Student Resources

Face-to-Face Classes Will Resume as Scheduled After Thanksgiving (November 3, 2020)

In advance of the upcoming Thanksgiving break, some have asked if face-to-face classes will resume as scheduled or be moved online following the College’s holiday closure. Since the pandemic began, the College has taken many proactive measures to promote the health and safety of our campus community, including but not limited to, rigorous cleaning and disinfecting with hospital-grade supplies, a mandatory mask requirement, physical distancing in classrooms, designated building entry/exit points, and robust contact tracing. 

Additionally, the number of positive cases on campus this semester has remained low. At the time of this email (11/3/20), only .6 percent of the campus community (students/faculty/staff) is currently positive. From a larger perspective, since the fall semester began on August 17, less than 2 percent of our campus community has tested positive at some point.

College administration regularly reviews the Return to Campus Plan and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance as well as collaborates with the Jefferson County Health Department to make the most informed decisions. At this time, the College believes that classes can be safely held on campus through the duration of the fall semester. 

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Kimberly Harvey-Manus, Vice President of Student Services, at 636-481-3200 or kharvey@jeffco.edu. 

How Does Jefferson County’s COVID-19 Status Impact Jefferson College? 

The Jefferson College Return to Campus Plan is not based solely on the status of Jefferson County. A possible shift to "Red" status does not dictate an immediate closure of the College. At this time, the College will continue to follow the processes and procedures that have been implemented along with ongoing contact tracing to make sure that students and employees are safe. The College is already in alignment with recommendations for schools associated with a county wide "red" designation.  

We continue to make the health and safety of employees, students, and campus visitors the highest priority as we respond to issues surrounding COVID-19. Thank you for continuing to work together for the safety of our college community. Each one of us has an important responsibility to minimize the spread of COVID and all viruses.

Health and Safety Update (August 26, 2020)

Wondering what to do if you have symptoms you think may be COVID-related? The following information is taken from the Jefferson College Return to Campus Plan that contains important protocols and procedures designed to keep students and employees safe. It is very important to stay home if you are sick or may have been exposed to COVID-19.

The health, safety, and well-being of the campus community is of paramount concern, guiding all COVID-related decision-making processes. Jefferson College's standards and protocols are at least as stringent as the Jefferson County Health Department and the CDC. 

Self-Quarantine Requirements - Students or employees who have symptoms of COVID-19 (i.e., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) must stay home and notify their instructors and supervisor. Students should also notify the Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Kim Harvey-Manus, at kharvey@jeffco.edu. They will be encouraged to contact their healthcare provider and/or local health department and follow CDC guidance for symptoms.

If a student or employee thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19, they must stay home and notify their instructors or supervisor. Students should also notify the Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Kim Harvey-Manus, at kharvey@jeffco.edu. They should also contact their healthcare provider immediately and follow CDC guidance for quarantine.

If a student or employee is sick, they should follow CDC-recommended steps by not returning to campus until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home-patients.html

If a student or employee is well but has a sick family member at home with COVID-19, they should notify their instructors or supervisor and follow CDC recommended precautions. Students should also notify the Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Kim Harvey-Manus, at kharvey@jeffco.edu.

Returning to Campus After Having Tested Positive - After having met CDC guidelines for quarantine, a student or employee may return to campus after all of the following conditions have been met: (1) the student or employee has had no fever for at least 48 hours (that is, 2 full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers); (2) COVID symptoms have improved (for example, cough, shortness of breath, etc.); and, (3) at least 10 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared. Additionally, a student or employee is required to again complete the Acknowledgement of Return to Campus Guidelines.

A doctor's note to a supervisor or faculty member does not indicate a return by the individual. Official return status is confirmed by the Vice President of Student Services (for students) or the Human Resources Specialist (for employees).

Reminder of Campus Mask Policy - Masks are required by everyone at all times inside campus buildings, with some exceptions for pre-approved activities and programs. Because the CDC does not recommend use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for cloth face coverings, students are required to wear a cloth or disposable facemask. Face shields may be used by employees only in situations when six-foot physical distancing can be maintained. 

Students who require ADA accommodations, resources, etc., should contact the Disability Support Services Coordinator to discuss options per the Facemask Accommodation Policy. Employees who require ADA accommodations should contact the Human Resources Specialist.

Any student or employee who does not wear a mask or does not appropriately wear a face covering will be asked to comply with the College's safety protocols. Those who refuse or repeatedly fail to follow the guidelines will be subject to student or employee disciplinary measures and may be asked to leave campus.

We continue to make the health and safety of employees, students, and campus visitors the highest priority as we respond to issues surrounding COVID-19. Thank you for continuing to work together for the safety of our college community. Each one of us has an important responsibility to minimize the spread of COVID and all viruses.

Campus Health Safety Updates

• Return to Campus Plan (August 6, 2020)
• Student & Family Virtual Town Hall Video (July 30, 2020)
• Masks Required for All as Safety Precaution (July 1, 2020)

View the following resources and contact us if you have questions or need additional assistance.

• Academic Advising Assistance - Register Fall, Wintersession and Spring Classes
  
  • Email advisor@jeffco.edu (best for current students and new students who have completed the admissions application process).
    
    
• Academic Success Center
  
  • The Academic Success Center is available to assist students in the subjects of Science, Math, Writing, Computer Technology, and Political Science/History.  Our Foundations Lab staff is also available for students needing help improving their Math, Reading, and Writing skills.  To meet with an instructor, go to https://www.jeffco.edu/ASC and select location, then the subject in which help is needed.  Also, Peer Tutors are available for students who prefer to work with another student.  Contact Richard Stephenson at rstephe4@jeffco.edu for more information on the Academic Success Center and Peer Tutoring.

• Admissions Questions /High School Senior FAQ Survey
• Email admissions@jeffco.edu (best for prospective students or dual credit students)
• View the High School Senior FAQ Survey
  
  
• Behavioral Concerns, Student Conduct, and Title IX Services
  • Services provided through Behavioral Concerns reporting, Student Conduct programs, and/or Title IX programs are still available for any member of the Jefferson College community. To discuss concerns or information related to Behavioral Concern or Student Conduct, please contact Kristine Bogue at kbogue1@jeffco.edu. To discuss concerns or information related to Title IX, please contact Dr. Kim Harvey-Manus at kharvey@jeffco.edu.
    
    
• Bookstore
  • The Hillsboro Bookstore hours are available at https://www.bkstr.com/jeffersonstore/home. Only a limited number of visitors will be allowed in the store at a time and social distancing requirements will be observed.

• Cashier Questions
  • Email cashier@jeffco.edu. The cashier can answer questions relating to payments (including online payments and payments sent through the mail), payment plans, student refunds and 1098-T. 
    
    
• Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Emergency Aid
  • Learn more or contact the College’s Office of Student Financial Services via email at finaid@jeffco.edu.
    
    
• COVID-19 Testing
  • The Jefferson County Health Department has put together information about the types of available tests and testing sites.

• Financial Aid Questions
  • Email finaid@jeffco.edu
    
    
• Questions & Answers
  • View a list of questions and answers that cover a variety of topics.

• Student Mental Health Services
  • Students may contact counseling services anonymously through the use of the Interactive Screening Program. 

• Transcripts
  • Request transcripts online. Transcripts can be sent electronically via the National Student Clearinghouse.