Safe Return to Campus

The safety of students, employees and visitors remains at the forefront and guides every decision at your Salem Community College (SCC).

All in-person activities are rigorously monitored to comply with CDC and New Jersey public health guidelines. Everyone entering SCC buildings must wear a mask and practice social distancing. All occupied and/or actively utilized areas are subject to enhanced cleaning protocols.

Reported Cases

The table below shows confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the SCC community - students and employees, whether they study/work on campus or are remote. The data reflects test results we know of to date. Figures may change as we learn of results from individuals and out-of-county agencies. Due to federal patient - and student-confidentiality regulations, we cannot provide more details about the affected individuals.

Following medical protocols, we will continue to inform people in the SCC community who were in close contact with the infected individuals before and as they started showing symptoms. Although the risk of infection is low for those beyond the individuals' inner circles, we will continue to inform others and ask that they isolate themselves for up to 14 days, depending on the level of exposure.

	Latest case(s) reported 10/27/2020	Total cases since 9/1/2020
On Campus	0	1
Off Campus	1	3
Total	1	4

For further information, visit the COVID-19 Response Protocol (Appendix 3).

Health and Safety

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO SCC STUDENTS REGARDING TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF NEW JERSEY

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the State of New Jersey currently has a 14-day quarantine order for individuals arriving from many states.

SCC students who elect to travel to states on the quarantine list during the fall semester (including fall break and Thanksgiving) will need to quarantine for two weeks upon their return to New Jersey, and will not be permitted on campus during the quarantine period. Testing will not eliminate the need for the 14-day quarantine.

For information about New Jersey’s travel advisory, visit New Jersey’s COVID Information Hub.

Click here to see the list of restricted states.

FAQs regarding the advisory are found on NJ COVID Information Hub here.

Though the self-quarantine is voluntary, the state expects compliance. For accessing SCC’s campus, compliance is mandatory.

Should you have questions or concerns, please contact Director of Public Safety John Morrison at jmorrison@salemcc.edu.

What are SCC’s COVID-19 health requirements?

Stay home when you’re not feeling well or are sick.
Keep at least six feet away from others, both indoors and outdoors.
Wear a mask or cloth face covering in classrooms, laboratories and all common areas; a mask should be worn outdoors when a six-foot separation may not be possible.
Wash/sanitize your hands frequently, cover your cough and practice good personal hygiene.

What is SCC doing to ensure that campus areas are safe?

Cleaning follows CDC guidelines and meets or exceeds those required by the Governor’s Office or the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. Hand-sanitizer stations have been added, precautionary/regulatory signs have been posted and barrier systems have been installed at designated locations to reinforce proper precautionary behavior. The sharing of objects or communal property must be avoided (pens, highlighters, lab articles, office supplies, sign-in/registration sheets). The College will employ contactless operation wherever feasible (doors, kiosks, paperwork, copiers, curbside).

Who must wear a mask on campus?

Everyone (employees, students and visitors) on College property must wear a mask covering both their mouth and nose. Information on this requirement is included in all training documents and is posted at the entrance to all buildings. If someone cannot wear a mask due to health concerns, he or she will be accommodated virtually.

Is SCC providing masks for students, faculty, staff and visitors?

SCC maintains an adequate supply of facial masks for employees, students and visitors who arrive without proper coverings or need a replacement. However, it is expected that all persons will provide their own acceptable and compliant face covering.

If I arrive on campus without a mask, what should I do?

Remain in your vehicle and call SCC Public Safety at 856.351.2911 to request a mask be delivered to your vehicle. Note: Mask supplies are limited, and we do not guarantee availability.

What if I see someone on campus not wearing a mask?

Students should inform a College employee who will report it to Public Safety. Employees should inform their supervisor or Public Safety.

How often should I wash a cloth mask?

Cloth masks should be washed after every use. More information is available from the CDC.

How are social distancing measures being carried out?

We are minimizing the number of people on campus at any time. All congregate areas (classrooms, labs, restrooms and other public areas) have been modified, as appropriate, to ensure compliance with current regulations for social distancing. Furniture has been moved or removed, seating areas in classrooms have been designated, common areas have been closed off, office spaces are no longer shared, and restrooms have been modified to assure a minimum of six feet of distance

Will SCC offer training for students, faculty and staff on appropriate sanitization and social distancing practices and protocols, as well as institutional policies and procedures developed to limit the spread of COVID-19?

Students, faculty and staff will participate in an initial and mandatory training on screening, face covering, social distancing and hand-washing policies.

For students, training will occur no later than on the first day of classes; training will be documented and maintained electronically. Additional training may be required.

For employees, participation in training will be documented and maintained by Human Resources.

Additionally, faculty and staff will be trained in self-monitoring and contact tracing procedures (in coordination with the Salem County Dept. of Health and Human Services) as well as what to do if they feel sick.

Training literature, which will include the College’s cleaning procedures for high-touch areas, will also be distributed and made available via email and on the College’s website.

What should I do if my health condition makes me especially vulnerable to COVID-19?

Students should consult with Vice President and Dean of Enrollment Management Kevin Catalfamo at kcatalfamo@salemcc.edu.

Employees should consult with Human Resources.

What should I do if/when I feel sick?

Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (including cough, fever and shortness of breath) should self-quarantine and call their healthcare provider.

Individuals who become ill while on campus must inform Public Safety and leave immediately or arrange for someone to pick them up. While waiting, they should appropriately isolate themselves from others.

Should I still get a flu shot?

By all means. The vaccine is still one of the best protections against influenza, and health protocols are designed to minimize the risk of COVID-19 for those getting a flu shot.

Student Services (Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid, EOF)

How do I register for the spring semester?

New students: Apply online at www.salemcc.edu/apply and request your official high school and college transcripts to be sent to Salem Community College. Admissions staff will contact students by email to advise on their next steps.

Current students: E-mail your advisor to set up an online or phone appointment to select courses. If you do not know your advisor’s name, please login to Self-Service and select View Schedule on the Home screen. Your advisor’s name is listed at the bottom of your schedule. If your advisor is not immediately available, current students may email advising@salemcc.edu to set up an online or phone appointment.

How do I contact someone in Student Services?

Most Student Services will continue remotely. You may email the departments listed below:

To schedule an advising appointment, email advising@salemcc.edu.
To schedule an appointment with Financial Aid, please call 856.351.2699 or email financialaid@salemcc.edu.
To schedule an appointment with EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund), email eof@salemcc.edu.
To make payments or arrange payment plans, call 856.351.2606 or email studentaccounts@salemcc.edu.
For questions regarding admissions or your application status, email admissions@salemcc.edu.
To schedule an appointment to take the Accuplacer (virtually), email testingcenter@salemcc.edu.
For assistance with career services, email careerservices@salemcc.edu.
For assistance with disability support services, email disabilitysupport@salemcc.edu.
For all other departments in Student Services, please call 856.351.2716.

How can I access the spring semester course schedule?

Click here to view the spring semester course schedule. Also, you can view the spring course schedule by visiting www.salemcc.edu/spring.

Academics

How will spring semester courses be delivered?

Overall, the spring will look a lot like the fall. Four types of courses will be offered:

On-campus - These classes have a hands-on component and need to meet regularly on-campus for the best educational outcomes. Examples include Glass courses and some Art courses.

Online - These online classes are conducted completely through Canvas asynchronously, meaning they have no required regular meeting times. They may have occasional live video conferences, but these will be recorded and available for students to view afterward.

Live Remote/Online - These are online classes conducted completely through Canvas, and they have regular required meeting times online (typically using Zoom). The days/times of these online meetings are reflected on the schedule.

Hybrid - These classes will meet on campus at scheduled days/times, but only for hands-on components such as labs. Some on-campus meetings will be replaced by online meetings. Each instructor will communicate with students when a class meeting will take place online rather than on-campus. A lab science course is an example of this type.

How will Nursing courses be offered?

Nursing lectures will continue to be held remotely. Nursing exams will be held on campus. Skills lab will use the hybrid format for course delivery with 50 percent done remotely and 50 percent in the Nursing Center. Social distancing and other regulations will be maintained during testing and hands-on lab experiences.

How can I access the spring semester course schedule?

Click here to view the spring semester course schedule. Also, you can view the spring course schedule by visiting www.salemcc.edu/spring.

Additional Services

Are the Academic Support Lab and computer labs open?

During Stage 2 of the state-wide reopening, the Academic Support Lab (ASL) will continue with online support. If the state progresses to Stage 3, the ASL and computer labs will begin with limited appointment-only availability. Students who have made an appointment will have access to PC computers, MAC computers and one-on-one tutoring.

Once computer labs reopen in Stage 3, individual users must disinfect computer stations (keyboards and mice) before and after usage with disinfectant wipes provided by the College. Workspaces will be configured to allow for distancing of at least six feet between individuals at desks and computer stations.

Is the library open?

During Stage 2, curbside pickup may be arranged on a case-by-case basis for requested material. Employees who deliver the materials should wear proper PPE and place materials on the curb near a patron’s vehicle, whenever feasible. Returned items will be sanitized and/or appropriately quarantined. Contact the library at library@salemcc.edu.

As SCC transitions to Stage 3, the library may open with a reduced number of occupants, based on current indoor occupancy guidelines from the state, with social-distancing measures in place. Individual users must disinfect computer stations (keyboards and mice) before and after usage with disinfectant wipes provided by the College. “Communal” spaces for groups to study and learn will remain closed and/or only used if social distancing (at least six feet of distance) can be observed.

Hand sanitation stations have been installed at the entrances of the library.

Online access, remote requests and interlibrary loans remain available and will be expanded, wherever possible.

What if I need tutoring in a class?

During Stage 2, the Academic Support Lab provides online services. Check Canvas for details or email tutoring@salemcc.edu.

How can I get help using the learning management system (Canvas)?

Please contact Mary Eklund via email at meklund@salemcc.edu.

How can I get technical assistance?

Contact the Information Technology department at helpdesk@salemcc.edu.

All other help resources are best found under the Help button on the left-side vertical menu of every Canvas class.

I don't have a computer at home. May I borrow one?

In addition to technical support, the Information Technology Department facilitates computer loans to our students who do not have access to technology at home. To learn more, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@salemcc.edu or at 856.351.2671.

Is the Barnes & Noble Bookstore open?

Starting August 24, the store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday (except holidays). For more information, call 856.351.2630.

Employees

When will staff members return to campus?

Overall, we are still limiting campus visitation and occupancy. Subject to certain departmental needs, we anticipate continuing to maintain remote work operations when it is practical, allowing for uninterrupted productive work, while supporting student and institutional service and needs.

Can I access my office?

Yes. Employees’ requests must be approved by President Gorman at mgorman@salemcc.edu. Please cc Maria Fantini at mfantini@salemcc.edu. Please make your request at least 24 business hours in advance via email.

Must I wear a mask on campus?

Everyone (employees, students and visitors) on College property must wear a mask covering both their mouth and nose. Information on this requirement appears in all training documents and is posted at the entrance to all buildings. If someone cannot wear a mask due to health concerns, he or she will be accommodated virtually.

In a private office, it’s not always necessary to be masked unless you’re within six feet of someone.

Will SCC institute a new sick leave policy as a result of COVID-19?

SCC will not institute a new sick leave policy. However, the College continues to follow all state and federal sick leave laws

What is the cleaning protocol?

Cleaning of campus facilities follows CDC guidelines and will meet or exceed those required by the Governor’s Office or the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. Hand sanitizer stations have been increased, precautionary/regulatory signs have been posted and barrier systems have been installed at designated locations to reinforce proper precautionary behavior. The sharing of objects or communal property is to be avoided (pens, highlighters, lab articles, office supplies, sign in/registration sheets). The College will employ contactless operation wherever feasible (doors, kiosks, paperwork, copiers, curbside).

Athletics

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has announced the following:

Fall contact sports (including soccer) are moved to the spring.
Fall non-contact sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, can compete this fall.
The men’s and women’s basketball seasons will start in January.
Out-of-season practices may take place under strict guidelines.

To receive information on SCC’s Mighty Oaks athletics teams including men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, baseball and softball contact the Athletic Department at athletics@salemcc.edu. Please indicate which team(s) you are interested in when you contact us.

Events

Will SCC continue to hold special events?

Following federal, state, county and local guidelines, SCC decides on special events on a case-by-case basis. The College adheres to the indoor and outdoor attendance restrictions as set forth by Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 156 (indoor) and Executive Order No. 161 (outdoor).

Should I wear a mask when I’m attending an event on campus?

Everyone (employees, students and visitors) on College property must wear a mask covering both their mouth and nose. Information on this requirement is posted at the entrance to all buildings and throughout the campus. If someone cannot wear a mask due to health concerns, he or she will be accommodated virtually.

How are social distancing measures being carried out?

All congregate areas (including restrooms and other public areas) have been modified, as appropriate, to ensure compliance with current regulations for social distancing.

Miscellaneous

Is the College’s food pantry accessible?

Yes. Students may email foodpantry@salemcc.edu for details. Updates will also be shared on social media.

Are career services available?

Yes, the Career Services Office provides virtual meetings for students in career exploration, resume building, and job search. Email careerservices@salemcc.edu.

What if I have a question that isn’t addressed here?

Email info@salemcc.edu with general inquiries and someone will respond as quickly as possible.