Health & Safety Concerns - Spring 2021

As of spring 2021, the following represents our current responses to members' frequently asked questions relating to the coronavirus pandemic. As you know, however, the situation is changing constantly. We will make every effort to keep this updated. You may also call the FA office (631-451-4151) or email Kevin McCoy for updates or further information regarding any actions you may take based on the following.  

What safety precautions have been taken to ensure that the campuses are safe?

• The SCCC plant maintenance staff have worked extremely hard over the summer to reconfigure classrooms, labs and other public spaces to ensure social distancing; reconfigure the college’s HVAC units according to CDC guidelines; and install plexiglass in public areas. This fall they are sanitizing classrooms, labs and libraries after student use. The college has provided a complete list of safety measures online.

All my classes are remote/online. Do I need to come to campus for office hours or meetings?

• No. Currently all office hours will be done remotely. If you have questions remote office hours, contact your academic chair. Likewise, all meetings should be held using videoconferencing software (MS Teams, Collaborate, or Zoom).

All my classes are remote/online. Am I allowed to come on campus and use my office?

• Yes, but you will need to get permission from your academic chair or area supervisor. The college will ensure that you will be able to social distance while you work and arrange for the area to be sanitized after you leave. You will also need to fill out the COVID-19 Employee Return-to-Work Questionnaire before arriving on campus. 

I am nonclassroom faculty. Am I required to come on campus?

• Yes, the college is requiring all nonclassroom faculty to report to campus on a modified schedule. Most nonclassroom faculty will work 50% on campus and 50% from home.  Some departments require faculty to work more than 50% on campus. If you have a preexisting condition or if you have child care issues due to schools or daycare facilities being closed, you can request accommodations by contacting the Office of Human Resources by phone (631-451-4239) or by email.  

Are students screened before they come on campus?

• Students are required to complete the Student Daily Health Screening Questionnaire each time they come on campus. The screening survey includes a question that requires the student to adhere to the college’s mask and physical distancing rules. 

What should I do if a student is not wearing mask?

• If you are comfortable approaching the student, you should ask the student to put on a mask. If you are uncomfortable approaching the student or if the student starts to argue with you, you should call public safety (631-451-4242).

What should I do if an SCCC employee is not wearing mask?

• If you are comfortable approaching the employee, you should ask them to put on a mask. If you are uncomfortable approaching the employee or if the employee starts to argue with you, you should contact the employee’s supervisor and/or your campus executive dean.

Will I be contacted if a student or coworker tests positive for COVID?

• Over the summer, several SCCC health services staff members completed a contract tracing certification course. They will work with the Suffolk County Department of Health to determine who will need to be notified when a student or employee tests positive for COVID.  

My supervisor contacted me to tell me not to report to my workplace. Why is this happening?

• If there is a suspected case of COVID, the college might close areas for deep cleaning. This does necessarily indicate that a student or employee tested positive for COVID, just that a person in that area might have been exposed to COVID.

Does the college offer COVID testing to students, faculty or staff?

• The college will be starting a program later this month to test students who are required to be on campus. Faculty might be able to volunteer to be tested as part of this program. More details will be forthcoming in a college brief.

What happens if you are not cleared to come to campus?

• You will need to contact the Office of Human Resources by phone (631-451-4239) or by email. Human Resources staff will provide further instructions.  

I have been exposed to COVID and was told that I need to quarantine for 14 days. Will I have to use my accruals?

• There are federal and state programs that provide paid leave for employees who are told that they must quarantine. Human Resources will inform you if you are eligible for these programs.

Can I take a leave if I have a preexisting health condition or if I have childcare issues due to school closings?

• You might be eligible for a leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).  Contact the Office of Human Resources by phone (631-451-4239) or by email for additional information.