covid-19 web graphic

Updated October 2021

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

Please visit the CDC’s website for the most accurate, up-to-date information pertaining to COVID-19 along with the Massachusett’s COVID-19 update.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENT & CLINICS

Requirement

Effective January 2022, Massachusetts Community College students, faculty, and staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit verification of their fully vaccinated status to the College absent an approved reasonable accommodation. The Colleges will be providing information to employees about the verification process following impact bargaining with applicable unions. If they have not already done so, the colleges will be providing information to students as to how to submit verification in the upcoming weeks.

Download the Mass. Community Colleges COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement FAQs (updated as of 10.18.21)

Why are vaccines being required?
With the number of new cases of COVID-19 across the Commonwealth in unvaccinated populations, the increased access and availability of vaccines in the Commonwealth, the Food & Drug Administration’s full and pending approval of available vaccines, and consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to be extremely safe and highly effective at preventing infection, severe disease, hospitalization, and death, the Massachusetts Community College Presidents determined that COVID-19 vaccines should be required.

What are the vaccine requirements for students?
Students who are only taking online courses, whether full or part-time, credit or non-credit, and who will not access campus for any reason, such as instruction, advising, and/or other purposes are not required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. All other students whether full or part-time, credit or non-credit, are required to be fully vaccinated, including:
• Students with any on-campus component to their schedule;
• Students who seek to access any on-campus services; and
• Students who are required by program or activity to be vaccinated as a condition of participation (e.g. athletics, clinical placements).

What is the definition of fully vaccinated?
The community colleges use the CDC’s definition of full vaccination status, which currently provides that “in general, people are considered fully vaccinated:
• 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.”
Any changes in the CDC’s definition of full vaccination status, including but not limited to booster shots, will be incorporated by reference into the community colleges’ requirements.

What alternatives are available to students who are unable to be fully vaccinated?
Students who are unable to be fully vaccinated may take online courses and utilize services remotely. Students may also request a reasonable accommodation and the College will engage in an interactive process consistent with applicable laws and college policy to determine if eligible for a reasonable accommodation, and if so, whether the requested accommodation is reasonable and does not create an undue burden or direct threat to health or safety. In the event a reasonable accommodation is approved, Students may be subject to additional health and safety protocols and/or be excluded from campus and/or college activities including but not limited to travel for the protection of health or safety, as determined by the College in consideration of local, state, and/or or federal laws and public health guidance and/or mandates.

The colleges will be communicating the process for requesting a reasonable accommodation related to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement in the coming weeks.

Is the vaccine required for those who have already recovered from COVID-19?
Yes. According to the CDC, full vaccination is recommended for those who have had COVID-19 because research has not yet shown how long COVID-19 protects those from getting COVID-19 again and vaccination helps protect those who have already had COVID-19.

 

Vaccination Clinics

No scheduled at this time on campus. Additional resources for accessing a COVID-19 vaccine include:
Vaxfinder
COVID-19 Mobile Vaccine Program
Additional Vaccine Resources

 

FOR STUDENTS 

Changes to class times and locations will encourage social distancing. 

 What you must know: 

  • Effective 1/22, students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit verification of their fully vaccinated status to the College. For details see above.
  • Face coverings are required indoors at any one of the MWCC campuses. You are not required to wear a face-covering outdoors while on campus. If you feel that you cannot comply with the face-covering requirement and would like to seek accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services. Read more about MWCC’s policy on face coverings below.
  • Formats, locations, and timing classes have been altered based on current CDC guidelines.
  • All offices will be open and available to students and the public.  Click here for staff/faculty directory.
  • Students can find detailed information about their schedules through iConnect. 
  • Staff members are available to assist students with changes to their schedules. 

Understanding your schedule 

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

How will the semester be offered at MWCC? View the short video below.

 

Questions?

  • For information on how to interpret your schedule or general 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

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

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 Student Financial Services  at 978-630-9169 or email at sfs@mwcc.mass.edu

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. Currently, COVID-19 Emergency Relief flexibilities have been extended through at least September 30, 2021.

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. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to complete.  You will need an FSA ID, if you do not have one, please click here.

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 Student Financial Services staff at 978-630-9169 or email them at sfs@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

Emergency Broadband Benefit The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit

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.

Please visit this page for COVID-19 Updated Library Services

For questions, please email library@mwcc.mass.edu for assistance with this.

For updates on Mount Fitness's operating status, visit Mount Fitness's webpage or Mount Fitness's Facebook page

 

 

FOR STAFF & FACULTY 

The College will follow a collectively developed plan to gradually return to work 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 the upcoming semesters. 

What you must know: 

  • Effective 1/22, staff and faculty must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit verification of their fully vaccinated status to the College. For details see above.
  • 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 indoors at any one of the MWCC campuses. You are not required to wear a face-covering outdoors while on campus. If you feel that you cannot comply with the face-covering requirement and would like to seek accommodations, please contact the 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

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 Student Financial Services  at 978-630-9169 or email at sfs@mwcc.mass.edu

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. Currently, COVID-19 Emergency Relief flexibilities have been extended through at least September 30, 2021.

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. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to complete.  You will need an FSA ID, if you do not have one, please click here.

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 Student Financial Services staff at 978-630-9169 or email them at sfs@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

Emergency Broadband Benefit The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit

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.

Please visit this page for COVID-19 Updated Library Services

For questions, please email library@mwcc.mass.edu for assistance with this.

For updates on Mount Fitness's operating status, visit Mount Fitness's webpage or Mount Fitness's Facebook page

 

 

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 while indoors. 
  • Face coverings are no longer required when outdoors.
  • 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 indoors but not required outdoors when social distancing can be used.  

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.  

If you need 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.