covid-19 web graphic

Updated: July, 31, 2020 

The health and safety of our campus community is our number one concern. 

Read MWCC’s comprehensive plan for returning faculty and staff to campus › Download PDF (7.23.20)

Read MWCC’s overview of department’s campus plans › Download PDF (9.16.20)

 

FOR STUDENTS 

Changes to class times and locations will encourage social distancing. 

 What you must know: 

  • Face coverings are required, inside the building, during in-person class, and outside when 6’ social distancing cannot be used. If you feel that you cannot comply with the face covering requirement and would like to seek an accommodation, please contact Student Disability Services. Read more about MWCC’s policy on face coverings below.
  • Formats, locations, and timing of fall classes have changed to encourage social distancing for a safe on-campus experience.
  • MWCC is open, however, the campuses are not open for walk-in business (including the college bookstore).  Call or email the office you need to work with to schedule an appointment. Click here for staff/faculty directory.
  • Students can find detailed information to understand and adjust their schedules through iConnect. 
  • Staff members are available to assist students with changes to their schedules. 

 

 

Schedule changes 

  • Times: The time between classes for individual classrooms has been extended up to 60 minutes to ensure classroom and surfaces are cleaned and sanitized. Note: this will not delay the scheduling of classes.
  • Locations: Room changes have been made to maximize use of larger classrooms for face-to-face courses and to meet the needs of hybrid classes. 
  • Formats: Select classes will be face-to-face, hybrid (a combination of face-to-face and online), and online. 

Understanding your schedule 

You can find detailed information about your class format under the “notes” section through WebConnect under your iConnect account. 

Safety practices will include measures to create physical distance, enhanced cleaning, and use of disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and face coverings. 

Nursing/Clinicals – All nursing classes are being delivered virtually (synchronous) online. Clinicals, as of now, will resume in-person with accommodations that align with our partner’s requirements. You will be notified prior to these requirements. Please check your MWCC email so you can be informed of any updates.

Testing Services will be open for limited, by-appointment seats on the Gardner campus. We anticipate that TEAS, CLEP, HiSET, GED, Accuplacer, and some accommodated exam space will be available on a rotating basis. To request an appointment visit the testing page.

Contact tracing is the systematic identification of persons who have come into close contact[1] with a confirmed case of COVID-19.[2]  Initially, this process was administered by MDPH or a local DPH.  However, due to the increased number of cases, a Community College may be required to administer this protocol when it receives notice of a confirmed COVID-19 case in its community and the MDPH or its local DPH is unable to conduct contact tracing.

Initial Protocol Considerations

  •  This is a confidential process.  The name of the individual who has tested positive shall not be disclosed to a close contact, or any other individual or entity outside of MDPH/local DPH(s), nor should sufficient details be provided that makes their identity readily identifiable.
  • Protocol administered through Human Resources, College’s health officer or other designated individual (“Tracing Officer”).
  • Protocol is administered in coordination with the UPDATED Responding to Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 policy, issued by General Counsel’s Office on March 27, 2020.

Upon notification of a confirmed COVID-19 case in the College community

  • Contact your local DPH to inform it of the confirmed case and determine if it will conduct the contact tracing process.  If the local DPH does not return the College’s call within three (3) hours, contact MDPH at 617-983-6800.
  • If the local DPH is going to conduct the tracing, provide it with the confirmed case’s contact information.
  • If not, the College’s Tracing Officer should confirm with the local DPH that the College will conduct contact tracing in accordance with this Protocol.

Initiate Contact Tracing

  • Contact the confirmed COVID-19 case and complete the Contact Tracing Reporting Form, including identifying all individuals the confirmed case came in close contact with in the college community during their period of infectivity.[3]
  • Contact those that had close contact with the confirmed case during the period of infectivity.  Indicate: (a) that they have been identified as coming in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19; and (b) the date and location of the close contact.
  • Instruct close contact(s) to contact their health care provider and self-quarantine for up to 14 days or as directed by their health care provider.
  • Inform close contact(s) that upon completing their period of self-quarantine they will require a doctor’s note indicating they are cleared to return to work.
  • Inform local DPH of notification to close contacts.  Provide information to local DPH as requested.

 

[1] Defined as (a) being within approximately 6 feet of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time (at least 15 minutes); or (b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on).

[2] Individuals who have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.

[3] Defined as the date the COVID-19 patient developed symptoms up to the time the patient went into isolation.

Please return the completed form to the Office of Human Resources.

Click here to download (PDF)

COVID-19 and social isolation are increasing danger for those who have to shelter at home with abusive partners. If you or someone you know is in this situation, the information below can help.

  • First and foremost, call 911 if you are in danger. Police will still respond to calls for help.
  • YWCA Domestic Violence Services 24-hour safe and confidential assistance: Helpline 508-755-9030 and Chatline www.ywcahelp.com
  • If you need help with or have questions about restraining orders, you can reach the Gardner Court SAFEPLAN Advocate directly at 774-312-3772 during regular business hours.
  • DTA (Dept Transitional Assistant) Domestic Violence Specialist (Fitchburg) 978-665-8713
  • DTA for assistance go to the web site for the application process https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/ ❖ SNAP assistance line, 877-382-2363.
  • LUK, Inc Domestic Violence 978-345-0685 (8-5) After 5pm 800-579-0000
  • PATHWAY FOR CHANGE, INC Sexual Violence 800-870-5905
  • Safe Link state-wide Hotline 877-785-2020 (24/7) (keeps inventory of shelter beds)
  • FHCD remote line to apply for shelter, 866-584-0653
  • National DV Hotline: Can help by text when talking isn’t safe - Text LOVEIS to 22522
  • Call PAVE, Intimate Partner Abuse Education Program, 978-466-3820 x 8967 if you are at risk of hurting someone and want help.
  • If you are at risk of losing housing and need financial assistance see wayfindersma.org/hcec-assessment or call a domestic violence advocate listed above.
  • Think about your support system and who you trust. Talk with that person about how they could help if you need to get out quickly and come up with a code word you can use to let them know you need help. Keep your phone charged. Consider contacting a domestic violence advocate to plan for safety or see https://www.thehotline.org/help/path-to-safety
  • Depending on their ages, talk to your children about your concerns and make a plan for where they should go and who they should call in an emergency. Reassure them this isn’t their fault.

If you are concerned about someone; use these 3 steps Recognize (know what abuse is), Respond, (give them this sheet for resources), Refer (Call a Domestic Violence Advocate or Safe Plan Advocate)

You are not alone, and your community cares!!!

Thanks to the Gardner Domestic Violence Task Force for this comprehensive list. You can find them on Facebook or at 978-230-6446.

For all of our staff members and students trying to keep the kids busy at home when you need to work or study, here are a few resources we've found. Feel free to share more with us on social media or email to marketing@mwcc.mass.edu.

Free Drawing Lessons from Famous Illustrators (via Fastcompany.com) These illustrators, and a couple of authors, are offering ritual resources and free classes for kids. Included on the list is recent MWCC Speaker Jarrett Krosoczka with a YouTube series, "Draw Everyday with JJK".

Junior Sea Doctors This page is a one-stop-shop filled with marine science videos as activities that you can easily do from your own home.

SciShow Is a YouTube series launched in 2010 that explores scientific topics seven days a week. It has expanded to three additional channels, SciShow Space, SciShow Psych, and SciShow Kids. There is something for everyone from content creator Hank Green.

Crash Course Kids is a YouTube series aimed at 5th Grade Science topics such as Earth Science, Physical Science, Biology, Geography, Engineering and Astronomy. New videos are launched twice a week.

30 Great Educational Netflix Shows via WeAreTeachers.com This list offers suggestions for students of all ages.

CWMARS Libraries are closed, but digital collections are always open! Check out eBooks and Audiobooks with your local library card. If you don't have one, you can create one online.

Activities and online resources for homebound kids: A coronavirus guide via livescience.com This article includes links to resources from a variety of sources including Scholastic and NASA with ideas for kids from K-12.

Visit the Zoo! These Zoos have live webcams: National Zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, San Deigo Zoo, Houston Zoo

Parenting in the time of COVID-19

Time to Come In, Bear: A Children's Story About Social Distancing

You are probably reading this because you need to know how the Coronovirus (COVID-19) will affect your financial aid. If you need to talk to someone right now, contact the MWCC Financial Aid Office at 978-630-9169 or email financialaid@mwcc.mass.edu.

Note: In light of the many challenges presented by COVID-19 for students and families, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has chosen to extend its 2020-2021 FAFSA filing priority deadline date from May 1 to July 1.  This change in policy will largely impact students who are applying for the MASSGrant program. 

Do I still have to make loan payments if I already have financial aid?

As of March 20, 2020, the U.S. government will allow you to suspend payments on your loans. This is called an administrative forbearance. This means you can temporarily stop repayment on your federal loans in the event you have financial hardship.

If you want to request an administrative forbearance, you should request one by contacting your loan servicer. If you are unsure of who your servicer is or how to contact them, visit StudentAid.gov/login or call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243; TTY for the deaf or hearing-impaired 1-800-730-8913) for assistance.

If you’re at least 31 days behind on your payment as of March 13, 2020, or become more than 31 days delinquent after that date, you’ll automatically be placed in the administrative forbearance to give you a safety net during the COVID-19 national emergency.

Do I still need to fill out the FAFSA? Why?

Yes, you should still fill out your FAFSA! Don’t let COVID-19 take away your chance to get your education. Submitting the FAFSA officially establishes your need for financial aid. The good news is, if you do it online and have your documents on-hand, it’ll take less than half an hour.

Where can I learn more about Financial Aid and Cornonavirus?

The Federal Student Aid office of the US Department of Education has set up a website to answer many of the most common questions students and borrowers have asked. Visit studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus. If you find that you still have questions, please reach out to our Financial Aid staff at 978-630-9169 or email them at financialaid@mwcc.mass.edu.

Government Resources

Mass Department of Public Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Resources for Institutes of Higher Education

Information on Unemployment and Coronavirus COVID-19 vis Mass.gov

Finding the Right Help During the COVID-19 Outbreak via benefits.gov

Housing

Housing assistance from CHAPA

Communications Providers

The Federal Communications Commission has an agreement which states that providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and open hot-spots for increased accessibility to the internet. Visit docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-363033A1 for information.

Please visit the following websites for the latest details on how to sign-up and leverage these services

Comcast COVID-19 Response: Comcast offers free Wi-Fi for 2 months to low income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time. Visit corporate.comcast.com/covid-19.

Charter Free Internet: Visit corporate.charter.com/newsroom/charter-to-offer-free-access-to-spectrum-broadband-and-wifi-for-60-days-for-new-K12-and-college-student-households-and-more

AT&T COVID-19 Response: At&T offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low-income families. Visit https://about.att.com/pages/COVID-19.html

Verizon COVID-19 Response: There are no special offers, but Verizon is following the FCC agreement. Visit www.verizon.com/about/news/our-response-coronavirus.

Sprint COVID-19 Response: Sprint is following the FCC agreement and will provide unlimited data to existing customers. Starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Sprint will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge. Visit newsroom.sprint.com/covid-19-updates-sprint-responds.

T-Mobile COVID-19 Response: T-Mobile is following the FCC agreement and providing unlimited data to existing customers. It will soon allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge. Visit www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-update-on-covid-19-response.

Articles & Resources for Community Members

Coronavirus: How to protect your mental health via BBC News

Resources to Support Mental Health and Coping with the Coronavirus

CDC - Managing Stress and Anxiety 

Department of Housing and Community Development Housing Locator

211.org - This site allows you to search for help by your specific location

Online/Phone Resources for Recovery Support, Parenting, and COVID-19 Compiled by Institute for Health and Recovery

Librarians are available via email and chat to assist you with questions during our normal operational hours Monday through Thursday 7:30-6 and Friday 7:30-4.

Please visit this page for COVID-19 Updated Library Services

Librarians are available to work with students one-on-one via Blackboard Collaborate Ultra in order to assist with their research needs. Please email library@mwcc.mass.edu for assistance with this.

If students or faculty have questions about how to access the databases or if you have questions about your Library account, please email library@mwcc.mass.edu.

Is there a resource that you use for your course(s) that you no longer have access to? Would a research guide for your course or an assignment be helpful? We can help with those needs. Please email the Library: library@mwcc.mass.edu and we will assist you.

In short, we're here to help! So please let us know what we can do to support you!

The Library is currently not open to the public for in-person, on-campus services. We will update this page when this changes.

March 16, 2020

To all our Mount Fitness members, we will be closing beginning Tuesday, March 17th, per the Governor’s State of Emergency Declaration and in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. We will provide an update this Sunday on our latest status. All membership types have been frozen.

As always - visit Mount Fitness's Facebook page for information and fitness resources.

Testing Services in person have been suspended.

    • As this pertains to new student registration, there are many measures by which students can be placed into classes. Please contact Advising to speak with a staff member about the best registration options for you.
    • As this pertains to selective health TEAS requirements, please email us at testingservices@mwcc.mass.edu and when remote and/or in-person test dates are posted we will notify you.
    • As this pertains to CLEP testing, please email us at testingservices@mwcc.mass.edu and when in-person operations resume we will contact you to schedule your exam.

The Academic Support Center is working remotely to tutor students until in-person services resume.

    • Email: Have a quick question? Looking for feedback on a paper draft? Send an email to asc@mwcc.mass.edu and your request will be forwarded to the appropriate subject-area tutor. Please include your name, MWCC student ID number, class a brief description of the assignment, and the paper or project for review.
    • Video: Want to schedule a video appointment with a tutor? Email asc@mwcc.mass.edu and we will schedule an appointment for you.

Effective August 1, 2020, all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts must follow new travel orders. The Commonwealth has made great progress to slow the spread of COVID-19 and gradually re-open the economy, and all visitors have a responsibility to help us keep transmission levels as low as possible.

Massachusetts Travel Order (PDF)

Massachusetts Travel Order Website

  • For information on how to interpret your schedule or general fall 2020 questions, please email advisor@mwcc.mass.edu. 
  • For how your schedule impacts your degree completion or changing particular courses, please contact an advisor. Advising offices are assisting incoming students with registration and orientation, so please be patient as response times may be longer than usual. 
  • For information on tuition, fees, or financial aid, contact financial aid at 978-639-9169. Again, response times may be longer than usual so please be patient. 
  • Staff and faculty directory

 

 

FOR STAFF & FACULTY 

The College will follow a collectively developed plan to gradually return to working on campus. The plan’s goals are to protect the health of employees, help ensure the well-being of the community, and carefully and deliberately prepare for fall semester. The plan will be updated as it progresses. Read MWCC’s comprehensive plan for returning faculty and staff to campus › Download PDF (7.23.20)

What you must know: 

  • The College plan establishes the parameters for repopulating the campus in compliance with state mandates and will be updated as circumstances require.
  • Face coverings are required, inside the building, during in-person class, and outside when 6’ social distancing cannot be used. If you feel that you cannot comply with the face covering requirement and would like to seek an accommodation, please contact Office of Human Resources. Read more about MWCC’s policy on face coverings below. 

What you should know: 

  • Facilities Services has implemented enhance cleaning
  • Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout campus

  • Facilities Services has implemented enhanced cleaning. 
  • Employees can help by keeping their work areas clean. 
  • Stay informed about temporary space closures. 
  • For classroom items needing additional cleaning, place a regular sticky note on each item; this will prompt cleaning staff to disinfect.

To request cleaning supplies and to receive cleaning training email John Bergeron

  • Review CDC guidance on groups at high risk. 
  • Remote teaching and learning may be options for students and faculty who need to stay home. 
  • Telework, etc., will be supported when possible
  • The College seeks to minimize the number of individuals on campus
  • Flexible schedules, telework, and other alternate work arrangements are supported and encouraged when possible

  • Students and employees should monitor their health, check their temperature each day. 
  • Stay home if you do not feel well or have a fever. 

See section "Requirement to wear face coverings" below for additional information.

It's the College's mission to ensure faculty and staff have the tools necessary to perform their job effectively and efficiently both on-site and remotely.

  • For computer accessories (additional monitor/keyboard/mouse/webcam), use the "Computer Accessory Request" form via iConnect > Forms & Documents*
  • For a softphone (calling with an MWCC number from your personal laptop, MWCC laptop or cell phone), use the "Softphone Request" form via iConnect > Forms & Documents*
  • For access to the VPN (access to Titan and MWCC remote desktop connection) and request a laptop, use the "VPN" form under "ITS Access Request Forms" via iConnect > Forms & Documents*

*All of the above need to be filled out by a direct supervisor.

If you are in need of additional technology: ask your direct supervisor to put in a request via iConnect > Forms & Documents

Contact tracing is the systematic identification of persons who have come into close contact[1] with a confirmed case of COVID-19.[2]  Initially, this process was administered by MDPH or a local DPH.  However, due to the increased number of cases, a Community College may be required to administer this protocol when it receives notice of a confirmed COVID-19 case in its community and the MDPH or its local DPH is unable to conduct contact tracing.

Initial Protocol Considerations

  •  This is a confidential process.  The name of the individual who has tested positive shall not be disclosed to a close contact, or any other individual or entity outside of MDPH/local DPH(s), nor should sufficient details be provided that makes their identity readily identifiable.
  • Protocol administered through Human Resources, College’s health officer or other designated individual (“Tracing Officer”).
  • Protocol is administered in coordination with the UPDATED Responding to Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 policy, issued by General Counsel’s Office on March 27, 2020.

Upon notification of a confirmed COVID-19 case in the College community

  • Contact your local DPH to inform it of the confirmed case and determine if it will conduct the contact tracing process.  If the local DPH does not return the College’s call within three (3) hours, contact MDPH at 617-983-6800.
  • If the local DPH is going to conduct the tracing, provide it with the confirmed case’s contact information.
  • If not, the College’s Tracing Officer should confirm with the local DPH that the College will conduct contact tracing in accordance with this Protocol.

Initiate Contact Tracing

  • Contact the confirmed COVID-19 case and complete the Contact Tracing Reporting Form, including identifying all individuals the confirmed case came in close contact with in the college community during their period of infectivity.[3]
  • Contact those that had close contact with the confirmed case during the period of infectivity.  Indicate: (a) that they have been identified as coming in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19; and (b) the date and location of the close contact.
  • Instruct close contact(s) to contact their health care provider and self-quarantine for up to 14 days or as directed by their health care provider.
  • Inform close contact(s) that upon completing their period of self-quarantine they will require a doctor’s note indicating they are cleared to return to work.
  • Inform local DPH of notification to close contacts.  Provide information to local DPH as requested.

 

[1] Defined as (a) being within approximately 6 feet of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time (at least 15 minutes); or (b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on).

[2] Individuals who have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.

[3] Defined as the date the COVID-19 patient developed symptoms up to the time the patient went into isolation.

Please return the completed form to the Office of Human Resources.

Click here to download (PDF)

COVID-19 and social isolation are increasing danger for those who have to shelter at home with abusive partners. If you or someone you know is in this situation, the information below can help.

  • First and foremost, call 911 if you are in danger. Police will still respond to calls for help.
  • YWCA Domestic Violence Services 24-hour safe and confidential assistance: Helpline 508-755-9030 and Chatline www.ywcahelp.com
  • If you need help with or have questions about restraining orders, you can reach the Gardner Court SAFEPLAN Advocate directly at 774-312-3772 during regular business hours.
  • DTA (Dept Transitional Assistant) Domestic Violence Specialist (Fitchburg) 978-665-8713
  • DTA for assistance go to the web site for the application process https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/ ❖ SNAP assistance line, 877-382-2363.
  • LUK, Inc Domestic Violence 978-345-0685 (8-5) After 5pm 800-579-0000
  • PATHWAY FOR CHANGE, INC Sexual Violence 800-870-5905
  • Safe Link state-wide Hotline 877-785-2020 (24/7) (keeps inventory of shelter beds)
  • FHCD remote line to apply for shelter, 866-584-0653
  • National DV Hotline: Can help by text when talking isn’t safe - Text LOVEIS to 22522
  • Call PAVE, Intimate Partner Abuse Education Program, 978-466-3820 x 8967 if you are at risk of hurting someone and want help.
  • If you are at risk of losing housing and need financial assistance see wayfindersma.org/hcec-assessment or call a domestic violence advocate listed above.
  • Think about your support system and who you trust. Talk with that person about how they could help if you need to get out quickly and come up with a code word you can use to let them know you need help. Keep your phone charged. Consider contacting a domestic violence advocate to plan for safety or see https://www.thehotline.org/help/path-to-safety
  • Depending on their ages, talk to your children about your concerns and make a plan for where they should go and who they should call in an emergency. Reassure them this isn’t their fault.

If you are concerned about someone; use these 3 steps Recognize (know what abuse is), Respond, (give them this sheet for resources), Refer (Call a Domestic Violence Advocate or Safe Plan Advocate)

You are not alone, and your community cares!!!

Thanks to the Gardner Domestic Violence Task Force for this comprehensive list. You can find them on Facebook or at 978-230-6446.

For all of our staff members and students trying to keep the kids busy at home when you need to work or study, here are a few resources we've found. Feel free to share more with us on social media or email to marketing@mwcc.mass.edu.

Free Drawing Lessons from Famous Illustrators (via Fastcompany.com) These illustrators, and a couple of authors, are offering ritual resources and free classes for kids. Included on the list is recent MWCC Speaker Jarrett Krosoczka with a YouTube series, "Draw Everyday with JJK".

Junior Sea Doctors This page is a one-stop-shop filled with marine science videos as activities that you can easily do from your own home.

SciShow Is a YouTube series launched in 2010 that explores scientific topics seven days a week. It has expanded to three additional channels, SciShow Space, SciShow Psych, and SciShow Kids. There is something for everyone from content creator Hank Green.

Crash Course Kids is a YouTube series aimed at 5th Grade Science topics such as Earth Science, Physical Science, Biology, Geography, Engineering and Astronomy. New videos are launched twice a week.

30 Great Educational Netflix Shows via WeAreTeachers.com This list offers suggestions for students of all ages.

CWMARS Libraries are closed, but digital collections are always open! Check out eBooks and Audiobooks with your local library card. If you don't have one, you can create one online.

Activities and online resources for homebound kids: A coronavirus guide via livescience.com This article includes links to resources from a variety of sources including Scholastic and NASA with ideas for kids from K-12.

Visit the Zoo! These Zoos have live webcams: National Zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, San Deigo Zoo, Houston Zoo

Parenting in the time of COVID-19

Time to Come In, Bear: A Children's Story About Social Distancing

You are probably reading this because you need to know how the Coronovirus (COVID-19) will affect your financial aid. If you need to talk to someone right now, contact the MWCC Financial Aid Office at 978-630-9169 or email financialaid@mwcc.mass.edu.

Note: In light of the many challenges presented by COVID-19 for students and families, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has chosen to extend its 2020-2021 FAFSA filing priority deadline date from May 1 to July 1.  This change in policy will largely impact students who are applying for the MASSGrant program. 

Do I still have to make loan payments if I already have financial aid?

As of March 20, 2020, the U.S. government will allow you to suspend payments on your loans. This is called an administrative forbearance. This means you can temporarily stop repayment on your federal loans in the event you have financial hardship.

If you want to request an administrative forbearance, you should request one by contacting your loan servicer. If you are unsure of who your servicer is or how to contact them, visit StudentAid.gov/login or call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243; TTY for the deaf or hearing-impaired 1-800-730-8913) for assistance.

If you’re at least 31 days behind on your payment as of March 13, 2020, or become more than 31 days delinquent after that date, you’ll automatically be placed in the administrative forbearance to give you a safety net during the COVID-19 national emergency.

Do I still need to fill out the FAFSA? Why?

Yes, you should still fill out your FAFSA! Don’t let COVID-19 take away your chance to get your education. Submitting the FAFSA officially establishes your need for financial aid. The good news is, if you do it online and have your documents on-hand, it’ll take less than half an hour.

Where can I learn more about Financial Aid and Cornonavirus?

The Federal Student Aid office of the US Department of Education has set up a website to answer many of the most common questions students and borrowers have asked. Visit studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus. If you find that you still have questions, please reach out to our Financial Aid staff at 978-630-9169 or email them at financialaid@mwcc.mass.edu.

Government Resources

Mass Department of Public Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Resources for Institutes of Higher Education

Information on Unemployment and Coronavirus COVID-19 vis Mass.gov

Finding the Right Help During the COVID-19 Outbreak via benefits.gov

Housing

Housing assistance from CHAPA

Communications Providers

The Federal Communications Commission has an agreement which states that providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and open hot-spots for increased accessibility to the internet. Visit docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-363033A1 for information.

Please visit the following websites for the latest details on how to sign-up and leverage these services

Comcast COVID-19 Response: Comcast offers free Wi-Fi for 2 months to low income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time. Visit corporate.comcast.com/covid-19.

Charter Free Internet: Visit corporate.charter.com/newsroom/charter-to-offer-free-access-to-spectrum-broadband-and-wifi-for-60-days-for-new-K12-and-college-student-households-and-more

AT&T COVID-19 Response: At&T offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low-income families. Visit https://about.att.com/pages/COVID-19.html

Verizon COVID-19 Response: There are no special offers, but Verizon is following the FCC agreement. Visit www.verizon.com/about/news/our-response-coronavirus.

Sprint COVID-19 Response: Sprint is following the FCC agreement and will provide unlimited data to existing customers. Starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Sprint will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge. Visit newsroom.sprint.com/covid-19-updates-sprint-responds.

T-Mobile COVID-19 Response: T-Mobile is following the FCC agreement and providing unlimited data to existing customers. It will soon allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge. Visit www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-update-on-covid-19-response.

Articles & Resources for Community Members

Coronavirus: How to protect your mental health via BBC News

Resources to Support Mental Health and Coping with the Coronavirus

CDC - Managing Stress and Anxiety 

Department of Housing and Community Development Housing Locator

211.org - This site allows you to search for help by your specific location

Online/Phone Resources for Recovery Support, Parenting, and COVID-19 Compiled by Institute for Health and Recovery

Librarians are available via email and chat to assist you with questions during our normal operational hours Monday through Thursday 7:30-6 and Friday 7:30-4.

Please visit this page for COVID-19 Updated Library Services

Librarians are available to work with students one-on-one via Blackboard Collaborate Ultra in order to assist with their research needs. Please email library@mwcc.mass.edu for assistance with this.

If students or faculty have questions about how to access the databases or if you have questions about your Library account, please email library@mwcc.mass.edu.

Is there a resource that you use for your course(s) that you no longer have access to? Would a research guide for your course or an assignment be helpful? We can help with those needs. Please email the Library: library@mwcc.mass.edu and we will assist you.

In short, we're here to help! So please let us know what we can do to support you!

The Library is currently not open to the public for in-person, on-campus services. We will update this page when this changes.

March 16, 2020

To all our Mount Fitness members, we will be closing beginning Tuesday, March 17th, per the Governor’s State of Emergency Declaration and in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. We will provide an update this Sunday on our latest status. All membership types have been frozen.

As always - visit Mount Fitness's Facebook page for information and fitness resources.

Testing Services in person have been suspended.

    • As this pertains to new student registration, there are many measures by which students can be placed into classes. Please contact Advising to speak with a staff member about the best registration options for you.
    • As this pertains to selective health TEAS requirements, please email us at testingservices@mwcc.mass.edu and when remote and/or in-person test dates are posted we will notify you.
    • As this pertains to CLEP testing, please email us at testingservices@mwcc.mass.edu and when in-person operations resume we will contact you to schedule your exam.

The Academic Support Center is working remotely to tutor students until in-person services resume.

    • Email: Have a quick question? Looking for feedback on a paper draft? Send an email to asc@mwcc.mass.edu and your request will be forwarded to the appropriate subject-area tutor. Please include your name, MWCC student ID number, class a brief description of the assignment, and the paper or project for review.
    • Video: Want to schedule a video appointment with a tutor? Email asc@mwcc.mass.edu and we will schedule an appointment for you.

Effective August 1, 2020, all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts must follow new travel orders. The Commonwealth has made great progress to slow the spread of COVID-19 and gradually re-open the economy, and all visitors have a responsibility to help us keep transmission levels as low as possible.

Massachusetts Travel Order (PDF)

Massachusetts Travel Order Website

 

 

REQUIREMENT TO WEAR FACE COVERINGS 

To slow the spread of COVID-19, students, faculty, and staff must wear face coverings on campus. 

What you must know: 

  • Students, faculty, and staff are required to wear face coverings. 
  • Face coverings are required in many areas, including classrooms. 
  • Face coverings combined with social distancing are crucial to slow the spread of COVID-19. 
  • Please come to campus prepared with a face covering.  If you have a hardship meeting this mandate, you may speak to a campus police officer, Student Services, or Human Resources. Note: It is recommended by the CDC that face coverings are made of cotton material (such as a bandana or t-shirt material), and two-ply for best effectiveness. 

Face coverings must be worn on campus.  

Multiple studies have shown that use of face coverings, combined with social distancing, substantially limits the spread of COVID-19. By wearing a face covering and following social distancing guidance, you will:  

  • Protect yourself and others, including those who are at high risk for serious illness  
  • Reduce your chances of having to self-isolate because of close contact with a person with COVID-19  
  • Help keep the campus open and classes meeting in person by minimizing the number of close contacts  

The on-campus experience depends on students, faculty, and staff following health and safety measures, and among the most important of those measures are social distancing and use of face coverings. Students, faculty, and staff must wear a face covering—a cloth face mask, bandanna, medical mask, or gaiter—on campus and follow social distancing guidance.  

Face coverings will be distributed to students by request and employee before the start of the fall semester.  

Where to wear a face covering:  

  • In classrooms  
  • In elevators  
  • Outdoors except in situations where you are certain you can stay at least six feet from others in all directions at all times  
  • Indoors except in isolated spaces such as your private office or room or nonacademic spaces specifically set up for appropriate social distancing where you are certain to maintain at least six feet of physical distance from others in all directions at all times  
  • In any indoor or outdoor situation in which you cannot stay at least six feet from other people at all times or do not have control over someone entering into your six-foot vicinity  

Children under age two, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unable to remove a mask without assistance is not required wear a mask or facial covering. To discuss accommodations to the face covering requirement, students should Student Disability Services, and employees and visitors should contact the Office of Human Resources. 

  • Combine face coverings with social distancing.  
  • Keep a face covering with you and be ready to wear it when needed.  
  • Avoid stigmatizing the wearing of face coverings.  
  • Cover coughs and sneezes, especially when you’re not wearing a face covering. Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow.  
  • Remember to wash your hands after you remove your face covering.  
  • Discard used disposable face coverings in the regular trash.  
  • Wash your cloth face coverings regularly.  

Questions about face coverings? Please contact Human Resources to discuss your concerns or ask your specific questions.

 

 

The rise in COVID-19 cases has led to considerable misinformation online. Visit the CDC website for the most up-to-date and accurate information about the virus and help reduce the spread of misinformation. 

Members of the news media should contact Nia Carignan at ncarignan@mwcc.mass.edu with any questions about MWCC’s response to the coronavirus.