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Crowder College recognizes the COVID-19 pandemic is a dangerous situation which could threaten the health or safety of our campus community. As an ongoing reminder, we encourage our students, staff, and visitors to comply with all health and safety precautions. Individuals should monitor their symptoms daily and stay home if sick. Those who exhibit symptoms should seek medical attention with a local health care provider. Individuals may also learn more about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at this link.
August 28, 2022 – Emailed to All-Current Students
Welcome to the fall 2022 semester. We hope you have had a good start and that you will have much success and fun this semester.
At this time, we would like to remind everyone to stay home or in your residence hall room when feeling sick. If you have a fever, headache, body aches, and/or a cough—stay away from class and other campus activities until symptoms significantly improve. If you have a fever, you must be fever-free for at least 24 hours, without medication, before returning to class or other campus activities. Please make sure to notify your instructors and coaches when you will be absent. Additionally, consider your options for notifying the people you may have been around while you likely were contagious.
We will be alert to health and well-being trends and will notify you should campus practices change at any time.
Let’s keep Crowder College healthy this year!
Dr. Katricia G. Pierson
President, Crowder College
August 9, 2022 – Emailed to All-Current Employees
Greetings Crowder Family,
As we move into the start of the fall 2022 semester, we want to remind everyone to stay home when feeling sick. If you have a fever, headache, body aches, and/or a cough—stay home until symptoms significantly improve. If you have a fever, you must be fever-free for at least 24 hours, without medication, before returning to work. Please make sure to notify your supervisor and complete the absence/illness form using your sick days until you return. Additionally, consider your options for notifying the people you may have been around while you likely were contagious.
We recognize that taking time off when you don’t feel well is a change in habit because many of us have been rewarded over the years for “powering through” and working even when we didn’t feel well. However, we need to keep Crowder College healthy this year. Please stay home when you don’t feel well.
We will be alert to health and well-being trends in our region and across the nation as well as monitor health guidance.
We will be sending a similar reminder to students once they arrive for the start of the fall semester.
Let’s be thoughtful of our colleagues and our students. Keep Crowder College healthy.
Dr. Katricia G. Pierson
President, Crowder College
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February 10, 2022 – Emailed to All-Current Students & Employees
Greetings Crowder Students,
The semester is underway and many good things are happening at our College. A bright spot is the decline of active COVID-19 cases. Because of the decline, the COVID-19 task force has recommended changes to our current protocol. These changes will take effect February 18, 2022.
- Tracking reports will be discontinued although Student Affairs will remain alert should we see an uptick in illnesses.
- Housing will follow residence hall procedures regarding illness and isolation.
- Student-athletes will continue to follow NJCAA protocols.
- Students should stay home if they are sick, notify each faculty member, and stay academically engaged for the duration of their illness.
Remember, if you feel sick, stay home. If you come to school feeling ill, you will be asked to leave campus. Violations of the “stay home if you feel sick” policy will be addressed and disciplinary action may be taken.
Cases may be in decline for our area, yet we must remain alert. The VP and AVP of Students Affairs will continue to monitor the CDC COVID information and guidance as well as the daily cases reported to Newton County Health Department, and other relevant information.
Let’s keep Crowder College healthy and finish the spring semester strong.
January 12, 2022 – Emailed to All-Current Students & Employees
Dear Crowder Family,
The Crowder College COVID Response Task Force and executive leadership continue to monitor the COVID situation and modify operations as needed.
COVID protocol for isolation and quarantine has been modified following new state and federal guidance. Please click here for updates on our COVID-19 webpage.
At the current time our campus sites will remain open for regular business and are operational. The Task Force will continue to monitor the COVID situation and adjust the response and operations, when necessary. As a reminder, students, staff, and faculty should stay home if sick.
Students, staff and faculty should make a report if they
- have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID,
- are exhibiting COVID-related symptoms,
- have been tested for COVID and are awaiting results, or
- tested positive for COVID.
If you have questions regarding specific situations, please contact your instructors and/or supervisor.
Thank you for the time and energy you have devoted to making Crowder College a safe and healthy environment.
Dr. Katricia G. Pierson
President, Crowder College
December 16, 2021
Dear Crowder College Student,
The Crowder College COVID Response Task Force and Executive Council continue to monitor the COVID situation and modify operations as needed. Due to the outstanding response from students, staff, and faculty at Crowder during the pandemic, our numbers of individuals testing positive have decreased a great deal. With this in mind, we need to announce decisions associated with the operation of the Spring 2022 session at Crowder College.
- At this time, masks will not be required to be worn at any of the Crowder College campus sites for the Spring 2022 session. Of course, any individual desiring to wear a mask may do so.
- Crowder College will continue to monitor COVID data and may adjust operational policy based on the data collected. If the number of students, staff, or faculty testing positive increases, this policy will be adjusted as needed.
- Students, staff, and faculty should continue to create a safe and healthy environment by washing hands and staying home if they do not feel well. We will continue to follow quarantine and isolation procedures when needed.
Thank you for the time and energy you have devoted to making Crowder College a safe and healthy environment. At any time, please refer to the Crowder College website for information and updates associated with COVID.
August 4, 2021 – Emailed to all current students
EFFECTIVE: August 9, 2021
ANNOUNCEMENT:
As the Delta variant of the Coronavirus continues to progress in our region, the health and safety of our Crowder College faculty, staff, and students remains our highest priority. Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, Crowder College is temporarily recommending masking for the start of the fall 2021 semester. It is the recommendation that all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask where social distancing is not possible.
HEALTH AND SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENTS TO ALL CONNECTED WITH CROWDER
The following health safety practices should be followed by all:
- If you feel sick, you should stay home.
- Wash hands with soap and water and/or use hand sanitizer.
- All individuals should respect others’ level of comfort during the time period of infection prevention. Assume that each person you may interact with has the desire to strongly hold to social distancing guidelines.
OPERATIONS ANNOUNCEMENTS TO EMPLOYEES
All employees should work with his or her immediate supervisor and Vice President regarding off-campus remote work. Virtual meetings should be utilized as much as possible.
These guidelines are subject to change, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised recommendations. Employees, if you have specific questions, please ask your immediate supervisor. If you are a Crowder College student, please feel free to ask questions of your Campus Director (if you are a student at Cassville, Joplin Advanced Training and Technology Center, McDonald County, Nevada, or Webb City campus sites) or the Academic Affairs Office McDonald Hall Room 124 on the Neosho campus.
May 17, 2021 – Emailed to: All Current Students
Dear Crowder College Student,
The Crowder College COVID Response Task Force and Executive Council continue to monitor the COVID situation and modify operations as needed. Due to the outstanding response during the pandemic from students, staff, and faculty at Crowder, wearing masks, social distancing, and securing vaccinations, our numbers of individuals testing positive have decreased a great deal. With this in mind, we need to finalize and announce decisions associated with the operation of the Summer 2021 session at Crowder College.
- Beginning on Monday, May 24, 2021, NO masks will be required to be worn at any of the Crowder College campus sites for the Summer 2021 session. Of course, any individual desiring to wear a mask may do so.
- Crowder College will continue to monitor COVID data and may adjust this operational policy based on the data collected.
- Students, staff, and faculty should continue to create a safe and healthy environment by social distancing, washing hands, and staying home if individuals do not feel well. We will continue to follow quarantine and isolation procedures.
- Based on this modification of mask-wearing and reviewing the data during the summer, an announcement related to the Fall 2021 procedures will be announced closer to the end of the summer session.
At any time, please refer to the Crowder College Webpage for information and updates associated with COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Dr. Glenn Coltharp, Crowder College President
April 13, 2021 – Emailed to: All Current Students
Across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic is having devastating effects. We appreciate how much you have already done to adapt during this challenging time. As you know, we have been taking preventive measures at Crowder College against COVID-19 for the past several months to help keep you, our entire staff, and your families safe. We have all worked under some uncertain and often stressful conditions, and you have helped make it possible for us to keep our classes going.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Missouri is now in Phase 3 of their COVID-19 Vaccine availability. Phase 3 includes ALL individuals 18 years of age and older (or 16+ years for the Pfizer vaccine) regardless of your residency. You no longer have to have a qualifying medical condition or meet specific criteria to register.
We are getting notifications from multiple county health departments and health care providers on vaccine clinics being held daily. We encourage you to continue monitoring your social media pages and be aware of vaccine opportunities in your specific areas.
Below is a list of local vaccination sites:
Mitchell’s Drug Store, Neosho, MO: Register on their website, https://www.mitchelldrug.com/
OCH Newton County Clinic, Neosho, MO: Register by calling 417-451-7425
Access Family Care, Joplin, MO location only: Register by calling 417-782-6200
Mercy Clinic, Joplin, MO location only: Register on their website, https://www.mercy.net/
Walgreens, all locations: Register on their website, https://www.walgreens.com/
Walmart, all locations: Register on their website, https://www.walmart.com/immunizations
For more information on navigating the Missouri COVID-19 vaccination process, visit: https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/navigator/.
Vaccinations are not mandatory for Crowder employees or students; however, we strongly encourage you to review the FAQ’s about COVID-19 Vaccination via: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html.
Greetings!
On January 11, 2021, we will begin the Spring 2021 Semester. In keeping with the Crowder College Mission of building a civil, serving, literate, learning community of responsible citizens, we must do our part to slow the spread of COVID in our communities. Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation, as we required during the Fall semester, we will continue during the Spring 2021 Semester with the expectation that all employees, students, and visitors that come to campus will wear face coverings on all Crowder College campus sites.
Please see the campus plan we have developed for the Spring Semester here. As we move through the holiday break, adjustments may be made. I will send another updated plan the first week of January, if this plan changes before that time. If you have any questions regarding the plans, please do not hesitate to contact an advisor, instructor, or campus director.
Please stay safe and healthy! Take care!
December 14, 2020 – Video from Dr. Coltharp thanking students and staff for the great fall semester.
September 18, 2020 – Video from Dr. Coltharp thanking students and staff for the great start this semester.
August 17, 2020 – Video from Dr. Coltharp pertaining to safety measures on campus
July 10, 2020
Office of Public Information
Crowder College
RE: Fall 2020 Campus Plan
Neosho, MO – Crowder College has developed the “Fall 2020 Campus Plan” to enhance our safe campus environment while offering educational opportunities for our students. The plan was developed to make all individuals associated with the college aware of the policies and procedures with the goal of providing a safe and healthy campus for the Fall Semester, which begins on August 17.
“The students, staff, and community members on campus are our top priority. We want to provide a safe educational environment for everyone. College administration has considered all facets of operations and used the recommendations by the CDC in preparing the plan,” stated Dr. Glenn Coltharp, president, Crowder College.
May 27, 2020 – Email to All-Students
Dear Crowder College Students,
We are planning on holding face to face classes in the Fall. Social distancing will be our safety goal each day. At this time, count on being back in school with our first day of school for the Fall 2020 semester being August 17, 2020. Short of major reopening problems this summer, we will be back as close to normal for the Fall 2020 session.
Summer 2020 session, with instruction online, will begin on June 1, 2020. We have a computer lab on each campus that is open for our students to use for their summer classes. Many of the College operations have moved back to campus with some offices continuing to utilize online methods. We are practicing social distancing on campus and the offices are meeting with students on the phone, online, or face to face with an appointment.
I have attached a plan we have developed to Return to Campus. As we move through the summer, minor adjustments may be made. I will send another updated Return to Campus plan towards the end of July. If you have any questions regarding the plans, please do not hesitate to contact an advisor, instructor, or campus director.
Please stay safe and healthy! Take care!
Dr. Glenn Coltharp, Crowder College President
May 8 2020 – Recognition of graduates and retirees by Dr. Glenn Coltharp, President, Crowder College
May 6, 2020 – Update from Dr. Glenn Coltharp, President, Crowder College
May 5, 2020 – CARES Act FAQs – click this link for information about the CARES Act
May 4, 2020 – Emailed to media
Office of Public Information
Crowder College
For Immediate Release
RE: Crowder Campus Reopening
Neosho, MO – Crowder College will move in the direction of re-opening all locations with the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty being highest priority. Dr. Glenn Coltharp, Crowder College President stated, “the goal of this move is to place Crowder College in the position to return to face to face and online instruction options for students for the fall semester. Our staff and faculty have done an amazing job not only continuing all operations for closing out the school year but also prepare for the upcoming school year.”
In reopening the College, Crowder will bring back departments in structured, controlled amounts on Monday, May 11 at 8:00 a.m. All departments will be observing social distancing at all times. All workspaces will be modified as needed to maximize social distancing.
At any time, please refer to the Crowder College Webpage www.crowder.edu for information and updates associated with COVID-19.
April 30, 2020 – Emailed to All-students & All-employees
Weekly COVID-19 update from Dr. Glenn Coltharp and guests
April 29, 2020 – Emailed to All-Students -ATTN: Crowder Spring 2020 Graduates
Letter was mailed to each graduate week of April 27, 2020
Dear Crowder Graduate,
Congratulations on your Spring 2020 graduation from Crowder College! We commend you on this educational accomplishment and we want to celebrate with you.
As you know, due to federal and state social distancing guidelines, the Spring 2020 commencement ceremonies have been cancelled. Just like you and your family, we are saddened by this and we want to do all we can to support you and find creative ways to celebrate your accomplishment. Here is some good news regarding commencement!
- Graduation Exit Exams have been waived for all May 2020 graduates.
- Crowder is printing a May 2020 commencement program even though there will not be a ceremony. If your name is included in the program, you will be able to request up to two copies of the program which will be available at any Crowder College bookstore.
- Once campus has reopened, you may pick up a free diploma cover, which would have been given to you during the May 2020 ceremony, at any Crowder College bookstore. You will also have the opportunity to purchase any Latin honor cords, stoles, and/or graduation tassel at any Crowder College bookstore. Keep in mind that you must have an eligible GPA to purchase an honor cord. The bookstore will also make these available for purchase online.
- Once your degree has been conferred, your diploma will be mailed to you at the address you provided on your graduation application. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
- A Veteran’s honor cord is available through the Veteran’s Services office in Financial Aid. You may contact Jorge Davila at JorgeDavila@crowder.edu for more information.
- We would like to invite you to participate in the December 2020 commencement. If this is something you desire to do, please email May2020graduate@crowder.edu
Please call 417-455-5664 or email Records@crowder.edu if you have any questions about graduation.
Again, we are honored that you will soon be a Crowder College graduate!
Best Wishes,
Tiffany Slinkard
Vice President of Student Affairs
April 24, 2020 – Sent to media: CARES Act funds for students
Office of Public Information
Crowder College
For Immediate Release
Re: CARES Act funds for students
Neosho, MO – Crowder College is pleased to announce that as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the college will receive federal funds to distribute directly to students experiencing financial challenges because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Students across the nation have experienced a very challenging time during COVID-19. Not only has the delivery of instruction for them changed over the last month and classes have moved from face-to-face to online, but they have experienced challenges in their personal lives. Many students have families to help during this pandemic and may be teaching their own children at home while they are also participating in classes as students. It is nice that the federal government has also identified this concern as a priority and is providing financial assistance to the students,” stated Dr. Glenn Coltharp, Crowder College President.
Once the funds are made available to the College they will be distributed directly to students to provide help covering expenses related to a student’s cost of attendance, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. To qualify, students must be eligible to apply for federal Title IV financial aid and must meet enrollment requirements for the Spring 2020 semester
Crowder College is continuing classes using online methods for the spring semester. Summer courses have been scheduled online without the expensive of distance learning fees accessed due to the current situation.
April 23, 2020 – Email to All-Students & All-Employees
April 23, 2020 – Email to All-Students & All-Employees
The Federal Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides a variety of financial supports to individuals and businesses. Crowder College is pleased to announce that as part of the Act, Crowder College will receive federal funds to distribute directly to students experiencing financial challenges because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The funds have not yet been made available to Crowder College; however, Crowder College is developing a plan to get these funds into the hands of students in need as quickly as possible.
To qualify, students must be eligible to apply for federal Title IV financial aid and must meet enrollment requirements for the Spring 2020 semester.
These funds will be distributed directly to students and are provided to help cover expenses related to a student’s cost of attendance, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care.
Additional information will be shared with students once the funds are distributed.
April 17, 2020 – Email to All-Students & All-Employees
April 15, 2020 – Email to All-Students
Dear Crowder College Students,
The Crowder College COVID-19 Management Team, Executive Council, and Board of Trustees continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and modify operations as needed. It is of paramount importance to us to be proactive rather than reactive in regards to our action. With this in mind, we feel we need to finalize and announce decisions associated with the operation of the Summer 2020 session at Crowder College.
- No face-to-face classes will be held for the Summer 2020 session. Only online classes will be held. Since students will not have an option to choose between face-to-face and online classes, no “Distance Learning Fees” will be charged for the Summer 2020 session.
- College operations will continue online methods with staff working remotely. Therefore, all Crowder College campus sites are closed at this time. (Current campus access will continue as currently scheduled for identified staff on identified days as it stands now.) At the last announcement of action, the plan was to reopen the campus sites at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2020. The date to reopen the campus sites will be evaluated before Monday, May 11, 2020.
- Students will continue to have access to the WiFi in the parking lot at all campus sites.
- All travel for Crowder College groups and activities will be canceled during the Summer 2020 session.
At any time, please refer to the Crowder College Webpage for information and updates associated with COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Dr. Glenn Coltharp, Crowder College President
April 9, 2020 – COVID-19 Illness Report – This is a voluntary report for a student or someone reporting on a student’s behalf because they may have a positive COVID-19 test.
April 7, 2020 – Weekly COVID-19 update from Dr. Coltharp & guest Jared Moore from IT
April 6, 2020 – Email from Lee Library to All-Students & All-Employees
Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty,
As of this morning, password requirements have been removed for accessing our electronic book and journal database collections, as well as interlibrary lending materials once physical material services come back up. Students, faculty, and staff will now only need to enter their first and last names, and their campus id number followed by CC. This should decrease the amount of confusion regarding setting up passwords for library resource use.
There may be a lag in this change to the Overdrive audiobook collection, as that vendor has not confirmed that the appropriate changes have been made at this time.
Thanks,
Eric Deatherage, MSAS, MAISLT
Library Director, Crowder College
April 2, 2020
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Information
Crowder College
RE: COVID-19 Update for Crowder College
Neosho, MO – At this time, we have seen an increase in the number of reported COVID-19 cases in our region and in the state of Missouri. It is of paramount importance to us to be proactive rather than reactive in regards to our action. After discussions with the higher education leadership in our region and in the state, and in following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, we will continue to keep our campus closed with plans to reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2020. At this time, to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus, we should do our best to stay away from campus and other gathering locations.
The College has established an informational page on the website with updates: www.Crowder.edu/COVID-19
Enrollment for students will continue to be done via phone or email. Employees will be working remotely answering messages and scheduling enrollment appointments. Contact information may be found on our website: www.Crowder.edu
April 2, 2020 – Emailed to All-Students
Dear Crowder College Students,
At this time, we have seen an increase in the number of reported COVID-19 cases in our region and in the state of Missouri. It is of paramount importance to us to be proactive rather than reactive in regards to our action. After discussions with the higher education leadership in our region and in the state, and in following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, we will continue to keep our campus closed with plans to reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2020. At this time, to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus, we should do our best to stay away from campus and other gathering locations.
Sincerely,
Dr. Glenn Coltharp
President, Crowder College
April 2, 2020 – Emailed to All-Students
Crower College Rider Pantry is offering curb-side pick-up on Tuesdays from 8am-noon, Neosho campus, by appointment as supplies are limited.
For an appointment to pick-up food or if you have questions, please email: RiderPantry@Crowder.edu
March 30, 2020 – Weekly COVID-19 update
Wearing earbuds may help with sound quality as we were working with limited technology through a Zoom meeting.
Below is an outline of the comments from both ladies.
What you can do during this time when you feel like things are out of control or you have fear and anxiety:
• Share concerns with friends, family, supervisor or through Crowder Cares
• Stay connected – use Zoom meeting or social media to interact with others
• Nourish yourself: take showers, keep routine, eat and sleep
• Drink lots of water
• Get some sunshine
• Watch a video online with a friend using Netflix etc
• Take a break from excessive exposure to media/social media
Helen Hale, Student Success Center Coordinator
• Online tutoring is available using BrainFuse. You may find the link in Blackboard
• Email the Student Success Center if you need assistance: SSC@Crowder.edu
Enrollment for summer/fall classes began Monday, March 30 as follows:
• Student with 30+ hours completed may enroll – March 30
• Students with 1-29 hours completed may enroll – April 1
• Current Crowder College students with no hours completed may enroll – April 6
• Open enrollment begins April 13 • Academic calendars may be found on the website: https://www.crowder.edu/academics/cal…
• Courses offered are available at: https://my.crowder.edu/ICS/Academics/…
Call the location you normally attend to make an advising appointment or email: SSC@Crowder.edu
March 20, 2020
Office of Public Information
Crowder College
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RE: Crowder College COVID-19 update
Neosho, MO – Crowder College has an obligation to care and serve our students, staff, and faculty and keep our school community safe and healthy. In light of our mission and values, and in following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, we are moving forward with a plan to further protect our campus family. The following steps will be implemented to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus:
- Online instruction will continue for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester.
- Graduation ceremonies will be cancelled for Saturday, May 9, 2020. Graduates will be welcomed to participate in a future ceremony and additional information will be sent to all graduates at a later date.
- The campus will close at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020 and will reopen 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2020.
- College operations will move to online methods and staff will work remotely until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2020.
- The residence halls will close at noon on Friday, March 27, 2020 for all students who are able to return home. Housing and meal accommodations will be made for those who are not able to return home.
- Please feel free to use the WiFi in the parking lot at any of the campus sites; however, none of the college buildings will be assessible during this time period.
At any time, please refer to the Crowder College Webpage www.crowder.edu for information and updates associated with COVID-19.
March 20, 2020 – Email to All-Students
Dear Crowder College Student,
Crowder College has an obligation to care and serve our students, staff, and faculty and keep our school community safe and healthy. In light of our mission and values, and in following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, we are moving forward with a plan to further protect our campus family. The following steps will be implemented to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus:
- Online instruction will continue for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester.
- Graduation ceremonies will be cancelled for Saturday, May 9, 2020. Graduates will be welcomed to participate in a future ceremony and additional information will be sent to all graduates at a later date.
- The campus will close at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020 and will reopen 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2020.
- College operations will move to online methods and staff will work remotely until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2020.
- The residence halls will close at noon on Friday, March 27, 2020 for all students who are able to return home. Housing and meal accommodations will be made for those who are not able to return home.
- Please feel free to use the WiFi in the parking lot at any of the campus sites; however, none of the college buildings will be assessible during this time period.
At any time, please refer to the Crowder College Webpage www.crowder.edu for information and updates associated with COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Dr. Glenn Coltharp
President
March 18, 2020 – A word from our President, Dr. Glenn Coltharp, updating students on the COVID-19 status.
March 18, 2020 – Online Tutoring – Brainfuse available (sent from Helen Hale, Student Success Center to all-students)
Hi Students!
I know you are all adjusting to online coursework with classes that are meant to be traditional. Your success is still very important to us!
I wanted to remind everyone that we do have an online tutoring platform called Brainfuse. When you are logged into Blackboard, go to your Tools Menu and find the Brainfuse HelpNow option. Select it, and then you will need to select the Brainfuse button to connect to the platform. Each student has time on the platform for live sessions and also to submit papers for assistance. Every student is allotted a certain amount of time on the system, but if you need more time, send an email to helenhale@crowder.edu with your name and student ID# to request additional time on the system.
There are many different free learning services on the Brainfuse platform and I encourage you to explore and take advantage of the resources available to you. Also, if you want to set up a study group online, there is a Collaboration Tool called MEET. You can then have a virtual meeting with a whiteboard and have a study session.
Please contact me or ssc@crowder.edu if you need additional help with Brainfuse!
March 15, 2020 – Email to All Students
Students,
By now, you may know that that as of Friday, March 13th, Crowder College has suspended in-person classes and will move to an all-online or other alternative method of course delivery starting Monday, March 16th, and continuing through Sunday, April 5th. The effort is part of a broader national trend in higher education to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In short: Your classes are not canceled, and instruction will continue online through Blackboard or other means as communicated by your instructor. Please know, the effort is not to make your class an online course but to supplement under the circumstance. At present, other college operations will continue as usual.
For those of you enrolled in online classes, there are no changes to your academic instruction. However, for those of you in traditional, flex, or lab classes, course instruction will change immediately. The change will depend on a class-by-class basis, but you will not be reporting to class on campus. Please check your e-mail and Blackboard for more information on how your instructor will continue to conduct the class. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your instructors. Please be patient with instructor response times as they quickly alter course instruction in a brief amount of time.
For your convenience, attached to this message are the Campus Connect resource sheet with comprehensive login information and a resource guide to familiarizing yourself with Blackboard.
This move will create many challenges for us all. The coming weeks will require a great deal of flexibility and understanding as we all work through this together. Please continue to practice preventive measures to protect yourself and others from the virus.
Respectfully,
Keith Zoromski
Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
Crowder College
March 13, 2020 – Press Release sent to media
Office of Public Information
Crowder College
For Immediate Release
RE: Crowder College address Coronavirus (COVID-19)
As the national coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) continues to progress, the health and safety of our Crowder College faculty, staff, and students remain our highest priority. While no members of the college community have been diagnosed with COVID-19, it is of paramount importance to us to be proactive rather than reactive in regards to our action. With this in mind, based on the recommendation from the Executive Council and approval from the Board of Trustees, we are suspending in-person classes effective immediately and will move to an all-online or other alternative method of course delivery starting Monday, March 16th and continuing through April 5, 2020.
This is not a closure; college operations will continue. Residence halls and dining services will remain open for use. To address accommodations for students that have limited access to technology, campus computer labs will remain open for use. Crowder College Athletics will follow the guidelines of the NJCAA. Large-scale events scheduled for the campus may be postponed or cancelled.
Dr. Glenn Coltharp, Crowder College President stated, “this move will create many challenges for us all. The coming weeks will require a great deal of flexibility and understanding as we all work through this together. Please continue to practice preventive measures to protect yourself and others from the virus.”
Coltharp went on to say, “At this time the goal of the college is to return to in-person classes on Monday, April 6, 2020. We will continue to reassess the situation and determine before April 6 whether we will return to in-person classes. We will communicate that decision as the date draws closer. At any time, please refer to the Crowder College Webpage www.crowder.edu for information and updates associated with COVID-19.”
Email sent to students
March 13, 2020
Dear Crowder College Students,
As the national coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) continues to progress, the health and safety of our Crowder College faculty, staff, and students remain our highest priority. While no members of the college community have been diagnosed with COVID-19, it is of paramount importance to us to be proactive rather than reactive in regards to our action. With this in mind, based on the recommendation from the Executive Council and approval from the Board of Trustees, we are suspending in-person classes effective immediately and will move to an all-online or other alternative method of course delivery starting Monday, March 16th and continuing through April 5, 2020.
This is not a closure; college operations will continue. Residence halls and dining services will remain open for use. To address accommodations for students that have limited access to technology, campus computer labs will remain open for use. Crowder College Athletics will follow the guidelines of the NJCAA. Large-scale events scheduled for the campus may be postponed or cancelled.
This move will create many challenges for us all. The coming weeks will require a great deal of flexibility and understanding as we all work through this together. Please continue to practice preventive measures to protect yourself and others from the virus.
At this time the goal of the college is to return to in-person classes on Monday, April 6, 2020. We will continue to reassess the situation and determine before April 6 whether we will return to in-person classes. We will communicate that decision as the date draws closer. At any time, please refer to the Crowder College Webpage www.crowder.edu/COVID-19 for information and updates associated with COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Dr. Glenn Coltharp
Crowder College President
Email from Dr. Glenn Coltharp to all-employees, Wednesday, March 11, 2020:
As the national coronavirus outbreak continues to progress, the health and safety of our Crowder College faculty, staff, and students remain our highest priority. The Executive Council has been meeting regularly for the past three weeks to monitor Coronavirus updates and discuss strategies for a possible plan of action in order to address the concerns. We have reached out to the University leadership in our four state area and Community College leadership in the state of Missouri to discuss strategies considered by other schools. We will continue monitoring the reports from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the status of the coronavirus outbreak in our region in consultation with local health officials and will reassess the situation on a regular basis.
As students, faculty, and staff return from Spring Break, each Vice President will begin the process of discussing strategies with his or her divisions to prepare for a possible modification in our school operation, routine and the delivery of instruction. On Monday, March 16 at 1:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room we had already scheduled to hold our first optional get-together of “Fireside Chats.” Normally, the Fireside Chats would not have any formal presentation but simply a chance for people to spend time together discussing whatever issue is desired. On Monday the 16th, I plan on holding this meeting and answering any questions or concerns individuals have regarding the coronavirus outbreak and our possible response. To give us more room, we will move the Fireside Chat to the Wright Conference Center. We were scheduled to hold our Continuous Tactical Planning Sessions on the Neosho campus during the week of March 16; however, we will cancel those sessions until further notice so the school community can focus on preparation for a possible adjustment in our operation.
Email from Tiffany Slinkard, Vice President of Student Affairs to All-employees & All-students, Monday, March 9, 2020:
Crowder College is committed to maintaining a healthy and safe campus community. A team of campus staff is meeting regularly and is closely monitoring the spread of illnesses and the coronavirus (COVID-19). We want to assure you that the college is taking steps, in conjunction with college personnel and local agencies, to plan accordingly. We are sharing information below on how you can prevent the spread of illnesses.
The best way to prevent an illness is to avoid exposure below:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough and sneeze in a tissue immediately throwing the tissue in the trash
- Wash your hands after using the restroom (wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds). If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Disinfect surfaces
- Drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest
If you are in good health, it is not recommended that you use a face mask. Face masks should only be used by people who develop symptoms. This will help prevent the spread of the illness through the person’s coughing or sneezing.
If you begin to exhibit symptoms of illness please seek medical attention.
The team will continue to send out updates, as necessary.
Refer to the link below for the most up-to-date information regarding the Coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
