Message from Chancellor Houston regarding Back to Work
On behalf of the SCCCD Board, with humility and pride, I thank all of you for your success in making the transition to working remotely. I congratulate you for your work over this challenging year. Despite having lower enrollments, we saw a greater number of degrees and certificates earned. The data is clear, you put students first and kept student success at the forefront. You are to be applauded.
I am sure you are aware that the rate of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations has steadily come down in our area. It is now time to transition back to working onsite.
Our top priority is the well-being of SCCCD students, faculty, staff and the communities we serve. Therefore, the District and its Colleges decided on a phased-in approach to bringing employees back to work.
We plan to begin phasing-in managers to work onsite in June and then begin phasing-in classified staff in July. The goal is to have a more normalized onsite setting by August.
Some employees are understandably eager to return to their District and College worksites. All employees are to continue to work with their supervisors in the planning of the phased-in return. Thank you for your ongoing support and patience.
As we transition back to working onsite, we are mindful of the concerns some employees may have for their health and safety. Employees who have childcare or health concerns should coordinate with their supervisors for flexible work schedules or contact Human Resources for information about possible accommodations or leave options.
Although SCCCD is not currently requiring students or employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition to entering District campuses or facilities, we strongly encourage all faculty, staff, and students to voluntarily receive one of the COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and possible variants.
There has never been a better time to get your COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are now widely distributed throughout our Central Valley Region. Reedley College and Fresno City College continue to host vaccine centers and Madera and Clovis will have vaccine clinics too. Vaccines are readily available, and now, all Californians age 12 and up are eligible to receive their free vaccine.
On May 13th the CDC issued new guidance on facial coverings that permits a fully vaccinated individual to participate in many indoor and outdoor activities without a facial covering. And, on May 17th the Newsom administration announced that California would adopt the CDC’s new guidance on June 15th. In the ensuing weeks we anticipate the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to provide updated guidelines on implementing this new policy change. The District will evaluate the new guidelines as they apply to our campuses and facilities and will provide an update as more information becomes available. You may check on the status of the pending CDPH guidelines at the following website:
Until further notice, facial coverings will continue to be required to enter all District facilities due to the changes coming from the state. Facial coverings are required for those who work in shared spaces and those performing work in which they encounter the general public. The face coverings must also be worn in common areas indoors, such as hallways, elevators and stairwells. You are not required to wear a facial covering when you are the sole occupant of a room, such as your office.
CDC and County Public Health Department recommendations must still be followed.
As a reminder, please continue to exercise universal precautions:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces such as door knobs, counters, and handles.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or in your sleeve.
- Wear a facial covering when in public.
- If you are feeling ill or you are sick with a respiratory illness, stay home.
We are grateful to the Colleges’ planning teams for their careful consideration and planning efforts for the safe return of programs and services. We support your efforts to plan together with public health officials to ensure the needs of students are met while maintaining precautionary protocols.
We will continue to provide you with updates as new information becomes available. Please stay safe and in good health!
