SPC's Response:
ISSUED: August 6, 2020 I Dr. Robin Satterwhite, President
Dear South Plains College Community:
We are very excited about the beginning of the Fall 2020 semester, and we are very eager to welcome back our students, faculty, staff, and community members as we reopen our campuses. As we return, our primary goal will be to provide a safe environment for everyone. We have implemented a number of changes across campus the help achieve this safe environment.
- Cleaning and sanitizing efforts have been increased.
- Classrooms have been adjusted to accommodate a smaller number of students that are distanced appropriately.
- Classes are offered in a variety of flexible formats to limit the number of students in each class and to support students through a number of modalities.
- Meals will be served in a grab-and-go manner to reduce the number of students dining in the cafeteria and provide a safer dining experience.
- Hand sanitizer stations will be installed across all campuses to provide for student safety.
- Face coverings will be required in all SPC buildings to help reduce the spread of viruses.
We have compiled an SPC “Return to Campus Plan” that includes all of the aspects of the college and how we will operate this Fall. Please know that this is a “living” document that will undoubtedly undergo changes and modifications as new information becomes available to us. Please look through this plan carefully to understand what the operations of the College will look like in addition to what you can do to help.
Our number one goal is to protect the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. However, it is imperative that everyone join together to meet this goal.
- All students, faculty, and staff will be required to wear a face covering in all SPC buildings.
- All students, faculty, and staff should monitor their health and notify appropriate personnel and their health provider if they experience any symptoms related to COVID-19.
- Everyone should be diligent in social distancing, hand washing, and covering coughs/sneezes.
I want to encourage everyone to be kind, understanding, patient, and respectful of one another as we strive to provide a safe college environment.
In order for this semester to be the best it can be for everyone, here are some things we need from you, as an SPC student:
- CHECK YOUR SPC EMAIL! Our faculty will be reaching out early and often via your SPC email. In order to be up-to-date on everything going on in your classes, please make sure you check your email daily. Information on how to check your SPC email can be found here.
- CHECK YOUR BLACKBOARD!All of our classes will have a Blackboard component this Fall semester. Our faculty will have your class syllabus posted and ready for you to view on Tuesday, August 18th. We hope this gives you plenty of time to prepare for each of your classes so you can show up ready to roll the first day of class on Monday, August 24th. Information on Blackboard can be found here.
Finally, we have developed an SPC COVID-19 Response website that has helpful resources about personal health, college support services, and operational plans for the Fall semester. [SPC COVID-19 Response] Please take some time to review this website so you know what to expect as we begin a new semester.
Welcome back to South Plains College! We are happy that you will be joining us this Fall, and we want your experience at SPC to be positive and safe as we all return to campus.
Sincerely,
Robin Satterwhite, Ed.D.
President
ISSUED: May 1, 2020 I Dr. Robin Satterwhite, President
South Plains College officials announced today that plans are underway to safely resume operations at all campus locations for the 2020 fall semester, including face-to-face instruction and residential life.
“Of critical importance to our decision-making as we re-open the college is the health and safety of the SPC community,” said Dr. Robin Satterwhite, SPC president. “The college’s administrative leadership is working to put into place safety protocols in consultation with local and state health care officials and governmental authorities for a phased re-opening and resumption of services.”
South Plains College has already moved all classes offered for the first summer session which begins June 1 to online formats. Opportunities are being explored to offer some face-to-face courses, particularly in the lab sciences, for the second summer term. The college’s current fall schedule of classes includes both face-to-face and online course offerings.
Preparations are being made for phased return of employees to each SPC location, beginning with limited crews of administrative employees on May 11 to prepare for opening the college to students and the public May 18. A plan for a larger-scale return of employees who have been working remotely will be developed under appropriate healthcare guidance and in compliance with local and state directives.
“As we make these plans, we will be taking precautions to ensure the well-being of those in our community who are most at-risk, following strict guidelines for safety and CDC standards,” said Dr. Satterwhite.
Plans call for the continued practice of social-distancing and safety protocols in classrooms, labs and offices. The college’s health and wellness personnel are developing recommendations for the use of protective masks, frequent handwashing, sanitation, protective barriers and other safety measures. Students will be encouraged to make appointments with student services and administrative offices as needed and to continue to access online services as much as possible.
“What we have learned during the spring semester and what we will learn this summer as we establish and test safety protocols will guide us as we prepare for a more open campus this fall semester,” said Dr. Satterwhite. “It’s clear that we will be conducting the business of the college in a way that requires flexibility and adaptation to the dynamic environment we are currently experiencing. We will continue to communicate our response plans as they are developed.”
ISSUED: April 10, 2020 I Dr. Robin Satterwhite, President
Dear South Plains College Students:
The COVID-19 pandemic has created ripples of uncertainty and change through every aspect of all of our lives. However, I want to congratulate every one of you for your courage and perseverance throughout these changes. Our SPC faculty and staff have shifted all instruction and operations dramatically, and you have responded admirably! I am very proud of your adaptation during these uncertain and unprecedented times.
After careful consideration among the SPC Administration and Board of Regents, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all Spring 2020 Commencement Ceremonies. Graduation is a very special time for our students as well as our faculty and staff. Celebrating the accomplishments of our students is one of the high points of every academic year. Unfortunately, to comply with our state leaders’ guidelines and to maintain the safety of our students, their families, our faculty and staff, and our communities, we believe this is the best decision for the College.
We have been working together to find ways to still make this momentous occasion special. First, we will invite any interested graduates to participate in our commencement ceremonies next year. We want each of you to have the opportunity to walk the stage to celebrate your successes. Second, we will send each of our graduating students a special package that will include their regalia for pictures with family and friends, printed programs with your graduating information, and other materials. Last, we will be sending out announcements in our media outlets and within social media to publicly recognize our graduates for their exceptional accomplishment.
I am deeply saddened by our decision to cancel our commencement ceremonies. However, we remain focused on your safety and that of your loved ones. Please stay dedicated to successfully completing this semester and stay strong as we all weather this storm together. You make all of us at South Plains College very proud, and we wish you a very safe conclusion to this semester.
Sincerely,
Robin Satterwhite, Ed.D.
President, South Plains College
ISSUED: March 30, 2020 I Dr. Robin Satterwhite, President
Dear SPC Students, Faculty and Staff:
In response to the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive from the Hockley County Judge, South Plains College will close to all employees, visitors, and students beginning tomorrow night (Tuesday, March 31) at midnight. This closure will be effective for all campuses including Levelland, Plainview, Reese, and Lubbock. Below are points of clarification.
Instruction
- All instruction will continue in an online format.
- Wifi access is available in certain parking lots across the multiple SPC campuses. Our IS staff have worked to make this accessible to the greatest degree possible. This is primarily accessible at the Levelland campus.
Students
- Students, please remain strong during these times! Make sure to communicate regularly with your instructors. Our goal is to help you be successful during these times of change!
- Residence Halls remain open to those students who do not have other safe access to shelter and dining.
- Dining services with takeout meals are available to students who remain in the residence halls.
- The Technology Center will not be available during this “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive. Residence Hall students will have access to computers and printers within the residence halls.
SPC Staff
- SPC staff will continue to work in remote locations to meet the needs of our students and maintain the essential operations of the College. Intermittent on-site requirements will be shared by your respective supervisors. Any intermittent requirements will be in compliance with all CDC and Department of Health standards.
- All SPC staff will continue to be paid normal workweek hours. Employees should coordinate with direct supervisors to ensure time is appropriately submitted.
As always, our primary goal is to protect the health of our students, faculty, and staff, and communities. We also want to remain compliant with local and state officials and their respective directives. Thank you all for your amazing support and work during these unprecedented times! I have been impressed with the teamwork to maintain the education of our students!
Thank you, all!
ISSUED: March 19, 2020 I Dr. Robin Satterwhite, President
Dear SPC Students, Faculty, and Staff:
The circumstances we are facing are unprecedented and are changing on an hour-by-hour basis. With that in mind, I want to provide a brief update on the plans for South Plains College.
Students
- Our goal is to move all instruction to an online format. While many of our courses have already done this, we are working to meet this goal in every opportunity possible. There may be some exceptions with some Technical Education courses and some Health Occupation courses. We will address these on a course-by-course basis. As a plan is developed we will be communicating these requirements to all of you through your course instructors.
- We anticipate having all Arts & Sciences courses online before your return on March 30. However, these requirements and plans will also be sent to you by your instructors to explain the processes for accomplishing the learning outcomes of the course.
- Instructors with online courses will be working remotely, so please be diligent and responsible with your communications with these instructors to ensure that you have the proper information to complete the course.
Resident Halls
- Currently, our resident halls will remain open to students who must return after the Spring Break (March 23). We will continue to offer dining services for on-campus students and will work to ensure a safe environment for our dining residents.
On-Campus Operations
- SPC will be moving to a skeleton-crew operations. This will not impact every employee. Supervisors are currently developing plans to reduce the number of personnel we have on campus while continuing to meet the educational and operational requirements of the College.
Graduation Ceremonies
- SPC has not made any decisions regarding our 2020 graduation ceremonies. We will wait and make these decisions at a later date.
Recommendations
- If you have a compromised immune system, or you are caring for anyone with a compromised immune system, please contact your supervisor immediately to determine how to best distance yourself from groupings of people.
- Please wash your hands diligently and regularly, cover your coughs and sneezes, and use social distancing as regularly as possible.
- If you are feeling ill, stay home! Please contact your instructor (students) or supervisor (employees) to address any missed time.
We are responding as quickly and as responsibly as we can with the ever-changing information that we have. Please be patient and supportive with one another and our processes.
Stay healthy and safe.
Robin Satterwhite, MBA, Ed.D.
South Plains College
President
ISSUED: March 12, 2020 I Dr. Robin Satterwhite, President
South Plains College is taking proactive measures to reduce the potential exposure and associated risks of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to the SPC community. We are in regular communication with the Texas Department of State Health Services and local healthcare officials to evaluate the spread of the virus. At the time of this letter, there are no suspected or identified cases of the virus within the SPC community or the immediate region.
In response to recommendations to reduce the spread of the virus, and with concurrence with the SPC Board of Regents, South Plains College will take the following immediate actions:
Classes
- South Plains College will cancel all classes for the week of March 23 – March 27.
- Beginning March 30, all classes will resume. Many instructors will work to transition classes to an online format; however, this will be done in consideration of the instruction delivered, the practical ability to shift to an online format, the students’ needs within the classroom, and the functionality of online instruction. Instructors will provide direction on how each course will be administered beginning March 30.
- Classes that continue to be held face-to-face should exercise the greatest caution in maintaining social distance and should remain vigilant in hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes.
- The SPC technology center will remain in operation beginning March 23 to provide technology support for any students who need resources to take classes that have been transitioned to an online format.
- This will remain in effect until further notice. However, as information changes, the College may transition back to normal operations as available.
- Dual credit courses will continue as regularly scheduled with a return date of March 23 and will remain on the same schedule as the associated ISD.
Campus Operations
- All South Plains College offices will remain in operation beginning March 23. The operations include business offices, student services offices, student housing, dining services, and support operations.
- Faculty and staff will be on duty as usual beginning March 23. Faculty and staff will work in conjunction with Chairs, Deans, and supervisors to ensure adequate instructional support for all classes (online and face-to-face).
- If necessary, students may return to resident halls after spring break, and dining services will remain available beginning March 23.
- Student workers should not return to work until March 30.
Recommendations
- As with any communicable respiratory disease, we recommend that you use appropriate precautions such as frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes.
- We recommend that faculty, staff, and students avoid any unnecessary travel that may increase the risk of exposure to any virus.
- If you begin to feel ill, please stay at home and contact the college to provide an update on your health condition.
Thank you all for your flexibility as South Plains College acts to ensure the health and wellbeing of our college community!
Sincerely,
Robin Satterwhite, Ed.D.
