Covid-19 Response

Announcements

Updated: February 24, 2022

Guiding Principles

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) prioritizes the health and safety of employees, students, parents, alumni, and visitors as the guiding principle for the Spring 2022 semester. In addition to the health and safety of our campus community, UACCM is committed to fulfilling the mission of the college by returning to normal campus operations.

In March 2021, The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas voted unanimously to return to face-to-face education on the campuses of the universities and colleges they govern, including UACCM. Given that directive, campus leadership has committed to on-campus instruction while also delivering courses via other delivery methods: hybrid, web, web-enhanced, synchronous, and multi-modal.

Health and Safety

Vaccinations

The three vaccines for COVID-19 that have received FDA approval are Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson. Any individual who wishes to be vaccinated may receive their vaccination at no cost through local pharmacies and hospitals, as well as large distributors such as Walmart. Vaccination clinics can be found on the Arkansas Department of Health Website.

While UACCM is not requiring vaccinations against COVID-19, guidance from the CDC and ADH does differ for vaccinated versus unvaccinated individuals. Governor Asa Hutchinson announced on June 8, 2021 that Arkansas students who are exposed to COVID-19 will not be required to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated, while unvaccinated individuals will still be required to quarantine.

To be considered “fully vaccinated” a person must have completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna (two shots) or Johnson and Johnson (one shot). To be considered “up-to-date” a person would have completed the primary series and been boosted.

Use of Face Coverings (Recommended)

In accordance with Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) guidance, UACCM recommends that a face-covering be worn in all indoor public settings in areas of substantial or high transmission, whether you are vaccinated or not vaccinated.

Disposable face coverings are available upon request.

Clean Campus

UACCM custodial staff will continue cleaning and sanitizing surfaces such as tabletops, counters, doorknobs/handles, elevator buttons, stairwell handrails, and restroom fixtures.

The following changes to the physical campus have been made:

• Drinking fountains have been replaced with bottle filling stations.
• Advanced air purification systems have been added to all campus ventilation systems.
• Hand sanitizing stations have been placed at the entrance to each building on campus.

Employees are encouraged to wipe down or disinfect areas, surfaces, and equipment that they touch or use before and after each use. The employees are also encouraged to sanitize shared workspaces and items such as printers and copiers, mailboxes, etc. UACCM will provide disinfecting wipes and supplies, which will be available in all buildings.

Updated: January 10, 2022

Updated: August 11, 2021

Guiding Principles

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) prioritizes the health and safety of employees, students, parents, alumni, and visitors as the guiding principle for the Fall 2021 semester. In addition to the health and safety of our campus community, UACCM is committed to fulfilling the mission of the college by returning to normal campus operations.

In March 2021, The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas voted unanimously to return to face-to-face education on the campuses of the universities and colleges they govern, including UACCM, in fall 2021. Given that directive, campus leadership has committed to on-campus instruction while also delivering courses via other delivery methods:fully online, synchronous, and multi-modal.

Fall 2021 courses begin Wednesday, August 18, 2021.

Health and Safety

Vaccinations

The three vaccines for COVID-19 that have received FDA approval are Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson. Any individual who wishes to be vaccinated may receive their vaccination at no cost through local pharmacies and hospitals, as well as large distributors such as Walmart. Vaccination clinics can be found on the Arkansas Department of Health Website.

While UACCM is not requiring vaccinations against COVID-19, guidance from the CDC and ADH does differ for vaccinated versus unvaccinated individuals. Governor Asa Hutchinson announced on June 8, 2021 that Arkansas students who are exposed to COVID-19 will not be required to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated, while unvaccinated individuals will still be required to quarantine.

Use of Face Coverings (Required)

The CDC has recommended that based on the spread of the Delta variant, communities with high or substantial transmission of COVID-19 should require individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings in indoor public settings. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention website has a map of high transmission areas of the state and nation.

On August 11, 2021, The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas unanimously passed a resolution to implement face covering policies for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor public settings where physical distancing cannot be assured in accordance with CDC guidance regarding COVID-19 Delta variant.

Disposable face coverings are available upon request.

Clean Campus

UACCM custodial staff will continue cleaning and sanitizing surfaces such as tabletops, counters, doorknobs/handles, elevator buttons, stairwell handrails, and restroom fixtures.

The following changes to the physical campus have been made:

• Drinking fountains have been replaced with bottle filling stations.
• Advanced air purification systems have been added to all campus ventilation systems.
• Hand sanitizing stations have been placed at the entrance to each building on campus.

Employees are encouraged to wipe down or disinfect areas, surfaces, and equipment that they touch or use before and after each use. The employees are also encouraged to sanitize shared workspaces and items such as printers and copiers, mailboxes, etc. UACCM will provide disinfecting wipes and supplies, which will be available in all buildings.

Updated: August 6, 2021

Guiding Principles

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) prioritizes the health and safety of employees, students, parents, alumni, and visitors as the guiding principle for the Fall 2021 semester. In addition to the health and safety of our campus community, UACCM is committed to fulfilling the mission of the college by returning to normal campus operations.

In March 2021, The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas voted unanimously to return to face-to-face education on the campuses of the universities and colleges they govern, including UACCM, in fall 2021. Given that directive, campus leadership has committed to on-campus instruction while also delivering courses via other delivery methods: fully online, synchronous, and multi-modal.

Fall 2021 courses begin Wednesday, August 18, 2021.

Health and Safety

Vaccinations

The three vaccines for COVID-19 that have received FDA approval are Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson. Any individual who wishes to be vaccinated may receive their vaccination at no cost through local pharmacies and hospitals, as well as large distributors such as Walmart. Vaccination clinics can be found on the Arkansas Department of Health Website.

While UACCM is not requiring vaccinations against COVID-19, guidance from the CDC and ADH a does differ for vaccinated versus unvaccinated individuals.  Governor Asa Hutchinson announced on June 8, 2021 that Arkansas students who are exposed to COVID-19 will not be required to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated, while unvaccinated individuals will still be required to quarantine.

Use of Face Coverings (Strongly Recommended)

On April 28, 2021, Arkansas Governor Hutchinson signed into law Act 1002 which does not allow public schools, including state colleges/universities, or agencies to require face coverings for work on campus. Students, employees, and visitors may choose to continue to wear face coverings while on campus unless it is deemed otherwise hazardous in a laboratory or work setting.

In accordance with CDC and ADH guidance, face coverings are strongly recommended in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission, which includes the UACCM campus.

Disposable face coverings are available upon request.

Clean Campus

UACCM custodial staff will continue cleaning and sanitizing surfaces such as tabletops, counters, doorknobs/handles, elevator buttons, stairwell handrails, and restroom fixtures.

The following changes to the physical campus have been made:

• Drinking fountains have been replaced with bottle filling stations.
• Advanced air purification systems have been added to all campus ventilation systems.
• Hand sanitizing stations have been placed at the entrance to each building on campus.

Employees are encouraged to wipe down or disinfect areas, surfaces, and equipment that they touch or use before and after each use. The employees are also encouraged to sanitize shared workspaces and items such as printers and copiers, mailboxes, etc. UACCM will provide disinfecting wipes and supplies, which will be available in all buildings.

UACCM remains wholly committed to individuals who have reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We will follow guidance received to provide the safest and best environment for individuals with legal protection and accommodations. Guidance from the EEOC and ADA have been used in the creation of this plan.

Our knowledge of the novel Coronavirus continues to evolve each day. Campus leaders will continuously monitor and analyze the guidance we receive and modify our plans as warranted.

Updated: May 18, 2021

Effective May 19, 2021, UACCM will no longer require face coverings when inside UACCM buildings or outside on UACCM property. However, we encourage all individuals to follow CDC guidelines.

A continued commitment to diligence with respect to campus policy is much appreciated as we work together to stamp out the spread of COVID-19. At UACCM, we continue to prioritize the health and safety of employees, students, parents, alumni, and visitors as the guiding principle in campus operations and do not want to let our guards down after coming this far.    

Physical-Space Modifications

UACCM leaders have researched and made several modifications to physical spaces to ensure risk reduction. Examples of physical space modification include: the addition of Plexiglass in high-traffic areas as barriers to face-to-face contact, signs on drinking fountains that indicate the fountain is not to be used, hand sanitizer station additions to high traffic and common areas, and advanced air purification systems added to all campus ventilation systems. When feasible, classroom tables/chairs will be rearranged to facilitate physical distancing.

Campus Cleaning and Sanitization

UACCM custodial will continuously disinfect surfaces such as tabletops, counters, doorknobs/handles, elevator buttons, handrails in the stairwells, and restroom fixtures. High traffic areas will be wiped down frequently with disinfectant. Disinfecting wipes will be available in classrooms and labs. UACCM will utilize high-tech, self-cleaning, no-maintenance air cleaning units for each building on campus which purifies the supply air killing mold, bacteria, and viruses.

UACCM Levels of Response to Positive Cases

The UACCM level of response will be determined by such things as employee or student absenteeism, employee or student positive cases, or evidence and severity of spread within the campus community.

 Limited Response

• The number of students, faculty, or staff affected by COVID-19 will not alter the campus-wide delivery of instruction or services provided.
• Administration will determine if there is a need to briefly pivot to remote instruction or services provided in a particular classroom or building.

 Moderate Response

• The number of students, faculty, or staff affected by COVID-19 may alter the delivery of instruction or services provided on campus.
• Administration will determine if the number affected warrants a specific classroom or building closure and when it is safe to reopen the affected areas.

 Critical Response

• The number of students, faculty, or staff affected by COVID-19 will warrant a campus closure for an extended period of time.
• Delivery of instruction and services provided on campus will be altered.
• Administration, with guidance from the Arkansas Department of Health, will determine when it is safe to re-open campus.

Virtual support services still available to current and prospective students

prospective students may schedule an appointment to chat with an admission counselor via video chat, phone, email, or text. To find an opening, click on a counselor's image on the Visit Campus page and follow the instructions. Counselors will be happy to answer questions related to admission, applying for financial aid, academic programs offered, and more.

The Student Success Center has opened the Appointment Plus system giving both current and new students an opportunity to make an appointment online for academic advising sessions to register for Summer and Fall courses. Advising sessions may be held over the phone for all students or can be held via video chat for new or readmitted students. Verification of the student's identity will be required during the visit.

The UACCM Academic Commons will continue to offer its tutoring resources through online or Blackboard Collaborate.

The Student Development office is offering weekly support chats over a variety of topics and offering support appointments via telephone.

In addition to the information on each department’s webpage, these email addresses will be the best way to contact a department with questions.

• Admissions: adm@uaccm.edu
• Advising Center: academicadvising@uaccm.edu
• Financial Aid: financialaid@uaccm.edu
• Library/Academic Commons: library@uaccm.edu
• Registrar’s Office: registrar@uaccm.edu  
• Student Accounts: studentaccounts@uaccm.edu
• Student Development: studentdevelopment@uaccm.edu
• Testing Services: testing.services@uaccm.edu

UACCM remains wholly committed to individuals who have reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We will follow guidance received to provide the safest and best environment for individuals with legal protection and accommodations. Guidance from the EEOC and ADA have been used in the creation of this plan.

Our knowledge of the novel Coronavirus continues to evolve each day. Campus leaders will continuously monitor and analyze the guidance we receive and modify our plans as warranted.

Updated: April 1, 2021

Per the UACCM Face Covering policy that states it will be in effect for the duration of the Governor's declared public health emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic, UACCM will maintain the current face covering usage and social distancing for now and the remainder of the spring semester while on any UACCM property as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. The Governor's Executive Order 21-07 COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency was extended through May 30, 2021. In essence, UACCM will continue to function as we have since the beginning of the academic year.

August 21, 2020

Fall classes begin August 24 with expanded options.

• Traditional brick and mortar, in-person courses will remain on the schedule. Classes and labs will be positioned in an attempt to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Many in-person classes will also be provided synchronously using Blackboard Collaborate. View the online course schedule to see which courses are indicated as having a synchronous option. Explore the different Online learning introduction options UACCM provides and check the Student Technology Requirements pages to determine eligibility for these options.
• Online courses on the Fall schedule will remain as planned.
• Hybrid courses will remain on the schedule and follow the same practice of meeting both face-to-face and utilizing asynchronous instruction.  As with the traditional face-to-face instruction classes/labs will be positioned in an attempt to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
• All on-campus events with more than 50 people must be approved by the UACCM administration.
• Buildings not in use will remain locked.
• Earle Love Child Study Center open.

May 6, 2020

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)

The federal CARES Act (“Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act”) contains provisions for funding of emergency financial aid grants to eligible students who have experienced disruption to their education due to COVID – 19. The U.S. Department of Education will administer these funds and provide them to higher education institutions for disbursement to eligible students. These grants are to cover a student’s expenses related to the disruption to their education, including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care.

Since the announcement of these funds, the University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton (UACCM) has been working to detail the federal guidance on student eligibility and develop a plan to distribute the funds within the federal requirements. UACCM has since received access to these funds and will begin the distribution process of emergency financial aid grants to eligible students this week.

On Thursday, May 7th, for those students who have completed the UACCM certification form and not signed up for direct deposit, checks will be mailed to the address on your student account. For students who have completed the UACCM certification form and have direct deposit set up, deposits will be sent to your bank Friday, May 8th. All remaining checks will be mailed to the address on your student file as soon as you complete the UACCM certification form.

Eligibility Requirements of the Federal Cares Act:

Students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants, therefore students must do each of the following:

• If not already completed, students must complete a 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application must be received by UACCM by Wednesday June 10th.
• Any student enrolled in one or more face-to-face or hybrid courses on March 13, 2020, must complete the UACCM Emergency Grant Certification Form if you have not already done so in order to receive your funds. This is required to document the student has experienced a disruption due to the campus closure resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and considered for an emergency financial aid grant if the student otherwise qualifies.

Students enrolled exclusively in online courses on March 13, 2020, the designated date of the President’s Official Proclamation, “Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak,” are not eligible for emergency financial aid grants.
Students who are non-degree seeking, do not have a high school diploma or GED, are in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, or are an international student are not eligible for the emergency financial aid grant.

Disbursement of Emergency Financial Aid Grants

The amount of each award will be a flat amount of $650 calculated on an average basis and without assuming UACCM understands individual student needs.

The CARES Act expressly requires that institutions provide the emergency financial aid grants directly to students “for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare)”. Funds may not be used for other purposes.

UACCM faculty and staff are proud of you - our students. We have seen and heard first-hand of your incredible heart and resiliency in this pandemic. You’ve been caring for your family and yourself; working; and continuing your educational pursuits. Our UACCM faculty and staff would like to extend to you our best wishes for successfully completing your final exams – we know you can do it! And, we invite you to continue your educational pathway this summer and through the Fall 2020 semester.

Students qualifying for the CARES ACT funds please be aware that the payment will be direct deposited or mailed to you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Student Accounts at studentaccounts@uaccm.edu or (501) 977-2023.

April 9, 2020

Update: UACCM Extends Spring Online Classes for Remainder of Semester, Updates Summer Terms to Online Only

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton will extend online delivery for all classes through the end of the spring term, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

On-site campus operations continued to be closed until further notice.

As guided by the passage of a resolution by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees during an April 8, 2020 meeting, summer term face-to-face classes will be suspended and continued instruction via online classes will remain in place.

UACCM staff and faculty continue to work remotely.

Returning-student advising is ongoing by phone and Zoom appointments. Students are being contacted concerning a time for an advising appointment.

Current students can continue to call the Student Success Center at 501-208-5307 to schedule an appointment through April 24. On April 15, UACCM will open the Appointment Plus system giving both current and new students an opportunity to make an appointment online for advising sessions that begin April 27. Additionally, new students who only plan to register for a summer term may call the Student Success Center April 21 and 22 to register over the phone

The Earle Love Child Care Center remains closed until further notice.

All UACCM Adult Education Centers remain closed.

The UACCM Academic Commons will continue to offer its tutoring resources through online or Blackboard Collaborate.

The Student Development office is offering weekly support chats over a variety of topics and offering support appointments via telephone.

The health and safety of our campus community are top priorities at the UACCM.

April 2, 2020

Update from Academic Commons

In response to the closure of many wifi locations as a result of COVID-19, the Arkansas State Library has called on libraries to extend WiFi access to their parking lots and lift membership restrictions. See a map of Public Libraries that have extended WiFi access into their parking lots. Faulkner County Library (in Conway) is not listed on the map, but has had accessible WiFi in their parking lot prior to the call. Citizens are able to visit these parking lots and access the open network while practicing social distancing guidelines regardless of whether or not they have a library card.

Update from the Office of Academics

UACCM will begin registering returning students for summer and/or fall on Friday, April 3. A plan has been developed to keep students safe and cause the least amount of confusion during returning-student registration and all other registration periods in the event that the campus continues to be closed due to the COVID-19 virus for the rest of the semester.

Returning-student advising will begin with students who had previously made appointments for March 30 and April 1 through Appointment Plus and then continue with other returning students. Students will be contacted concerning a time for a phone or Zoom appointment with an advisor. This will not be their faculty advisor as they are working hard to make sure classes are progressing. Students will hear from an advisor from the Advising Center. The advisor will be able to see all the student's documents and make sure they keep on track for graduation. If the student is scheduled to graduate at the end of the summer or fall semester, the advisor will help the student complete a graduation application.

On April 22, UACCM will open the Appointment Plus system giving returning and new students an opportunity to make an appointment for advising at a date of their choosing.

The summer schedule has been revamped in an effort to have the least amount of disruption during the semester. Below is an explanation of the differences students viewing the website online will notice for summer.

Intersession:

Intersession semester will be the ARNEC RN courses and Level II PN courses only. Lecture will continue online as needed and instructors will be in contact with students concerning clinical. These students will be enrolled by the Dean and Program Chair of the Nursing Programs.

summer 1:

Students will need to have a computer and internet service for classes.

We will offer three types of classes during summer 1. See the UACCM website for a complete list of class offerings.

• Online—8 week. June 8-July 30. Just like all online classes in the past, the student and faculty member are not on campus.
• Hybrid—8 week. June 8-July 30. Lecture is online and lab is scheduled on campus. As this class is for 8 weeks, the faculty may adjust and have all the online in the first four weeks and labs in the last part of the class to be determined based on the campus status (open or closed) at the time of the class start. Please be aware of the lab times.
• Synchronous – 4 week. June 8-July 2. Student must log on at the scheduled class time and the faculty member will be lecturing live using Blackboard Collaborate. The student will be absent if not logged in at class time.  If we are able to open campus, the students will have the option of continuing synchronous or coming to class on campus.

summer 2:

Classes scheduled will be on campus.

Fall 

A full menu of classes (on-campus, online, hybrid).

For any questions, contact Diana Arn at 501-977-2001 or the Advising Center at 501-208-5307.

March 20, 2020

Update: UACCM Extending Online Classes, Closing Campus Operations

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton will extend online delivery for all classes through Friday, April 17, due to the ongoing outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Following the recommendations of the University of Arkansas System, UACCM will also postpone its May 15 spring commencement until after June 1. All graduates of the spring 2020 semester are encouraged to make plans to attend the future ceremony.

Campus operations will also close through Friday, April 17, with staff and faculty moving to telecommuting.

Important Information:

• All UACCM courses will be offered online through Friday, April 17.
• In-person classes are tentatively scheduled to resume on Monday, April 20. This is subject to change.
• Summer and fall registration for new students, originally scheduled on March 30, will be postponed. Appointments already scheduled with UACCM Academic Advising will be rescheduled.
• The Earle Love Child Care Center is closed and is scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 20.
• All UACCM Adult Education Centers are closed and will reopen on Monday, April 20.
• The UACCM Academic Commons will continue to offer its tutoring resources through online or Blackboard Collaborate.
• All non-nursing classes during May Intersession are canceled.
• Community education classes are canceled through April 17.  

The health and safety of our campus community are top priorities at the UACCM.

While no members of the UACCM community have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the college continues to closely monitor the coronavirus through information released by reliable, trusted sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Department of State, the World Health Organization and the Arkansas Department of Health.

March 16, 2020

Update From Chancellor Willenberg

UACCM, in cooperation with updated information from Governor Hutchinson’s office, as well as guidelines from the CDC, has made the decision to temporarily suspend in-person on campus instruction through the end of the week. Classes will be converted to fully online starting Wednesday, March 18th-Friday, March 20th. This is a change from the communication to you last week. Regretfully, students will no longer have the option of coming to the classroom for live instruction for the remainder of this week as originally communicated. Instructions to access your online classes will be posted in Blackboard by the end of the day as well as how-to videos. Your success is our focus!

As you know, next week is Spring Break with no classes scheduled. It is our current intent to resume normal instruction of in-person, on campus classes Monday, March 30th, 2020. UACCM will continue to monitor any changes in the situation throughout Spring Break week. We will notify you via email, social media, and the UACCM Website of any changes necessary. Thank you all in advance for your understanding of the multiple continuing and necessary updates.

At the present time, and through this week, all other campus operations and student support services are open and functional as we continue to welcome students to campus to access library resources, Wi-Fi and computer labs in order to complete assignments, testing, etc. In addition, faculty are participating in additional training all day today and tomorrow to continue to offer the best possible education delivery you have come to expect. 

Your faculty will reach out to students/classes as necessary with additional pertinent information as relates to your classes specifically. You can be assured the college will continue its commitment to your success as a student by increasing student outreach and support during this time of uncertainty we currently find ourselves faced with.

I sincerely thank each and every one of you for your outreach and commitment to your education.  I remain confident we will all come through this stronger and better together. 

Thanks and don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions.  We are here to help in every way possible.

March 13, 2020

Update From Chancellor Willenberg

While this has been an unprecedented week amidst the Coronavirus outbreak in our nation and state, accompanied by a flood of rapidly changing information, your health and safety has been and continues to be our top priority.  Secondary to that, delivery of the quality education you have entrusted UACCM with, regardless of student learning style, continues to be a priority.     

As a result, UACCM has made the decision to cancel all classes Monday, March 16th and Tuesday, March 17th. All other campus operations including The Earle Love Child Study Center will remain open. UACCM Faculty and Staff will use these two days to fully prepare and test Blackboard Collaborate.   

On Wednesday, March 18th, classes will resume via your choice of on campus face-to-face instruction or virtually through Blackboard Collaborate from your personal internet connections at home or elsewhere.  Various UACCM computer labs will be available for your use of Blackboard Collaborate for homework or other course related work. To assist students with the use of Collaborate, a tutorial video will be posted within Blackboard by close of business Monday.

Regarding the continuation of this arrangement as relates to required lab work and education and ECD observations and practicums, UACCM will assess the situation and post options at a later date.

As before, we are continuing to monitor this ever-changing situation and will send updates as necessary.  Please continue to check the UACCM Website, your e-mail, and Blackboard regularly for continuing updates.

March 12, 2020

UACCM has been closely monitoring the ongoing developments of the coronavirus (COVID-19).  The University of Arkansas System office and all campuses are following this matter closely for latest updates and are prepared to take appropriate action as needed. This is being done by close and constant contact with the UA System Office, UAMS, the Arkansas Department of Health, the Governor’s Office, and other local organizations.

No confirmed cases of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, have been identified among any UACCM campus faculty, students, or staff.

We have available and capable resources to protect ourselves and others. Administration has been developing measures over the past weeks and we are prepared to take action if necessary. UACCM employees have developed a contingency plan to offer classes in an online format if needed. UACCM is prepared to convert to online instruction through the use of the learning management system Blackboard’s course shells and Blackboard Collaborate.

Students and employees will receive updates via campus emails and text messages through the Emergency Alert System.

Announcement regarding health professions programs.

1. The eight community colleges that comprise the Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC) will suspend on-campus classes. Students will participate remotely on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Since the lectures are also taped, students without strong internet or no internet can view the lectures at a later date. Testing will be done online and is being arranged by the ARNEC director. Clinicals will be suspended and will be replaced with case studies.
2. Practical nursing students will suspend all clinicals in a medical site until March 30 and will review the situation at that time. Clinicals will be completed on campus, either by case study or simulation.
3. EMT student clinicals will be revised so they are not doing ambulance runs and ER observations until reviewed on March 30.
4. Education students’ observations have been suspended until March 30.

ARNEC classes are currently taught via Blackboard Collaborate. This decision is in collaboration with the other members of the ARNEC consortium. Clinical rotation in a medical facility will be suspended until March 20. Alternative clinical processes will be utilized.

As of now, the Information Session, scheduled for March 14, will continue as planned.

We are striving to plan, prepare, be prudent, and avoid panic while keeping the health, safety, and well-being of our students, employees, and other stakeholders our first priority. Please continue to utilize all basic health hygiene practices. We will continue to update you as needed.