Dear Students:

I have some important updates, but before sharing them, I want to first acknowledge the incredible work that is going on behind the scenes to ready us for delivery of remote classes and services. Your faculty and support staff have been pulling together to ensure you will have the necessary support, tools and resources to help you move forward and accomplish your goals.

During this extended spring break much has changed and the Governor has placed further restrictions impacting all of us. While we had previously announced providing limited in-person services and keeping some facilities open after the break, we are amending that decision to reflect the state’s efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

Spring Term

• All classes and student services will be delivered remotely with the aid of technology through the end of the term, May 22.
•  There will be no physical access to buildings through the end of the term.
• As previously announced, all spring classes will resume online April 6.
• In addition all student services will be provided remotely through the balance of the term.
• This year’s commencement will not take place as scheduled but is being postponed until further notice. However students meeting the requirements to graduate this spring will still be able to earn their degrees and certificates.

Beyond Spring Term

• Details of summer plans are being developed and will be communicated in the next update. Please keep in mind that our summer schedule has always included a comprehensive list of online classes and that will continue this year as well.
• The start of the fall registration period will begin June 1, not in April, as previously scheduled.
• We are in the process of updating both student FAQs and will continue to update the FAQs to reflect changes. Look to those FAQs for detailed information about access to services, including books and laptops, as well as contacts for different departments.
• We know you have questions and will continue to have questions, so please review the FAQs thoroughly and continue to stay informed through this webpage.
• Also, please remember to check you MyAACC email account frequently for updates as well.

Again, I want to thank you for your cooperation to protect the health and safety of our community. This is an unprecedented situation, and we recognize how disruptive it is to you. The means and timing of your classes will differ, but the quality of the education will remain rigorous and our commitment to success unwavering. Rest assured that we are doing everything we can to support your educational journey and future goals.

Please take care of yourself and let’s continue to support one another. We will get through this together.

Dr. Dawn Lindsay
President
Anne Arundel Community College

Dear Colleagues:

I have some important updates, but before sharing them, I want to first acknowledge the incredible work that is going on behind the scenes to ready us for delivery of remote classes and services. Thank you to the Emergency Management Team, essential personnel and other staff and faculty who have been working diligently throughout the break. Your spirit of community and commitment to our students and one another is extraordinary and greatly appreciated.

During the extended spring break much has changed and the Governor has placed further restrictions impacting all of us. While we had previously announced providing limited in-person services and keeping some facilities open after the break, we are amending that decision to reflect the state’s efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

Resuming work on March 30

• Beginning March 30, all employees are to resume work remotely/telecommuting unless designated by your supervisor.
• There will be no physical access to any college buildings through the end of the term, May 22.  This includes Arundel Mills, GBTC, Sales & Service Training Center, CCPT.
• While telecommuting, employees must be accessible, responsive, reliable, and available by phone, email and/or chat, where appropriate.
• For faculty and staff who need brief, in-person access to files or other information to enable them to work from home, buildings will be unlocked Mon. March 30 – Wed. April 1 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• After April 1, access to buildings will require approval from supervisors. Again, the expectation is that all employees will be working from home and exceptions allowing access to campus will be made on a very limited basis.
  • The expectation is this access should be minimal since our last communication advised that employees should plan on telecommuting with minimal physical presence on campus
  • Securing office supplies alone should not be considered a priority
  • Please coordinate this access with your teams to ensure people’s visits to the office are staggered and incorporate social distancing
  • Beginning April 2, if employees need to come to campus to maintain critical operations, they need to advise their supervisor with the date, time and building to which they require access.  Supervisors will submit that schedule to Sean Kapfhammer, chief of police and director of public safety, via email to srkapfhammer@aacc.edu at least a day ahead of time to ensure that the building is accessible to your employees.  
• Essential personnel (e.g. Public Safety and Police) will continue to work on campus.
• As previously announced, all spring classes will resume online April 6.
• In addition, student services will be provided remotely through the balance of the term.

Student Communications

A related communication will go to students today as well. That communication will include:

• This year’s commencement will not take place as scheduled but is being postponed until further notice. However students meeting the requirements to graduate this spring will still be able to earn their degrees and certificates.
• Again, all spring classes will resume online April 6 and also student services will be provided remotely through the balance of the term.
• Details of summer plans are being developed and will be communicated in the next update.
•  The start of the fall registration period will begin June 1, not in April, as previously scheduled.
•  We are in the process of updating the student and faculty/staff FAQs and will continue to update the FAQs to reflect changes. We encourage you to read both sets of FAQs to familiarize yourself with information provided to our students.
•  Please continue to stay informed through this webpage.

Again, I want to thank you for your cooperation to protect the health and safety of our community. This is an unprecedented situation, and we recognize how disruptive it is to you, your families, our students, our college and the community at large. Working together, we will provide the necessary support, tools and resources to help our students move forward and accomplish their goals. The means and timing will differ, but the quality of the education will remain rigorous and our commitment to success unwavering.

Please take care of yourself and let’s continue to support one another. We will get through this together.

Dr. Dawn Lindsay
President
Anne Arundel Community College

To the College Community:

As a follow up to my message from yesterday, I want to clarify that we have learned an AACC employee has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Although we cannot release a name due to federal privacy laws, I want to assure you that this individual was not at any college property or location, did not have direct contact with students and had limited contact with some staff who are being informed directly by the Maryland Department of Health. Furthermore there have been no reported cases of individuals on college properties, locations, classrooms or offices.

AACC remains committed to the well-being of our students, faculty and staff. We continue to coordinate with local, state and federal public health authorities to ensure the ongoing health and safety of our community. 

Dr. Dawn Lindsay
President
Anne Arundel Community College

Dear AACC Students:

As we all know, Gov. Hogan has put strict limitations statewide in response to the novel coronavirus and encouraged all of us to work together to limit the spread. As a community college, we support a large workforce that serves thousands of all ages within our community. It was therefore reasonable to assume that, at some point, one or more of us would exhibit symptoms of COVID-19. That has now happened.

Our first priority is to your health and safety, followed by our desire to support you on your educational journey through this challenging and uncertain time. We will do our best to keep you informed of confirmed cases, but we also ask for your help. If you are exhibiting symptoms, we ask that you follow the guidelines provided by the Anne Arundel County Department of Health by taking the following actions:

1. Monitor yourself for fever, cough, shortness of breath or any other respiratory symptoms for the next 14 days.
2. Isolate yourself from others for the next 14 days. Contact your primary care provider if you develop symptoms.
3. If you are sick enough to seek care at an emergency room, please put on a mask and when you enter the facility, tell the front desk you have symptoms of COVID-19 and may have been exposed.
4. If you call 911, also tell the 911 operator you have symptoms of COVID-19 and were exposed.
5. Notify the AACC Health & Wellness Center at bamays@aacc.edu if you are tested or receive care for COVID-19.

In addition to these actions, please alert others you have been in contact with in recent days. This virus spreads mainly from person to person between people who are within 6 feet of each other, and people are thought to be most contagious when they are the sickest. COVID-19 illnesses range from mild to very severe respiratory illness. Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Older individuals and those with underlying health conditions may be at greater risk. If you are in either of these categories, contact your health care provider for additional recommendations.

This is an unprecedented situation and it is natural to experience stress, anxiety, grief and worry right now. At the same time, it is important to get help if you need it. Stay connected to family and friends by phone, text, video or email, and explore the CDC’s advice about caring for yourself and those around you.

We share this information for your health and safety and that of our community. By working together, we can get through this challenging and uncertain time.

Thank you,

Dr. Dawn Lindsay
President
Anne Arundel Community College

To the College Community:

As we all know, Gov. Hogan has put strict limitations statewide in response to the novel coronavirus and encouraged all of us to work together to limit the spread. As a community college, we support a large workforce that serves thousands of all ages within our community. It was therefore reasonable to assume that, at some point, one or more of us would exhibit symptoms of COVID-19. That has now happened.

We will do our best to keep you informed of confirmed cases, but we also ask for your help. Please do not rely on the college to notify others about your symptoms or contacts. Rather, we ask that you follow the guidelines provided by the Anne Arundel County Department of Health by taking the following actions:

1. Monitor yourself for fever, cough, shortness of breath or any other respiratory symptoms for the next 14 days.

2. Isolate yourself from others for the next 14 days. Contact your primary care provider if you develop symptoms.

3. If you are sick enough to seek care at an emergency room, please put on a mask and when you enter the facility, tell the front desk you have symptoms of COVID-19 and may have been exposed.

4. If you call 911, also tell the 911 operator you have symptoms of COVID-19 and were exposed.

5. Notify Suzanne Boyer at slboyer@aacc.edu if you are tested or receive care for COVID-19.

In addition to these actions, please alert others you have been in contact with in recent days. This virus spreads mainly from person to person between people who are within 6 feet of each other, and people are thought to be most contagious when they are the sickest. COVID-19 illnesses range from mild to very severe respiratory illness. Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Older individuals and those with underlying health conditions may be at greater risk. If you are in either of these categories, contact your health care provider for additional recommendations.

This is an unprecedented situation and it is natural to experience stress, anxiety, grief and worry right now. At the same time, it is important to get help if you need it. Stay connected to family and friends by phone, text, video or email, and explore the CDC’s advice about caring for yourself and those around you. 

We share this information for your health and safety and that of our community. By working together, we can get through this challenging and uncertain time. 

Thank you,

Dr. Dawn Lindsay
President
Anne Arundel Community College

Dear AACC Students,

No doubt you are receiving countless communications about COVID-19 and what to do in preparation for different scenarios. I want to assure you that AACC is here for you.

Although this is spring break, please know the leadership team is addressing daily the consequences of COVID-19 and providing direction for our college with a sense of urgency. 

Our first priority is to your health and safety followed by our desire to support you on your educational journey through this challenging and uncertain time.

I know you have many questions and concerns so I wanted to take a moment to outline some of the current considerations and efforts underway to help you complete this spring.

First let me restate the current student schedule:

March 16-April 5
Extended Spring Break for students.

April 2
Student support services resume in person by practicing social distancing and remote access where possible.

April 6
Classes resume through remote instruction through the end of the term.

May 22
Spring term concludes, including all instruction and final exams.

Next, let me address specific areas as best we can at this point in time.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

• AACC will continue to support students so they may succeed in the courses they are taking spring 2020.
• Faculty have been working to migrate face-to-face courses to remote delivery.
• I recognize that some of you are concerned about the learning experience, adjusting to a new way of delivery and access to information and materials.
• We understand your concerns and faculty and staff have been benefitting from additional training to consider new and innovative ways to support you remotely while also ensuring that you can continue to feel a connection to the college and your major.
• The Virtual Writing Center, library, advising and more are poised to assist students in their academic needs remotely beginning April 2.
• Different approaches to learning, including remote delivery of hands-on labs, are being considered and a plan is being developed for our return to instruction April 6.
• You will receive direct communication from your instructor regarding your specific class(es) no later than March 28.
• I will also provide an update on our progress each week. Look for another update each Wednesday.

REMOTE/ONLINE LEARNING AND USING CANVAS

• We recognize that remote delivery of instruction may be new for many of our students. We also recognize that this method of delivery may pose some challenges for those who lack adequate access to devices and other technology.
• Beginning April 2, all services are available including access to computers in our Technology Learning Centers at Arnold, AMIL and GBTC.
• The College Bookstore currently has several devices in stock priced with an academic discount. The bookstore is also offering free shipping for all online orders to assist students at a distance.
• Students may be eligible for assistance through the college’s Helplink program. Please email studenthelplink@aacc.edu for more information.
• The college has a limited number of devices available to borrow from the Truxal Library in Arnold. Please email Circdesk@aacc.edu(using your aacc.edu student email address). We will be scheduling appointments for all device pickups.
• AACC’s faculty and staff are committed to maintaining high quality and rigorous instruction with the aid of technology, including Canvas— the college’s primary course management platform.
• To learn more about how to access, participate and succeed in remote instruction via Canvas, please visit https://aacc.instructure.com/courses/92592/pages/online-learning-and-using-canvas. Here, you will learn more about online student success, services at a distance and technical support.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT & STUDENT SERVICES

• We urge students to access student services remotely as much as possible.
• The following services are available to students beginning Thursday, April 2 through a combination of in-person following social distancing and remote access: Academic and Transfer Advising, Cashier, Disability Support Services, Employment Services, Financial Aid, Health and Wellness Center, Information Desk, Library, Math Lab, Military and Veteran Student Services, Personal and Career Counseling, Records and Registration, Student Achievement and Success (SASP), Technology Learning Center, Testing, and Tutoring.
• To promote social distancing, we encourage priority use of the chat feature on aacc.edu, MyAACC college email, phone, and MyAACC online services.
• We will offer limited in-person assistance on an as needed basis and have taken steps ensure appropriate social distancing.

PAYING FOR EDUCATION IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19

• Many students depend on jobs that are at risk given new state and federal directives.
• Please be sure you have contacted AACC’s Financial Aid Office at finaid@aacc.edu as many students do not take advantage of their full aid eligibility.
• Emergency support services, including AACC food pantries and the Helplink Program, are available to assist students experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Helplink and Food Pantry services will resume normal hours of operation on Monday, April 2 at the Arnold and Glen Burnie Town Center locations. Services will be accessible at AACC at Arundel Mills beginning by appointment only.

COMMENCEMENT

• Commencement is a very special occasion for our faculty, staff, and students, and their families. The college is giving thoughtful consideration of the needs of our students, particularly as it relates to graduation. We will communicate news regarding this year’s spring commencement through our weekly updates.

STUDENT SUCCESS BEYOND SPRING

• The College is already working to consider how summer session and fall registration may have to vary in order to address the changes in classrooms. Fall registration will now begin June 1.
• Additional changes about fall and summer will be communicated to you through the weekly update, and will be based on what we understand students need to continue at their rate of completing their degrees at AACC.

These are just a few of the many things that AACC is currently working on. Please check the student FAQs for more information and answers to your questions, and look for weekly messages from me about the latest news. 

As I shared in my previous communication, please remember to take time to care for yourselves along with your family and neighbors. We will get through this together.

Dr. Dawn Lindsay
President
Anne Arundel Community College

To the College Community:

Although this is spring break, I want to assure you the leadership team is addressing daily the consequences of COVID-19 and providing direction for our workforce and students with a sense of urgency. 

Our first priority is to the health and safety of our workforce and students. This is followed by our desire to support our students on their educational journey through this challenging and uncertain time.

Because of the rapid spread of COVID-19, decisions need to be revisited and amended. Last week our plan was to have all employees return to campus on March 30, 2020. Based on directives from our Governor and our President, we have amended that plan and are working with supervisors to develop more flexible and creative scheduling options with a heavy reliance on telecommuting.

What this will look like as we assess the situation today:

• March 30 employees resume work following social distancing recommendations, which include staggering schedules, alternating work days within the office and teleworking wherever possible.
• Onsite staffing should be appropriate for providing student services that cannot be delivered remotely or strikes a fair balance with remote support.
• The bottom line is that faculty and staff should plan to telecommute and not come to the college unless physical presence is required for essential and designated critical functions as communicated by supervisors (more detailed guidelines are being sent to supervisors).
• Again, this means staggering days and or hours in which employees are physically in the office while maintaining any minimally required counter service coverage. 

As you know, we have a dedicated web page — a one stop shop — enabling everyone to view current information, including a set of FAQs for employees and students that was posted before we left for break. We have recently updated the faculty/staff FAQs with more information and will continue to update them through the extended break. Please visit www.aacc.edu/virusinfo for that updated information as well as a video message from me that was posted Friday, March 13, 2020.

Also, the Faculty Resource Community is available on MyAACC (see FAQs for a reminder on how to access). The Virtual Campus will be available to support faculty beginning the afternoon of March 23.

Please keep in mind that this pandemic is unchartered territory and the situation remains fluid. I recognize the many challenges our faculty, staff and students face, from personal health concerns to the health care of loved ones to concerns about personal finances and child care.

I want to acknowledge and thank our emergency management team and the many other faculty and staff working in small teams creating recommendations and solutions to address the evolving challenges we face. 

While we don’t know when we will be able to return to normal routines, I am confident that we will get through the challenges presented by COVID-19 and will emerge even stronger. This requires continued creativity, innovation, collaboration and thoughtful decision making. Thank you for your commitment, hard work and patience. Most important, thank you for being a part of the solution. 

Dr. Dawn Lindsay
President
Anne Arundel Community College

To the college community,

As you are aware, the governor announced late yesterday a number of statewide initiatives, including the closing of all public schools for two weeks starting Monday, March 16. Although we are not required to follow this mandate, we recognize the impact this decision has on our workforce and our students. In response, we have updated our plan.

The new dates are as follows:

March 16-April 5
Extended Spring Break for students.

March 16-March 29               
Extended Spring Break for faculty and staff. Essential employees will be on campus as needed.

March 23-March 27
Please note that while the college is closed for Spring Break, some faculty and staff designated by vice presidents will be needed to begin our preparation for remote learning. Those employees will be informed directly by their supervisors.

March 30
Faculty and staff report to work as informed by their supervisors to prepare for all instruction to be offered remotely.

April 2
Student support services resume in person by practicing social distancing and remote access where possible.

April 6
Classes resume through remote instruction through the end of the term.

May 22
Spring term concludes, including all instruction and final exams.

If faculty and staff have questions about this information, please ask your supervisor. For students, you will be contacted directly by your instructor about how your class will be delivered. More details are available through two FAQs: one for  and another for .

I realize this is a heavy lift and extremely disruptive. Please remember we are doing this in service to the entire community and in support of the state. I support the leadership role that the state is taking and am proud of the collective effort we are making. I thank all of you for your commitment and dedication to our students, to one another and to our community.

Please bear with us as we work through this ever-changing and unprecedented situation. As busy as we are, remember to take time to care for yourselves along with your family and your neighbors. We will get through this together.

Dr. Dawn Lindsay
President
Anne Arundel Community College

Dear College Community,

As you know the college has been monitoring and planning how best to respond to the novel coronavirus. Currently, there are no confirmed cases associated with AACC, however, we’re at a stage where we all can play a role in protecting the health and safety of our community.

The following policies are based on best practices around social distancing to reduce or limit the spread of the disease and help “flatten the curve.” Beginning March 30, the majority of courses will be delivered remotely with the aid of technology. Because this continues to be a fluid, rapidly changing situation, this information will be updated no later than March 13.

SPRING BREAK

• Students
  • Spring break will be extended another week for students only. There will be no classes for students March 16-29.
  • Classes — including the start of the second eight-week session — will resume March 30.
  • Health Sciences clinicals and AACC-related internships in partnership with other organizations will continue as scheduled as determined by those organizations.
  • Beginning March 30, the majority of courses will be delivered remotely with the aid of technology.
  • Additional information regarding your individual courses will be provided no later than the week of March 23.
  • Services, such as the library, bookstore, Child Development Center, etc. will resume Thursday, March 26.
• Faculty and staff
  • Report for work March 23 as previously scheduled.
  • During the week of March 23, assess and prepare courses to be delivered through remote means.
  • Workshops to prepare for remote delivery will be provided the week of March 23.

COLLEGE EVENTS

• College events with more than 50 attendees, scheduled through April 30 are canceled.
• This includes all college-sponsored events such as the College Fair, spring concerts, etc., and applies regardless of location.
• This decision will be reevaluated on April 15 for events scheduled after April 30.
• Currently, this does not apply to athletic events.

TRAVEL

• All AACC-related out-of-state and international travel is suspended until further notice.
• Personal travel should be at your own comfort level and discretion.
• Should you choose to travel on your own internationally:
  • A list of international destinations with travel notices is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. The CDC advises that you avoid destinations with a level 2 alert and level 3 warning. It is essential that you make the college aware of travel plans to level 2 and 3 countries.
  • If you choose to travel to locations with these travel notices, you will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to class or work.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Additional details and related FAQs for both students and college employees are being developed and will be available no later than March 13.
• Please revisit this page often for those updates.

REDUCING ANXIETY AND STIGMA

• We recognize that these decisions can create challenges and anxiety as this is an unprecedented global public health issue.
• Please remember that community counseling resources are available.  AACC counseling services will resume as of March 26.
• Throughout this process, we must work together to avoid the stigma that can accompany illness. We should not make assumptions about individuals we believe may have come into contact with someone with COVID-19.
• In keeping with our college values, discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated at AACC. Learn more about stigma and resilience related to COVID-19.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation as we work together. Please stay informed through this webpage and its related links, and support one another.

Dr. Dawn Lindsay
President
Anne Arundel Community College

Dear College Community,

As we continue to monitor the novel coronavirus outbreak, we’ve had to make some hard decisions to best protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.

Effective immediately, college events with more than 50 attendees are suspended until further notice. This includes Thursday’s College Fair, spring concerts, etc. Currently, this does not apply to athletic events.

This is a fluid and rapidly changing situation. The college will continue to assess and take action appropriately. Please look for a comprehensive update tomorrow from Dr. Lindsay on the college’s additional plans.

Thank you,

Felicia Patterson, D.Mgt.
Vice President, Learner Support Services

Dear AACC Students:

Following confirmation of cases of COVID-19 in Maryland, we will continue to provide regular updates to you about AACC’s response to this evolving situation. Please refer to this webpage (also accessible from the home page) as your primary source for AACC information.

As spring break is approaching, everyone is reminded of the following:

• Check international travel advisories and restrictions.
• Students should follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for prevention and healthy travel.
• A list of international destinations with travel notices is available at the CDC website, which can be accessed through this page and related links.
• CDC advises that you avoid destinations with a level 2 alert and level 3 warning. It is essential that you make the college aware of travel plans to level 2 and 3 countries.
• If you choose to travel to these locations, you will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to class. As a reminder, AACC’s class attendance policy can be found in the college catalog. Faculty will explore options on ways to accommodate students who may need to temporarily complete assignments remotely.
• As no restrictions have been placed on domestic travel, you should travel at your own comfort level and discretion.

Through various health sources, we are learning more about COVID-19 and how it is transmitted every day. We ask that you be prepared for a range of possibilities in the future, from suspension of some operations, such as events, to moving more classes online to a suspension of some classes.

The college continues to be coordinating closely with county public health agencies on its response, including contingency planning, and will continue to do so. AACC is committed to doing everything it can to ensure the health and safety of our community.

Thank you for your continued attention to this evolving situation.

Felicia Patterson, D.Mgt.

Vice President, Learner Support Services

Dear Colleagues:

Following confirmation of cases of COVID-19 in Maryland and Governor Hogan’s recent news conference, we understand some members of our community have concerns about steps that may need to be taken in the event of widespread local, regional or national transmission of the virus. For that reason, we will continue to provide regular email updates to faculty, staff and students, and to this webpage. Please refer to this webpage (also accessible from the home page) for regular updates.

As spring break is approaching, everyone is reminded of the following:

• Check international travel advisories and restrictions.
• Faculty, staff and students should follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for prevention and healthy travel.
• A list of international destinations with travel notices is available at the CDC website, which can be accessed through this webpage and related links.
• CDC advises that you avoid destinations with a level 2 alert and level 3 warning. It is essential that you make the college aware of travel plans to level 2 and 3 countries. Our Manager of the Health & Wellness Center, Beth Mays, can be reached at 410-777-2480. If you do choose to travel to these locations, you will be asked to self-quarantine and self-monitor for 14 days before returning to work.
• Students will be asked to do the same before returning to class. Please remind students of AACC’s class attendance policy, which can be found in the college catalog. For students who are impacted by COVID-19, faculty are asked to do their best to work with them on course completion while maintaining the rigor of the course and meeting learning outcomes. Please contact your assistant dean if you have questions.
• As no restrictions have been placed on domestic travel, faculty and staff traveling on behalf of the college or related to their position at the college should do so at their own discretion. If an offsite event is cancelled and reimbursement is needed, please see these policies for clarification.

Students will receive a similar communications about AACC’s emergency planning. We encourage you to remind students to use the AACC website for information about the college’s response to this evolving situation.

Through various health sources, we are learning more about COVID-19 and how it is transmitted every day. We need to be prepared for a range of possibilities in the future, from suspending some operations and events to moving more classes online to a suspension of some classes.

As a reminder, it is essential that every department review and update its Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) to ensure the plans are up-to-date and cover operations in the event we have any impact on campus. Faculty, too, should make sure they are prepared to use Canvas as needed.

The college continues to coordinate closely with county public health agencies on its response, including contingency planning. AACC is committed to doing everything it can to ensure the health and safety of our community. Thank you for your continued attention to this evolving situation.

Felicia Patterson, D.Mgt.
Vice President, Learner Support Services

Dear College Community,

As updates on the coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to evolve and with recent guidance from the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we want to again assure you that the college continues to actively monitor developments regarding the outbreak of the COVID-19. At this time, we are not aware of any confirmed cases of coronavirus at Anne Arundel Community College, in Anne Arundel County, or in the State of Maryland.

President Trump has issued new travel restrictions and advisories, also noted in the CDC travel information. As the global community continues its efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the college is restricting any college sponsored travel to and from China, Iran, South Korea, Italy, and/or Japan. As additional information comes forward, we will continue to keep the college community up to date and informed through our email communication and webpage.  

We ask that you continue to familiarize yourself with the following actions recommended by the CDC to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. People who think they may have been exposed to the coronavirus should contact their healthcare provider immediately. If you know of students or employees who may have recently traveled to China, Iran, South Korea, Italy, and/or Japan, please refer them to our Manager of the Health & Wellness Center, Beth Mays at 410-777-2480, to learn more about health resources available.

Thank you,

Felicia Patterson, D.Mgt.
Vice President, Learner Support Services

Dear College Community,

Following recent announcements from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we want to assure you that the college continues to actively monitor developments regarding the outbreak of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. The CDC states that the public health risk from COVID-19 is high, both globally and to the United States, but individual risk is dependent on exposure. Risk of exposure to COVID-19 by the general American public is considered low at this time.

In addition, we are not aware of any coronavirus cases in Maryland, at AACC, or connected to AACC. To provide our students, faculty and staff with general information and updates related to COVID-19, we have created a COVID-19 webpage.

We want you to know that AACC has a cross-divisional Pandemic Team in place that is monitoring national conditions in relation to AACC and will make recommendations about the best steps to take concerning our college. Keeping you informed is one of the first priorities. 

As this is a rapidly evolving situation, we assure you that the college takes COVID-19 very seriously and will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available through email, the website, and social media outlets. We want to remind you that it is still flu season and that you should take preventative measures to combat both the flu and Coronavirus. We appreciate your support and cooperation. 

Thank you,

Felicia Patterson, D.Mgt.
Vice President, Learner Support Services