LCCC announces fall plan for students, campus

CHEYENNE, WYO. – Laramie County Community College announced the second phase of its Return to Business (R2B) plan, which will be effective Aug. 15-Dec. 31, 2020.

The plan provides guidance related to the operations of the college and the phased return of a physical presence on the campuses in Cheyenne and Laramie. The plan also lays out extensive guidelines on cleaning and hygiene, social distancing, health reporting, and more.

The fall semester will proceed as scheduled beginning Aug. 24. Classes will be offered primarily in an online/virtual format, but some courses are offered as face-to-face or a hybrid of in-person and online learning. After Thanksgiving break, all classes will move to an online or virtual format through the end of the semester.

When the college resumes physical operations on Aug. 15, individual areas will determine their own operational plans to meet the needs of students and the community, focusing on providing a low-density environment. When possible, the college requests options such as email, online conferencing, and telephone calls instead of in-person interactions.

Students, employees and visitors are asked to not come to campus if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptom. Everyone will be asked to wear a face covering on campus when social distancing is not possible. Employees and students must complete self-screening prior to coming to campus and will participate in education and training regarding COVID-19.  Health information, including details about self-screening, will be posted at every college entrance.

Two of the college’s residence halls will open for the semester, though operating at a lower density than normal. Students that are considered a household unit or that have regular and close interactions (e.g. an athletic team) may share rooms and bathrooms. Otherwise, students will be assigned to a single room and a single bathroom.

Golden Eagle athletics are expected to resume this fall, and spectators will be asked to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Other events on campus will be allowed under certain circumstances and approvals, but rarely with numbers exceeding more than 50 people.

Other areas across campus such as the Recreation & Athletics Complex, LCCC Dental Hygiene Clinic, Ludden Library, dining services, and Children’s Discovery Center will resume on-campus operations, though with guidelines in place specific to each facility.

Because of the evolving nature of the situation, the college administration and R2B team will continue to review and update these operational procedures and make changes as necessary.

“As more is understood about the virus and how to best mitigate its spread, LCCC is adopting an evidence-based and best-practice information process for restoring physical operations,” the college states within the Return to Business plan. “The risk of exposure to or transmission of COVID-19 cannot be eliminated, only mitigated.”

To view the complete R2B plan and other information related to fall operations, visit lccc.wy.edu/Fall2020.