FSCC COVID-19 UPDATE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Critical Information about Coronavirus-Related Decisions Message from the President MARCH 13, 2020 12:00 PM Update
Dear Campus Community,
I am reaching out to assure you that FSCC Administration and our Crisis Management team are working directly with Bourbon County Emergency Management and the Bourbon County Health Department to determine best procedures and protocols to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. We are continually monitoring data and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Bourbon County Emergency Management, Bourbon County Health Department, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the state of Kansas, and other Federal government entities relative to our ongoing and evolving response. We will share all critical information, as this impacts our entire community.
At FSCC we are making decisions based on thoughtful review of the information made available to us, and in conjunction with the entities above, in our response to implement alternative methods of operations, instruction, and canceling of events. The continuous monitoring of critical information and a phased approach in our response concerning campus events, athletic events, and alternative methods of instruction allows us the opportunity to be flexible in our approach to a public health issue that is changing by the day/hour.
I want to address our rodeo that is currently in progress on campus. At this time the events at the rodeo will continue as planned, but it is a rapidly evolving situation and may change at any time. ALL INDIVIDUALS SHOULD DETERMINE IF THEY SHOULD ATTEND THE RODEO BASED ON WHAT THEY KNOW IS BEST FOR THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES. We have taken several steps to ensure the safety of all involved including increased hand sanitizers, posters on prevention of the spread of infectious diseases, and public announcements reiterating prevention measures. We have also given a list of all contestants and the schools they represent to Bourbon County Emergency Management, who coordinates with KDHE, in the event individuals need to be contacted.
Above all, I want to make it explicitly clear that the decisions we are making prioritize the safety and health of all faculty, staff, and students. These decisions are aimed at minimizing the impact of a public health issue on our local community. Immediate Campus-Wide Changes
The following changes will be effective immediately:
The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference has canceled all regular season competition for all teams, effective Friday, March 13 through April 1. This time will allow everyone to assess the current situation and plan accordingly. Angela Bates presentation sponsored by the Gordon Parks Museum scheduled for March 17 has been cancelled. Gordon Parks Museum will be temporarily closed to the public. Cosmetology will not be providing services for the remainder of March, the timeframe may be extended. FSCC Spring Play, Space Girl, postponed, will be rescheduled. The FSCC Endowment Dinner scheduled for April 7th has been cancelled. FSCC Aggie Day scheduled for April 3rd has been cancelled.
More information will be available in the coming days. Please check back regularly with this website for updated information on campus changes as we continue to navigate this public health crisis. I want to thank you for carefully reading this message and demonstrating your patience as we respond to this situation.
Respectfully,
Alysia Johnston President Fort Scott Community College