get through this together.

Sincerely,

Steve Hill, Chair, Board of Trustees, and Shouan Pan, Chancellor, Seattle Colleges

Today, as districtwide preparations were made to move class instruction to alternative modes, we received unfortunate news: South Seattle College has received confirmation of a positive COVID-19 case. 

South’s main campus will now transition to remote operations starting Tuesday, March 10. It will keep this status through Winter Quarter (March 25). During this time, the main campus in West Seattle will be closed. Students will continue with online/alternative instruction, and employees will work remotely where possible. Cleaning and disinfecting protocols have been established and will begin on Tuesday.

Information gathered so far indicates limited exposure to one classroom in the University Center Building (UNI) from the student who was attending an evening class. 

Details About South’s Remote Operations

  • Students should avoid the West Seattle campus from March 10 to March 25. Students should contact their instructors for information on their courses. 
  • Staff and faculty may come to campus on Tuesday, March 10, to consult with their supervisor and gather necessary supplies for remote work. 
  • Georgetown Campus, NewHolly Learning Center classrooms, and the Harbor Island Training Center will remain open (with possible alternative modes of instruction in place) at this time. 
  • More info at southseattle.edu/coronavirus.

Please keep everyone at South in your thoughts. 

Stay Informed

To ensure you receive vital notices, please make sure your contact information, including alternative contact information, is up to date in the Seattle Colleges Alerts system at www.getrave.com/login/seattlecolleges. Also, continue to watch your Seattle Colleges email and the Seattle Colleges COVID-19 website at www.seattlecolleges.edu/coronavirus.

Each college will also post regular updates specific to their campuses.

To date, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at any Seattle Colleges locations.

Beginning Monday, March 9, Seattle Colleges is moving from in-person classroom instruction to the appropriate alternative modality for each class, when and where possible. This includes satellite locations and will continue through the end of the Winter Quarter (March 25). The move is in accordance with the COVID-19 recommendations from Public Health ­­— Seattle and King County to reduce large numbers of people coming together at the same time.

Classroom and instructional staff will make local decisions about which modes to employ for each particular course. Colleges and instructors will send more detailed information soon.

No Classes Monday, March 9, for Faculty Prep; Instructional Resources, Business and Student Services Remain Open

There will be no classes on Monday, March 9. Instead, faculty and staff will use the day to adapt their coursework to the alternative formats and communicate with students. Classes will resume Tuesday, March 10, reflecting the instructional changes.

All student and business services will remain open and maintain regular business hours and students are welcome on campus to use the services as necessary.

Students should contact their instructors with any course-related questions or concerns about having access to appropriate technology.

Moving instruction to alternative modes will help minimize the number of people physically on campus and help maintain the “social distancing” prescribed by health officials.

If a member of the Seattle Colleges community tests positive for COVID-19, district operations will be reassessed.

Current Status

  • Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students or employees at any Seattle Colleges locations. All colleges (Central, North, and South), specialty training centers (Georgetown, Health Education Center, Maritime, NewHolly, Wood Technology), and district offices in Siegal Center remain open.
  • Seattle & King County Public Health is not recommending that schools proactively close unless they have a confirmed case of COVID-19. If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 at any of our colleges, we will work with Public Health officials to determine the best measures, including potential closure of one or more of our colleges or specialty training centers.
  • Given the rise in number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in King County, Seattle Colleges Emergency Response Team (ERT) had decided to elevate Seattle Colleges to Level 2 on the following scale:
    • Level 1: Planning period
    • Level 2: Elevated risk with minimal hazard to students/staff—current level
    • Level 3: Pandemic imminent
    • Level 4: Campus closes
  • Seattle Colleges’ ERT – which includes the chancellor, the three college presidents, the vice chancellor for academics and student success, human resources and operations, health and safety, and communications professionals – continues to meet on a daily basis to assess the situation, establish priorities, and coordinate leadership and planning to respond to the issues at hand.
  • Seattle Colleges’ ERT will meet again today, Friday, March 6, at 4:30 p.m. Further communication may occur after that meeting. The ERT is also scheduled to meet on Sunday, March 8.

Externally Hosted Events with More Than 50 Attendees Will Be Cancelled Through the Month of March

  • Seattle Colleges’ ERT has decided to cancel all externally hosted events expecting more than 50 attendees at all of our colleges and centers for the month of March. This is to minimize any potential risks of exposure to our communities and to those external groups and the public who would attend.
  • The colleges will contact those external groups and work with them.
  • Many external groups had already decided to cancel or postpone their events.
  • Decisions about internal events or events hosted by the colleges themselves will be determined on a case-by-case basis by each college. Notification of any cancellation of internal events will be given by each college.

Possible Scenarios

Seattle Colleges’ ERT has adopted action plans for two possible scenarios. Other scenarios may be considered as well.

Scenario 1: Students or employees who are not ill and do not have symptoms but have had close contact with a person with lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 will be asked to go home immediately and quarantined for 14 days, per Seattle & King County Public Health guidelines. Public Health makes the decision if a student or employee requires quarantine. Seattle Colleges will work with Seattle & King County Public Health on any related issues.

Scenario 2: While there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at any Seattle Colleges locations, we are prepared for all possibilities. In the event of a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 in a Seattle Colleges employee or student who has been in attendance at one of our sites, we will work with Public Health officials to determine the best measures, including potential closure of one or more of our colleges or specialty training centers. Events at that college or specialty training center also will be canceled so we can activate disinfecting protocols. Closure communication will be sent to students and employees via Seattle Colleges Alerts and email. We will work with Seattle & King County Public Health to determine the length of the school closure based on the unique circumstances of the case.


What to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms but haven't been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (from Seattle & King County Public Health)

  • The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These can be symptoms of other respiratory illnesses as well as COVID-19.
  • If you are in a high-risk category and have symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider for advice. If you are at risk for serious illness, your health care provider may arrange a test for COVID-19.
  • If you do not have a highrisk condition and your symptoms are mild, you do not need to be tested for COVID-19. Do not go out when you are sick, practice excellent hygiene, and wear a face mask when you are around other people if you can.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes. Avoid sharing personal household items. Clean your hands often. Clean all “high-touch” surfaces, like doorknobs often.
  • Monitor your symptoms and call your health care provider if symptoms worsen.
  • Stay home and avoid others for 72 hours after your fever goes down and symptoms get better.

Contact Information for COVID-19 Concerns and Questions

  • For general concerns and questions about COVID-19, call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800-525-0127.
  • If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you're a health care provider with questions about COVID-19, contact the King County novel coronavirus call center: 206-477-3977. The call center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students or employees at any Seattle Colleges locations. All colleges and district offices in Siegal Center remain open.

Students and employees, if you have a confirmed case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), you should notify your supervisor or instructor that you will be absent. King County will notify Seattle Colleges about any positive tests.

If You Show Symptoms…

If you show symptoms or have concerns, contact the King County novel coronavirus call center: 206-477-3977.  Their call center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT.

The associated symptoms of COVID-19 – fever, cough, and shortness of breath—are common to many other respiratory diseases. It is not uncommon for people to get sick this time of year, and these symptoms do not automatically mean a person has COVID-19. However, given the situation, it is a best practice to remain at home if you are not feeling well and to go home if you begin to feel sick.

  • If you are not feeling well, especially if you have fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other respiratory issues, you should not come to class or work.
  • If you begin to feel symptoms while already on campus, make arrangements to get home as soon as possible. 
  • Employees should notify their supervisors that they will be absent.
  • Students should notify their instructors that they will be absent. 
  • Contact your health care provider. Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
  • Continue to monitor your symptoms.
  • If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

If you notice a colleague or student exhibiting signs of illness:

  • It is appropriate to ask how they are feeling and encourage them to head home immediately if they are showing symptoms described above. 
  • Do not stigmatize people who are sick or assume anyone who coughs or sneezes has COVID-19.

Are Seattle Colleges, North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, or South Seattle College closing?

Seattle Colleges’ Emergency Response Team (ERT) – which includes the chancellor, the three college presidents, the vice chancellor for academics and student success, human resources and operations, health and safety, and communications professionals – continues to meet on a daily basis to assess the situation, establish priorities, and coordinate leadership and planning to respond to the issues at hand.

  • Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students or employees at any Seattle Colleges locations. All colleges and district offices in Siegal Center remain open.
  • Seattle & King County Public Health is not recommending closing schools at this time. If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 at any of our colleges, we will work with them to determine the best measures including potential closure of the school.
  • The ERT will discuss if Seattle Colleges should move to Level 2 on the following scale:
    • Level 1: Planning period—current level
    • Level 2: Elevated risk with minimal hazard to students/staff
    • Level 3: Pandemic imminent
    • Level 4: Campus closes

Cleaning and Disinfecting

  • Custodial teams at each of the colleges are working to prioritize and increase the frequency of wiping down and disinfecting door handles, handrails, and other “high touch” surfaces.
  • Please note, however, that with current custodial staffing, this new priority may result in other tasks not being completed as frequently as usual.
  • Seattle Colleges’ Health and Safety Team is working to determine if additional cleaning and disinfecting products can be made available to employees who are interested in using them in their areas. Each college will follow up with their employees as this is confirmed.

Events

Business Travel

  • Seattle Colleges follows CDC guidelines for travel.
  • If you, as an employee, have scheduled a trip for Seattle Colleges business, contact your supervisor and discuss your options.
  • If you are sick, you should not travel.
  • If you are returning to the U.S. from out of the country, you will want to monitor your health, look for symptoms, and consider self-quarantine at home.

No Confirmed Cases at Seattle Colleges

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students or employees at any Seattle Colleges locations.

Seattle Colleges Emergency Response Team (ERT)

The Seattle Colleges ERT – which includes the chancellor, the three college presidents, the vice chancellor for academics and student success, health and safety and communications professionals, and others – continues to meet daily at 4 p.m. 

Current Risk Level

The Seattle Colleges ERT has determined that Seattle Colleges remains at Level 1, Planning, on the following scale:

Level 1: Planning period—current level
Level 2: Elevated risk with minimal hazard to students/staff
Level 3: Pandemic imminent
Level 4: Campus closes

Working to Increase Frequency of Disinfecting “High Touch” Surfaces
The health of our students, employees, and guests is a top priority. Custodial teams at each of the colleges are working to prioritize and increase the frequency of wiping down and disinfecting door handles, handrails, and other “high touch” surfaces. Please note, however, that with current custodial staffing, this new priority may result in other tasks not being completed as frequently as usual.

Hand Sanitizers and Handwashing
With the rise in awareness of preventing COVID-19, across the U.S., hand soaps, hand sanitizers, and other disinfecting products are in high demand. Some vendors’ stocks are being depleted, and some products are on back order. Where possible, our colleges are making hand sanitizer available for everyone to use.

While hand sanitizers are a convenient option, good handwashing hygiene is still among the best ways to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses. This is especially true for COVID-19 given how it is believed to be transmitted. For more information on handwashing, visit CDC’s handwashing website: www.cdc.gov/handwashing.

No Confirmed Cases at Seattle Colleges

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students or employees at any Seattle Colleges locations. Additionally, no Seattle Colleges nursing students have had learning experiences at Life Care Center in Kirkland or at Evergreen Health, where patients had exposure to COVID-19. At this time Seattle & King County Public Health is not recommending widespread school closures or cancellation of activities at schools.

Following Protocols

Seattle Colleges is following its existing protocols and procedures for health emergencies. This includes:

  • Working closely with local, state, and federal officials.
  • Activating our Emergency Response Team and incident command process.
  • Communicating information as it becomes available.

Current Risk Level

The Emergency Response Team – which includes the chancellor, the three college presidents, the vice chancellor for academics and student success, health and safety and communications professionals, and others – has reviewed the disaster preparedness plan and has determined that Seattle Colleges is at Level 1, Planning, on the following scale:

  • Level 1: Planning period—current level
  • Level 2: Elevated risk with minimal hazard to students/staff
  • Level 3: Pandemic imminent
  • Level 4: Campus closes

This team has instituted a daily meeting regarding COVID-19 planning and related issues.

Today at an 11 a.m. press conference, Seattle & King County Public Health announced four new COVID-19 cases, bringing the overall total in King County to 14.

On Saturday, February 29, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency, allowing resources to be used in preparing for and dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak.

Seattle Colleges Alerts

Students, faculty, and staff, you are highly encouraged to make sure your contact information is correct and current for Seattle Colleges Alerts at www.getrave.com/login/seattlecolleges. Seattle Colleges Alerts is the official emergency notification system used by Seattle Colleges.