Preparedness

Could I have COVID-19?

Could I have COVID-19?

If any of the following are true, call the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) at (505) 827-0006: 

  • You have fever, cough, or shortness of breath, and in the 14 days before your symptoms started, you visited China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, or were in contact with a person known to have COVID-19
  • You do not have fever, cough, or shortness of breath, but you did travel to China, Iran, Italy, or South Korea, in the last 14 days, or were in contact with a person known to have COVID-19

If you have a question regarding the policies please email questions to: ahealthystampede@mesalands.edu

 

Healthy Learning Environment

Mesalands Community College Campus Status

The COVID-19 virus is very fast moving, and is causing growing concerns as it evolves. Our priority is the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty. Currently the facility is open and classes are in session. 

FACULTY/Staff - See updated COVID-19 Policies. 

STUDENTS - See updated COVID-19 Policies. Students are strongly recommended to vaccinate, but are not required. Weekly testing is NOT required for students. 

COURSE DELIVERY METHODS (4 Pathways to Success) - Multiple modes of delivery will be used in the following semesters to help in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and allow for social distancing. Modes of delivery include the following: 

Online (asynchronous) Delivery – Students can complete their work using a schedule that meets their needs. Students must successfully complete all course work by the established deadlines. 

Online Live (asynchronous and synchronous) Delivery – Course delivery will occur remotely on an established schedule for the synchronous delivery where lectures, discussions, etc. will occur. Students may also complete their course work online on their own time and must meet the established deadlines. 

Hybrid Delivery (polysynchronous) – Faculty will meet with students face-to-face and online on a regularly set schedule. Students may then attend and complete a portion or all assignments in person or online. Faculty will instruct virtually or in the classroom. Students will attend simultaneously, with a portion viewing online and a portion attending in person. Technology enables polysynchronous communication in real-time.

Face-to-Face Delivery – Faculty and students will meet face-to-face at scheduled times. 

Cleaning and disinfecting learning and instructional spaces will occur on a daily basis to help in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout campus in hallways, by doors, etc. Disinfecting wipes will be in all classrooms and laboratories so students can clean their space at the beginning and end of class. 

In those instances masks must be worn, 6 feet of separation maintained, and CDC guidelines must be followed. At this time, the Mesalands Community College’s academic calendar is in effect. If any calendar changes are needed, the College administration will make such decisions and the Director of Public Relations will communicate that information.

COMMUNITY USE OF FACILITIES - The existing policies (see updated policies) for use of College facilities remains in place.

TRAVEL - Included in the executive order are the following new exceptions:

  • Offices hours will be opened Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
  • STUDENTS: Are expected to complete coursework online and in person, if required. Courses and hands-on classes may be conducted on campus while adhering to the CDC guidelines. Contact instructors with questions. For registration, call the campus. The schedules are available online: mesalands.edu/schedule
  • The Bookstore is available 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Thursday.
  • Faculty will continue communication with students and reconfigure assignments for quality learning outcomes.
  • Students are expected to complete course work online and in-person with Faculty configurations meeting quality learning outcomes.
  • Mesalands Community College administration is actively observing the public health concern and will announce any changes.
  • Any changes regarding facilities or students return will be broadcast through School email, website news, Facebook, and this informational resource. 

Please utilize trusted resources including the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of State, World Health Organization and New Mexico Department of Health.

Links and Information

CARES / HEERF

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education (ED) has worked to assist students and institutions during this time of change, closures and transitioning to online learning. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) that provides more than $14 billion in emergency funding to higher education. Of those funds, more than $6 billion must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants (HEERF-student share) for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Mesalands Community College received a total of $198,978 in which $99,489 must go directly to students; and the remaining $99,489 going to the institution to be used to offset the unexpected expenses associated with the transition into online learning. Since the funding was announced, we have we have received various updated guidance on how the funding is to be spent and distributed. In the last several weeks the financial aid office and business office have worked diligently to determine which of our students will qualify.

As per the Department of Education (ED), the following criteria determines which students qualify:

  • HEERF funds are not Title IV Aid, but Title IV Eligibility is Required
    • While HEERF-student share dollars are not Title IV aid, ED's April 21 guidance states that students must meet Title IV eligibility requirements in order to receive HEERF emergency grants. Students must have completed a FAFSA to determine eligibility and completed all verification requirements.
  • Expense vs. Need
    • HEERF-student share dollars are to aid students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus; this is different than a change in a student's financial need due to COVID-19, which could be a result of a loss of income rather than new expenses.
  • Direct to Students
    • Institutions must pay HEERF-student share emergency grants directly to students and may not apply the grants toward outstanding institutional charges.
  • Online Students
    • Students who were enrolled exclusively in online courses on March 13 (the date of President Trump's national emergency proclamation) are not eligible for HEERF-student share funds, per ED's April 21 guidance.  
  • International and Undocumented Students
    • ED's April 21 guidance states that students must meet Title IV eligibility requirements in order to receive HEERF-student share funds. Therefore, international and undocumented students are not eligible to receive emergency grants. 

To determine eligibility for Mesalands Community College students the following was
reviewed:

  • Students enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester prior to March 13th.
  • Title IV eligible students
  • Evaluation of student’s schedules, to determine who was enrolled in courses online only
  • Students attending full time (12 credit hours or more)
  • Students attending half-time to three-quarter time (6-11 credit hours)


It was determined that Mesalands has 109 eligible students for the Spring 2020 semester. Students attending full-time (12 credit hours or more) will receive $945.00 and students attending half to three quarter time (6-11 credit hours) will receive $652.00. Checks have been mailed to students as of Friday, May 15th (close of business day). Student funds were distributed to students as per guidance from the
Department of Education.

Reopen Plan

Reopen Plan

Facility Hours of Operation:

Campus Business Office: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday

Campus Book Store: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday

Student Affairs: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday

Dinosaur Museum: Open

The updated COVID-19 policies may be accessed here. It is a PDF that can be navigated. 

(.pdf, 85K)
Download Updated COVID-19 Policy

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance

EMERGENCY OPERATION GUIDE FOR OUTBREAKS OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

(Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Institutions of Higher Education)
To prepare for possible community transmission of infectious diseases, the most important thing for the College to do now is plan and prepare. As a global outbreak evolves, the College should prepare for the possibility of community-level outbreaks.

The first measure is preventative:
● Staying home when sick, appropriately covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and washing hands often.
● Ensure handwashing strategies include washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
● Information or changes to operations will be communicated with the College via mass notification systems such as text, emails and social media platforms to both staff and students. To opt into the Emergency Notification System, text: mccalerts to 575-461-4414 (Data rates may apply)

Plan for absenteeism:
● Students, staff, and faculty should not attend class or work when sick. Accommodations will be made for students (e.g., extended due dates, electronic submission of assignments) who may be temporarily unable to attend class due to restrictions placed on them related to possible exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
● Instructors should review/utilize Moodle shells for possible replacement of on-campus courses. Mesalands campus has the ability to administer all in-class courses online in the event of any closure.
● Critical job functions and positions will be evaluated for alternative coverage and by cross-training staff and faculty.
● Levels of absenteeism that will disrupt the continuity of teaching and learning will be evaluated.
● Closing of Tucumcari area schools, notifications from the Tucumcari/Quay County Emergency Manager, and/or local health officials, will also be monitored.

Procedures for students, staff, and faculty who are sick (with any illness) on-campus:
● Students, staff, and faculty who become sick (with any illness) on campus or arrive on campus sick are to be sent to their place of residence as soon as possible.
● Keep sick individuals separate from well individuals until they can leave.
● Student Affairs staff will evaluate sick residents of Stampede Village. We encourage everyone to “self-isolate”.
● If you are showing symptoms (Fever, Cough, Difficulty Breathing) call the Department of Health at 1-855-600-3453 if you are exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID-19.

Routine environmental cleaning (maintenance):
● Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with appropriate cleaners.
● Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (e.g., keyboards, desks, remote controls) can be wiped down by students, staff, and faculty before each use.
Communication:
● The sharing of information with employees and students will occur through mass notification systems such as: email, social media and texts via the Mesalands alert system.

If local health officials report there are cases of COVID-19 in the community:
● Mesalands will determine if, when, and for how long the College may need to suspend classes and postpone or cancel events and activities.
● Mesalands may at this point stay open for employees
● Keeping the facility open a) allows faculty to develop and deliver lessons and materials electronically, thus maintaining continuity of teaching and learning; and b) allows other staff members to continue to provide services and help with additional response efforts.
● If the condition worsens, only essential staff may remain, and in the worst-case scenario, the facility may close entirely.

If a student, staff, or faculty member attended class or was active on campus prior to being confirmed as a COVID-19 case:
● Local health officials may recommend temporary class suspension and event or activity cancellation. Individuals may be considered active on campus if they had attended class, work, work-study, or some other type of gathering or event (e.g., student meetings, recreational activities) on campus. Local health officials’ recommendations for the scope and duration of school dismissals will be made on a case-by-case basis using the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in an impacted community.
● The College will work with the local health department and other relevant leadership to communicate the possible COVID-19 exposure. This communication to the community will align with the communication plan in the College’s Emergency Operations Plan. In such a circumstance, it is critical to maintain confidentiality of the student, staff member, or faculty member as required by the Americans with Disabilities Actexternal icon and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Actexternal icon.
● College administrators will seek guidance from local health officials to determine when students, staff, and faculty should return to campus and what additional steps are needed for the College community. In addition, students, staff, and faculty who are well but are taking care of or share a home with someone with a case of COVID-19 should follow instructions from local health officials to determine when to return to campus.

Housing
● The College will work in close collaboration with local health officials to make all decisions related to on-campus housing.
● If cases of COVID-19 have not been identified among residents of on-campus community housing, students may be allowed to remain in on-campus housing. In this situation, educate housing residents on the precautions they should take to help protect themselves when there is community spread of COVID-19. Residents should follow any more specific recommendations provided by local health officials.
● If cases of COVID-19 have been identified among residents of on-campus community housing, Campus will work with local health officials to take additional precautions. Individuals with COVID-19 may need to be moved to temporary housing locations.