Surry Community College is committed to maintaining a healthy, safe environment while providing a high-quality educational experience for learners.
Updated: 04/09/2021
Surry Community College will continue to revisit and reevaluate the college’s procedures as the situation evolves. We ask that everyone continue to refer to this page for the most up-to-date information on anything related to the college’s institutional response.
The college is offering courses through a variety of instructional methods in spring 2021, including traditional, face-to-face delivery (socially distanced wherever possible), blended, hybrid, and online. Students will also be able to access college support services—Student Services, Library, Academic Support Center, Testing Center, Computer Lab, Helpdesk. The college encourages students to bring their own cloth face coverings, but face coverings will be issued at entry checkpoints for those who do not have them.
Face Coverings
Since the college has adopted cloth face coverings as a critical component of our community’s COVID-19 response, all students and/or guests are required to wear their cloth face covering whenever they enter any Surry Community College building. Students who are unwilling to comply may be disenrolled in seated courses and transitioned to online courses and/or subjected to other interventions as needed to protect the safety and well-being of other members. In instances of willful non-compliance and repeated violations, the college reserves the right to pursue disciplinary action. These expectations are effective through the publication of the SCC Spring 2021 Reopening Guide and remain in effect until modified or withdrawn. Adherence to the measures in the Reopening Guide are critical in the college’s efforts to maintain in-person instruction and to reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 spread.
Students in specialized programs (health sciences, EMT, Allied Health) will be provided PPE by the college due to the close contact required in these programs (skills check-offs with partners requiring hands-on contact, etc.). Students will be expected to wash their reusable cloth face coverings and bring them to class or they will not be allowed to participate.
All programs will practice social distancing whenever possible.
Student Guests
While the college has historically been receptive to students bringing friends, family, and other guests with them as they navigate various college services (advising, registration, etc.), no guests will be allowed with students during this time. This practice is to ensure the greatest safety for the college community and to minimize the logistical challenges of increased screenings. Those students who need a family member present to complete essential college tasks should seek an accommodation through the Office of Disability Services. Additionally, family members may also join student meetings virtually with appropriate FERPA documentation.
Student Screenings
Daily wellness checks are required of all students. SCC will monitor workforce and student health with a) temperature checks and b) a reliance on daily self-checks by students and employees. Wellness check stations will be located throughout all SCC locations. Please follow signage located in all areas for guidance.
Students are responsible for daily self-checks, with the recognition that our self-regulation and personal responsibility will play a significant role in keeping the college community safe. Students should use the CDC’s COVID-19 Screening Checklist and should stay home if sick. As always, students are encouraged to discuss their absences with their instructors and means for catching up in the course.
The college also expects that students will self-disclose to the Dean of Student Services (x3530, terrysj@surry.edu) if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or if they have been in direct contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.
In the event a student is diagnosed with COVID-19, they will be excluded from attending face-to-face classes or in-person support services until cleared per CDC recommendations:
No fever for at least 72 hours since recovery (without the use of fever-reducing medicine) ANDOther symptoms have improved (e.g., coughing, shortness of breath) ANDAt least 10 days have passed since first symptoms
Isolation Area
In the event students must leave due to symptoms and/or fever and they do not have immediate transportation, SCC will provide a designated isolation area: T-building breezeway, floor level. Students will be escorted to the isolation area by designated college officials and will be provided a face covering. They must remain in the isolation area until transportation arrives. The Dean of Student Services will provide appropriate guidance for any student who exhibits signs of COVID-19, including information about when the student may return and under what conditions.
Adhering to Signage, Social Distancing Directions
Students should follow all signage related to entry and exit, hallway traffic flows, etc. All buildings will include signage about expectations for entry, behavior during entry, and so forth.
Additionally, students should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer immediately upon entering a building and frequently throughout the day.
Employees should follow the schedule outlined by the supervisor. The schedule should allow for maximum office functionality while limiting the number of employees at SCC locations.
Teleworking should continue on days when the employee is not scheduled to be on-site as directed by their supervisor. The supervisor will evaluate the tasks performed by the employee and determine if they can be satisfactorily performed remotely. In making this determination, supervisors should ask several questions including:
If a supervisor determines a job is suitable for telework, the employee and supervisor should sign the Temporary Teleworking Agreement and submit it to the appropriate vice-president for approval. Employees approved for telework must agree to abide by all terms set forth in the telework agreement. Approval for telework is for a limited amount of time, as determined by the supervisor, and may be revoked at any time.
Faculty are advised that those working remotely during the pandemic should still be meeting the requirements of their assigned teaching load, course development and preparation, student advising, professional enhancement, committee work, faculty meetings, and meeting the needs of students and colleagues as they arise.
Any employee seeking an accommodation should speak with the HR Director (x3207 or weathersm@surry.edu) about the SCC procedural.
Surry Community College will follow NC Executive Order 147 and recommendations by the CDC, NCDHHS, and local authorities requiring face coverings for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors in all indoor and outdoor spaces, including classrooms.
All faculty and staff are required to wear a cloth face covering while at any SCC location.
Employees will be provided with washable face covering and guidelines for sanitizing their face covering between uses. Employees who are unable to maintain six feet of distance between themselves and others due to office space limitations will be provided with a protective face shield in addition to a face covering.
Cloth face coverings must be worn by employees whenever they are working with students or colleagues. They do not need to be worn on walks between buildings when social distancing is possible or when employees are working alone in their offices.
Individual staff members should not place orders for employee PPE unless approved by the CFO. Programmatic divisions (e.g., Health Sciences) are allowed to purchase PPE specific to instructional needs and should work with the college’s purchasing agent to expedite the orders.
Sanitation Tools
Employees will be provided with cleaning supplies to maintain hygiene between student visits, colleague meetings, etc.
Employees will also have access to hand sanitizer through the hall dispensers and through desk-top dispensers in high traffic areas. Hygiene tools for the classroom will be stocked in all instructor stations.
Additionally, employees should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer immediately upon entering a building and frequently throughout the day.
Employees should follow all signage related to entry and exit, hallway traffic flows, etc. All buildings will include signage about expectations for entry, behavior during entry, and so forth.
Self-Monitoring, COVID-19 Positive, and Possible Exposure
Employees are responsible for daily self-checks, with the recognition that our self-regulation and personal responsibility will play a significant role in keeping the college community safe. Employees should use the CDC’s COVID-19 Screening Checklist. Employees should stay home if sick. In the event employees comes to work and exhibit signs of illness, they will be asked to go home for the day and will not be able to return unless asymptomatic for 24 hours, minimum. Should the employees come to work sick again, they could face disciplinary consequences.
Cleaning and disinfecting procedures will be implemented by designated personnel using appropriate PPE once the sick person leaves. Any physical spaces contaminated by a COVID-19 positive individual will be cleaned according to CDC recommendations and will be closed to other users for at least 24 hours.
The college also expects that employees will self-disclose to HR and their immediate supervisor if they have been in contact with anyomne diagnosed with COVID-19. Generally, the college will require an employee who lives with someone tested for COVID-19 to remain at home until the cohabitating family member receives test results, teleworking where feasible.
If the family member’s test is negative, the employee can return to work. If the family member tests positive, the employee will be required to telework (where feasible) for a minimum of fourteen days. The employee will receive more specific guidance from the HR Director about the procedure for returning.
In the event an employee is diagnosed with COVID-19, they will be excluded from work until cleared per CDC recommendations:
Active cases as of 04/09/2021
2
0
Spring 2021 semester total cases
11
Total case count for fall 2020 semester:Student Cases: 86Employee Cases: 11Total Cases: 97
The college expects that students and employees report positive cases or possible exposure to COVID-19 use the COVID Report form or one of the following methods:
When a positive case is identified at a SCC location, the Dean of Student Services and Director of Human Resources conduct contact tracing and notify all impacted parties. The affected classroom or building space is closed until the area is deep cleaned and fully sanitized.
Academic Support Services:
The Office of Student Services is now seeing students by appointment for admissions, advising, financial aid, and disability and testing services. Student Services staff will continue to provide and encourages students to continue to take advantage of online services as much as possible.
If you cannot access online resources, please contact Student Services via email at studentservices@surry.edu or by phone at (336) 386-3264.
Appointments
Appointment links for each Student Services division are listed below.
Students will be temperature screened in the A Building lobby upon entry. Students should take a pass at the screening station that can be used for access to other buildings for the duration of that day.
At this time, students are not permitted to bring a friend/family member with them to their appointment. If the student needs their parent to assist them with FAFSA, Disability Services, etc., a virtual meeting with the staff member, student, and parent will be initiated.
Walk-Ins
The Office of Student Services will accommodate walk-ins, as staffing and space allows. Students must be temperature screened in A Building lobby prior to entry. The process will be the same as those with appointments for the most part. However, if the office is at capacity, the student will be asked to wait in their vehicle and a staff member will text/call the student when they become available.
Online Advising:
Students can email their advisor to setup an appointment. Drop-in advising is also available via Zoom (meeting ID 672-888-4425). Please note, you may be placed in a waiting room and will be seen as soon as an advisor is available. You may also email advising@surry.edu for additional information.
Students can locate their assigned advisors in Self-Service. Students can also email and schedule a meeting with their advisor directly through Aviso Engage.
If there is not an advisor listed in your profile, please reach out to the appropriate advisor below. Staff will be available, daily, from 7:30 am – 6:00 pm via email, Microsoft Teams Chat, or Zoom Room.
Transcripts:
Order your transcript online through the National Student Clearinghouse. At the top of the page, choose "Order-Track-Verify" and then "Order a Transcript." On the following page, type in Surry Community College. Follow the instructions on the screen to order your transcript.
Bookstore:
Students may order textbooks and other essential items on the bookstore website.
For the remainder of the semester, the Bookstore is providing free shipping on all orders and free e-Book access through Vital Source.
The bookstore is open, but patrons must wear masks and practice social distancing.
Free Cengage Unlimited:
Cengage is providing free access to Cengage Unlimited through the end of the current academic term for US students attending colleges affected by COVID-19. This includes the entire Cengage catalog of eBooks, online courseware, study tools, and more.
At the end of each 14 day free trial period, students will be prompted to start another free trial period until your school is no longer affected by COVID-19.
Counseling Services:
To accommodate students who would typically meet face-to-face with a counselor, we will provide virtual services, including phone calls and video chats. Students with short-term counseling needs may seek help through the Student Assistance Program (SAP). This program will cover up to three sessions for problems that do not require long-term therapy. SAP is available 24/7/365 for Curriculum, WTCE, CCP, and CCR students, along with their permanent household members.
The Student Assistance Program can be accessed online or via phone:
Computer Lab:
The Student Technology Center located in room E-135 on the Dobson campus will be available 7:30am – 9:00pm, Monday-Thursday, and from 7:30am – 2:30pm, Friday.
Social distancing guidelines will be followed in the computer lab, and students exhibiting viral symptoms, those that have visited high-risk areas as designated by the CDC, and those traveling via airplane or cruise ship within the past 14 days should remain off-site.
Disability Services:
Surry Community College will continue to assist students with accommodations. Students interested in receiving services should visit the Disability Services webpage, where required accommodation forms and associated guidelines can be found. After completing accommodation forms, students will be contacted to discuss and arrange proper accommodations.
Document Drop-Off:
Students may drop-off paperwork for an SCC faculty/staff member by placing it in the drop box outside of the A building main entrance. Please place documents in a sealed envelope with the staff or department name on the outside, so that it can be routed appropriately.
Food Resources:
Surry Community College will assist and/or connect students to community resources related to food security. You may also access the “Little Free Pantry” near the "R" Building and the tennis courts on the SCC Dobson campus in Dobson at any time.
Food resources in Surry County (Call ahead as procedures are being updated):
Library:
The library is open from 7:30am – 9:00pm, Monday-Thursday, and from 7:30am – 2:30pm, Friday. The library also offers a drive-thru book service for students that do not feel comfortable visiting the library. Please call 336-386-3259 or fill out an online request form.
Most library services and resources are available through the library website – including our 24/7 librarian chat service.
View full details of available services.
Academic Support - Tutoring:
The ASC and Writing Lab are open from 8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Thursday, and by appointment on Friday. Services are also available through the Math Team and the Writing Lab Team.
24/7 online tutoring is available through the Tutor.com link available in Moodle course pages.
The Student Technology Center located in the E building on the Dobson campus (room E135A) is open for students to use computers, access wireless and obtain technical assistance. Hours of operation:
Students who need technical assistance can contact the Helpdesk at 336.386.3434, helpdesk@surry.edu. All Helpdesk options will be available Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 9:00 pm, and Friday 7:30 am – 2:30 pm.
Tutorials and other technical resources can be found in myKnightLife on the Technical Support Page.
Drive-Up Wifi:
Surry Community College is offering students a Drive-Up WIFI Service on the Dobson campus. Designated WIFI areas include the parking lot between the E-Building and Shelton-Badgett N.C. Center for Viticulture and Enology; the parking spaces along Main Street in front of the E and C buildings and the handicap parking areas near the C-Building. This service is available: M-Th, 7:30 a.m. -10 p.m.; and F, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Issues with Using Chrome to Access MyKnightLife
Please refer to the following support guides if you're experiencing issues accessing MyKnightLife while using the Chrome web browser.
Alternately, users can log in to MyKnightLife using the Mozilla Firefox web browser.
Emergency Financial Assistance & Finish Line Grant (FLG):
If you find yourself facing a financial emergency that threatens your ability to finish school, Surry Community College has resources to help.
Emergency Financial Assistance Request: Complete the Emergency Financial Assistance Request and a Student Services staff member will be in touch with you within 24-48 hours to discuss your specific needs and available options.
Finish Line Grant: A grant of up to $1,000 per semester that assists eligible students who have completed at least 50% of their credit or noncredit program, providing funding to assist with unexpected housing, transportation, medical, course-related, or emergency expenses.
Financial Aid:
During this unprecedented time, the Financial Aid Office is making accommodations to allow alternate options for document submission. Please ensure that you have properly completed and signed all forms. You may submit them in one the following formats:
*Please do not take pictures with your phone camera. These items will not resize properly for printing/scanning.
If you are not able to continue in your classes and have received financial aid for the semester, please be sure to contact your Financial Aid Advisor to discuss your particular situation. Please make no final decisions/submissions for withdrawal before speaking with them.
For support from your Financial Aid Advisor, please send an email message. Staff will be available daily 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Please use the information below to contact your advisor. You may also email financialaid@surry.edu.
Student’s Last Name A-F: Contact Elizabeth White at whiteeh@surry.edu
Student’s Last Name G-Z: Contact Kendra Myers at simmonsk@surry.edu
Veteran’s Services: Contact Tammy Fletcher at fletchert@surry.edu
Consistent with social distancing recommendations, all scheduled on-site events and gatherings that are not required for academic purposes are cancelled or postponed until further notice. Exceptions may be approved by the applicable Vice President and/or President. If possible, we will seek opportunities to enable some events through virtual means and platforms.
All non-essential, college-sponsored travel for students, faculty and staff – domestic and international – is suspended. This includes field trips, unless special approval is given by applicable Vice President and/or President. We strongly discourage all non-essential personal travel, domestic or international, and may require employees who choose to travel to self-isolation upon return.
The college has implemented a number of sanitation procedures and protocols to comply with social distancing and hygiene requirements.
Social Distancing Methods: Structural Modifications, Density Limitations, and Minimization of Exposure
To assure appropriate social distancing, the college will use the following structural strategies:
Density limitation practices include the use of hybrid and online instruction, reduction in class size, staggered student labs, and use of electronic resources for transactions/services whenever possible (Teams, email, phone).
Hygiene Protocols
The maintenance team will provide the following:
Computer Equipment and Other Electronic Devices
The technology services team will provide the following:
Employees should clean keyboard, mouse, touch screen and other electronic devices before use in classroom or lab.
Choosing a college is an important decision, and we’re pleased that you’re interested in Surry Community College.