Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

We remain committed to providing a quality teaching and learning experience. Beginning with our fall semester, which begins August 24, you will have five ways to take classes at Waubonsee:

• Face-to-Face - on-campus instruction
• Online - the course is delivered 100% online through Waubonsee’s Learning Management System, Canvas
• Hybrid - a blend of face-to-face and online
• Sync Online - scheduled delivery of instruction through a video conference tool such as Zoom on the days and times of scheduled class sessions
• Flex - allows students to choose from among face-to-face, sync online, or online delivery methods throughout the course, depending on what works best for them on any given day

These various methods of course delivery are not only a response to the pandemic, but options that create greater flexibility and increased access for you as you work to balance college and life.

We will provide more information about these delivery methods, including detailed changes to the fall course schedule, very soon. We want you to be able to make decisions that are best for you and have your fall schedule planned as soon as possible. Note that not all courses will be available in all five formats.

Specific details about on-campus safety protocols, including mask etiquette, physical space accommodations and social distancing, and cleaning protocols  will also be shared soon.

Please see the Registration, Refund and Withdrawal Dates chart for the complete listing of dates.  As always, you should consult with an advisor at advising@waubonsee.edu before withdrawing. Also, if you are receiving financial aid or veteran benefits, you should consult the Financial Aid Office to see how a withdrawal could have an impact. Email financialaid@waubonsee.edu.

Hardware and Software Resources

We want to make sure you have the technology you need to succeed. If you feel like you do not have all the technology resources you need to complete your courses in these new ways, please send an email to LibraryTechSupport@waubonsee.edu to tell us what you need. Be sure to include your X-number and a callback phone number and/or email.

When it comes to software, you can visit the Online Support for Students portlet in mywcc to learn more about Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides and more. The Technology and Computers section of the Helpful Resources portlet outlines steps to accessing Microsoft Office 365 for free.

The college will provide technology equipment distribution Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Sugar Grove Campus on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
• Aurora Downtown Campus on Tuesday

General resources, tutorials and tips about online learning and the Canvas system are available at our Technical Resources for Online Learning page.

Internet and Wifi Resources

Comcast is offering new, low-income Internet Essentials customers two months of free internet through the end of this year. Comcast is also raising the speed of that program's service to help people during this time.  Visit https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19 for information on this resource.

If you feel like you do not have all the technology resources you need to complete your courses in these new ways, please send an email to LibraryTechSupport@waubonsee.edu to tell us what you need. Be sure to include your X-number and a callback phone number and/or email.

There is free Wi-Fi available in the N1 parking lot on the Sugar Grove Campus. Enter the campus on the north side and follow the signs to the N1 parking lot. There is no password required to access the internet in this lot. Feel free to sit in your vehicle in this lot and use the free internet.

Fox Valley Park District is also offering open Wi-Fi access available in the parking lot of any Fox Valley Park District building. For information about their facilities, visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

There will also be free Wi-Fi available in the parking of the Old Second Bank at 37 S. River Street, Aurora, IL 60506 (across River Street from the Aurora Downtown Campus).

This service will be available at this location at the following times:

• Monday-Friday: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday:  2 p.m. – 10 p.m. 
• Sunday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

If you forget your password, you can reset it using our online password system. If you have questions, please email the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at tac@waubonsee.edu. Be sure to include your X-number and a callback phone number and/or email. TAC will be available remotely Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., and will reach out upon receiving your email to assist you.

Payment arrangements must be made within roughly 48 hours to hold your classes. See the exact timing on our Payment Arrangement Due Date Schedule.

For current fall registrations, payment arrangements must be made by June 30, 2020, to hold your classes. See all of your payment options here including new payment plan options for fall.

Concerns and Alternative Arrangements

If you have concerns about paying your balance or your payment plan, please email studentaccounts@waubonsee.edu and we will work with you to find alternative payment arrangements during this difficult time.

You are working hard to stay in school during all this, and we’re working hard to help you, with several options available.

COVID-19 Relief Grant (limited eligibility)

If you were enrolled in at least one face-to-face class in spring 2020 and have a FAFSA on file with Waubonsee, you may be eligible for a COVID-19 Technology Grant or COVID-19 Relief Grant funded by the CARES Act. These awards are for the expenses related to the transition from in-person learning to online learning. If you are eligible, you will have a May 20 email from Financial Aid in your student inbox that includes a link to apply. See complete details on our CARES Act page.

Emergency Needs Scholarship (open to all current students)

If you are currently enrolled at Waubonsee with 6 credits or more and you're experiencing unexpected financial hardships, you may qualify for our Emergency Needs Scholarship. This program is designed to give assistance to students impacted by an immediate, unexpected, or unusual one-time financial constraint (such as injury, death, catastrophe, food insecurity, housing insecurity, unexpected losses) and not to assist with long-term challenges. 

Learn more about eligibility requirements and complete the online application in mywcc. 
(student login required)

Tech Resources

If you feel like you do not have all the technology resources you need to complete your courses in new ways (online, remote, etc.), please send an email to LibraryTechSupport@waubonsee.edu to tell us what you need (laptop, wifi-access, web cam). Be sure to include your X-number and a callback phone number and/or email.

Courses You Drop or Withdraw From

When a course drop occurs, tuition and fees are refunded to the student account and the course is not recorded on the academic transcript. After the refund deadline, students are able to withdraw from a course until the withdrawal deadline. When a course withdrawal occurs, tuition and fees are not refunded to the student account and a grade of W will be recorded on the academic transcript. If you are seeking to withdraw from and receive a refund for a course in which the refund date has already passed, please submit a Student Account Appeal form (via mywcc student portal) for consideration. Please note, appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the end of the semester you are appealing. Please view the Registration, Refund, and Withdrawal dates chart for complete details.

Keep in mind, you should consult with an advisor before withdrawing so you can understand the potential effects it could have on your academic goals. Email advising@waubonsee.edu. Also, if you receive financial aid or veteran benefits, you should consult the Financial Aid Office to see how withdrawal could have an impact. Email financialaid@waubonsee.edu

Canceled Courses

As always, if the college cancels a course, you will automatically be issued a refund; no action is needed on your part. Please allow additional time for processing given the current circumstances.

Any upcoming deadlines, including those that were originally set as March 15 and April 1, have now been extended to May 15. This should allow students to have time to test and apply for the program once college services resume.

Visit the college's Services Directory for current information about services hours and methods of contact.

Please contact our 24/7 Waubonsee Talk Line at (630) 264-0394 or visit the Crisis Information and Referrals page for additional professional support.

Waubonsee recommends that you follow the travel guidelines set by the CDC.

Like many others, Waubonsee has been closely monitoring the coronavirus situation. We are committed to taking the necessary steps and precautions to keep our employees and students safe and healthy. As such, the following actions will be taken, effective Friday, March 13 at 8 a.m.:

• Until further notice, all non-essential, college-related travel by students and employees is prohibited. All pre-paid travel expenses will be reimbursed to you. If you have a circumstance that you feel is essential, please work with your administrative supervisor for approval.  In regards to personal travel, we encourage you to give extra thought and take precautions in order to protect the health and safety of yourself and those around you. In adherence with the CDC guidelines, we encourage anyone who has traveled to a level 2 or level 3 area, to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days. For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

We are continuing to monitor this situation as it unfolds. See below for additional information and resources, including mental health. Please check this website daily for any updates and information.

How will my VA benefits be affected due my residence courses now being converted to online training?
Per legislation, colleges are not to adjust any residence courses to online, if that change has been made due to COVID-19.
 
How will my housing allowance be affected due to changes in instruction due to COVID-19?
If the changes to your enrollment status were due to COVID-19, no adjustments to your enrollment will be made and your housing allowance will remain the same.
 
What if I am taking remedial courses, and they are now online?
While the VA will not pay for online remedial courses, if the change to online instruction for remedial courses was due to COVID-19, the VA will cover the tuition and fees of the remedial course that was converted to online, as well as have the course count towards full time status for BAH purposes.

Yes, help is available! There are several video modules in mywcc for you to review to get you ready for alternative delivery methods. They are:

• 10 Tips for Success in Your Online Course (about 11 minutes long) 
• Effectively Communicating Online (about 13 minutes long) 
• Online Courses: Staying Motivated & Disciplined (about 11 minutes long) -- this one is particularly helpful, especially for students who haven't had online coursework prior to this issue 
• Taking Tests Online: Strategies for Success (about 12 minutes long)
• Canvas Student Guide

You can see all of these videos in your mywcc student portal. Once logged in, navigate to "Student Lingo" then "Online Learning" to view these helpful videos.

Spring 2020 rental textbook returns were due by June 19. Replacement fees will be charged on any non-returned rentals. Please email bookstore@waubonsee.edu if you have questions.

In-person book buybacks are postponed until the campus re-opens. Sell your book(s) online at waubonsee.valorebooks.com. Virtual buybacks are extended through June 30.

Waubonsee has many resources available to assist faculty with remote instruction. Please review the Academic Continuity page on the Faculty Development and Engagement website.

Instructional Support has moved online.  Please use the Faculty Development and Engagement Events Calendar to book appointments or contact facultydae@waubonsee.edu directly for alternative appointment scheduling.

College buildings closed at noon on March 18 and will remain closed through Sunday, July 19.

Based on our region’s progression to Phase 4 of the governor’s Restore Illinois Plan, employees will begin the process of returning to our campuses on Monday, July 20. This may mean that more in-person student and academic support services will be available. Visit www.waubonsee.edu/covid19 for the most up-to-date information and contact information for the various services and departments.

Please read the following memo for additional details regarding new/revised procedures for COVID-19 related absences. If you have additional questions, please contact Human Resources at hr@waubonsee.edu.

Until further notice, all non-essential, college-related travel for students and employees is prohibited.  If you have a circumstance that you feel is essential, please work with your administrative supervisor for approval.  In regards to personal travel, we encourage you to give extra thought and take precautions in order to protect the health and safety of yourself and those around you. In adherence with the CDC guidelines, we encourage anyone who has traveled to a level 2 or level 3 area, to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days. For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

Waubonsee will reimburse employees for pre-paid expenses for travel canceled due to the coronavirus related concerns. This applies if the event is canceled or if you choose not to travel due to personal concerns. If you have related travel expenses, submit your travel reimbursement request through normal college procedures.

If your travel is within the United States, there is nothing you need to do for Waubonsee beyond local guidance that may be in place. If your travel is international, you must self-quarantine for 14 days and complete the Waubonsee online form below before returning to work. More guidance and information on travel is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

Travel Report Form

Employees may contact the college's Employee Assistance Program, NexGen EAP, by calling 1-800-EAP CALL (327-2255) or by logging into www.nexgeneap.com. If you are a first time user of the EAP resources, the Group ID is 8596.

• ENI Coronavirus Resource Packet (PDF)

With the recent surge in media coverage and articles, it can be difficult to keep up with important, relevant information about the Coronavirus. Human Resources is here to help. We have collected some reliable resources from the CDC, the State of Illinois, the Federal government and our business partners to help you prepare and stay safe. View more information and resources in the HR portlet of mywcc. 

External Resources:

KCT credit union is offering an Emergency Fund Loan with simple terms and a very low rate exclusively for employees of public school district, local, state and federal governments. For more information visit www.kctcu.org

The college has a number of resources in place to assist employees in providing uninterrupted service to students and employees. Communication and flexibility are key. Options include:

• Email:  You should reach out to students and communicate your expectations like in the classroom. Email may also be helpful in supplementing office hours and responding to student questions
• Video Conferencing:  Video conferencing is a great way to stay connected with your team and other teams at the college.
  • Zoom:  Zoom is an intuitive web-based conferencing tool to facilitate communications via video, audio, and chat -- or any combination thereof! You can setup your Zoom Room and your team members can enter via the link or call in for audio only. Even screen-sharing is easy on Zoom!
  • Google Meet:  Google Meet is another option for remote connection. If you are a heavy user of Google, this will be an easy way to work with your team.
• Video Recordings:  Kaltura is available for all Waubonsee employees. Video can be uploaded to Kaltura from phones, tablets, computers, and even directly from the LMS.
• Video Calling:  Google Duo and Apple FaceTime are free applications that you can use to stay socially connected from a distance with colleagues, friends and family members.

As always Employee Development is available to help you with training on how to use these tools.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a mild to moderate respiratory illness that can spread from person to person and may develop serious illness in older people and those with underlying medical problems. https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1

Please visit the CDC website for more information about the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

To help protect yourself from respiratory illness, the CDC recommends everyday preventative actions including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• See your doctor if you have fever, cough, body aches and fatigue
• If you or a family member is sick, stay home and limit contact with others
• Please visit the CDC website for more information about prevention of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Monitor your symptoms closely and contact your healthcare professional with questions or concerns. Remember that the likelihood is low that you have coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Most important, stay home if you’re sick.

Please visit the CDC website for more information about steps to protect others.

It’s important to keep in mind that you generally need to be in close contact with a sick person to get infected. Close contact includes:

• Living in the same household as a sick person with COVID-19
• Caring for a sick person with COVID-19
• Being within 6 feet of a sick person with COVID-19 for about 10 minutes OR
• Being in direct contact with secretions from a sick person with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on, kissing, sharing utensils, etc.).

If you have not been in close contact with a sick person with COVID-19, you are at low risk for infection but should continue to take all the precautions generally prescribed by the CDC and local health departments and government authorities.

If you have been in close contact or otherwise feel like you’ve been exposed, please contact your primary healthcare provider and/or your local health department.

In accordance with the college’s Communicable Diseases Policy, any employee, faculty member or student who has a confirmed case of the coronavirus or who becomes aware of someone else (e.g. employee, student) who is infected should immediately inform one of the following designated individuals.

Students:

• Scott Peska, Assistant Vice President of Student Services
• (630) 466-2363 or speska@waubonsee.edu

Employees:

• Michele Needham, Executive Director of Human Resources
• (630) 466-2367 or mneedham@waubonsee.edu

The college will maintain this webpage (www.waubonsee.edu/covid19) to keep students, employees, and the public informed with all status updates and changes to college operations. 

In some instances, changes to this page will be shared with students and employees by text message, email, and phone call. Not all updates will be shared this way; only changes that require immediate notification. Plan to check this page regularly for the latest information even if you do not get an alert notification.

For a full list of canceled events visit the Waubonsee Calendar.

The SBDC is working remotely and available for assistance. You can contact us by phone (630) 906-4143 or email sbdc@waubonsee.edu.

Additional Resources:

• Apply for a Disaster Assistance Loan with the SBA
  Due to the volume of applications the site is periodically down or very slow. Please continue to retry.
• Coronavirus Small Business Resource Links & Referrals (PDF)
• The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act (PDF)
• Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist (PDF)
• Sign up to request assistance and email updates from the SBDC

Note: Resources and information is continually changing, check back regularly.

Waubonsee Community College has a plan for handling infectious diseases. This plan covers ongoing environmental cleaning and disinfection as well as emergency response cleaning and disinfection to reduce any risk to the students, employees, and guests of the college. 

Visit the college's Services Directory for current information about services hours and methods of contact.

For some of you, summer is a time to take a much-needed break from your college coursework. For others, it is a great time to continue to make progress on your degree or certificate program. Whatever your activities and plans, I hope that your summer is going well.

The coronavirus has disrupted our lives in many ways. I recognize the challenges and uncertainties that many have faced and applaud you for all that you have done to continue your educational journey. As we work through the ongoing challenges of this time, your health and safety is a top priority to us. As we prepare for our return to campus, Waubonsee closely follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), as well as the state’s Restore Illinois Plan and the Illinois Community College Board.  In addition, we have identified best practices from other institutions.

Fall Semester Credit Courses 

We remain committed to providing a quality teaching and learning experience. Beginning with our fall semester, which begins August 24, you will have five ways to take classes at Waubonsee:

• Face-to-Face - on-campus instruction
• Online - the course is delivered 100% online through Waubonsee’s Learning Management System, Canvas
• Hybrid - a blend of face-to-face and online
• Sync Online - scheduled delivery of instruction through a video conference tool such as Zoom on the days and times of scheduled class sessions
• Flex - allows students to choose from among face-to-face, sync online, or online delivery methods throughout the course, depending on what works best for them on any given day

I am excited about these various methods of course delivery not only as a response to the pandemic, but as options that create greater flexibility and increased access for you as you work to balance college and life.

We will provide more information about these delivery methods, including detailed changes to the fall course schedule, very soon. We want you to be able to make decisions that are best for you and have your fall schedule planned as soon as possible. 

Return to Campus

Based on our region’s progression to Phase 4 of the governor’s Restore Illinois Plan, employees will begin the process of returning to our campuses on Monday, July 20. This means that more in-person student and academic support services will be available to you. I encourage you to regularly visit www.waubonsee.edu/covid19 for the most up-to-date information and contact information for the various services and departments.

I want to again stress that your health and safety is a top priority for us. All of our service and instructional plans have been developed with this in mind. You will be receiving many more details about items such as safety protocols, mask etiquette, physical space accommodations and social distancing, and cleaning protocols.

These continue to be challenging times. I am confident that together, we can and will succeed. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Happy Monday again Waubonsee! I wanted to share this wonderful video from our Drive-thru Commencement Celebration. In addition, I wanted to make certain that you all saw the email or notification regarding “Updated Campus Building Access Procedures.”

In general, campus buildings remain closed with limited access. Please note that as of today, if anyone does have approval to enter a campus building, the following screening steps must be followed. At Sugar Grove, that means entering at the North Entrance and stopping at the tent located in Lot N5. For the Aurora Downtown, Aurora Fox Valley, and Plano Campuses, utilize the main entrance. A short screening process will be completed including a touchless temperature check and verbal questionnaire. If you have a mask, please bring it as masks are required in buildings or anywhere six-feet of distance cannot be maintained. The college will provide a mask if necessary.

Complete information regarding the screening process is available in our June 11, 2020 update on this webpage. Thank you for your cooperation and consideration as we work to provide a healthy and safe environment for everyone. Have a wonderful week.

Hello and happy Monday. It was wonderful to see so many of you Friday evening for our Drive-thru Celebratory Parade. Graduates, we are so proud of all of you and look forward to all of your future success.

Today, we welcome more new and returning students as our virtual summer eight-week session begins. Did you know that since March 2020, the Waubonsee Community College Foundation has awarded more than $19,000 to 41 students to support additional needs during the COVID-19 pandemic? In addition, the college has awarded more than $281,750 to 413 students through emergency grants funded through the CARES Act. If you are in need of financial assistance, please review the information on this webpage and please reach out to us. We are working hard to connect students with the resources they need.

Make a note to visit this page frequently for updates related to COVID-19 such as adjusted deadlines. In addition, the Service Directory provides information on how to access academic and student support services.

Have a safe, healthy and productive week.

Happy Monday Waubonsee and welcome to the first week of June! It has been great to have a couple of days of warmer weather. Maybe summer is actually here.

In case you didn’t see my email last week, I wanted to make certain that you are aware that buildings on Waubonsee campuses remain closed through June 30, 2020. Summer session credit courses will be taught online or through alternative delivery methods and academic and student support services will continue to be delivered virtually.

For the month of July, our priorities include facilitating completion of 2020 spring semester credit courses for those students who need on-campus hours and face-to-face activities. Another priority is to phase in a return of on-campus student support functions that are critical for the start of the fall semester.

And, although much remains uncertain, we do know that classes, instruction, and access to academic and student services will continue to look different for summer and into the fall semester. Our comprehensive Return-to-Campus Plan will adhere to Governor Pritzker’s “Restore Illinois Plan” and incorporate guidance from the Illinois Community College Board.

We will share further details regarding COVID-19 screening protocols and our Return-to-Campus Plan soon. In addition, we are reviewing and studying a variety of instructional delivery options and will announce plans for fall semester courses in mid-June.

I know that it can be difficult to deal with uncertainty. The author Deepak Chopra is quoted as saying, “All great changes are preceded by chaos.” I’m certain that something great is just around the corner.

Have a good week and my best wishes for good health for you and your loved ones.

This unprecedented time in our country continues to challenge all of us in many ways. Please know that Waubonsee faculty and staff are thinking about all of you and your families and wish you safety and good health. 

Waubonsee’s buildings will remain closed to students through June 30. As previously announced, all summer session credit courses are being taught online or through alternative delivery methods and academic and student support services will continue to be delivered virtually. 

There are some courses with labs and other hands-on elements that require an in-person experience to complete. Some students still need to get those on-campus hours in order to complete their spring semester courses. One of our immediate priorities is to plan to offer those opportunities in July. As a result, some buildings and departments on the Sugar Grove Campus, and possibly other campuses, may be open and available for limited face-to-face instruction and services in July.

With all of the uncertainty surrounding us at this time, one thing that is certain is that classes and instruction and access to academic and student services will look different for the remainder of the summer session and into the fall semester. We will continue to adhere to Governor Pritzker’s “Restore Illinois Plan” and will incorporate guidance from the Illinois Community College Board’s Return to Campus Committee within our own Return-to-Campus Plan. With regard to fall semester credit courses, we are reviewing and studying a variety of delivery options and will announce fall semester plans in mid-June.

When we are able to return to campus, additional COVID-19 screening protocols may be required prior to entering campus buildings. Further details regarding these protocols will be communicated prior to implementation and will also be available on the college’s COVID-19 web page, www.waubonsee.edu/covid19. We will continue to communicate in as many ways as possible, including social media and the mywcc student portal. Please continue to stay connected with us so that you are up to date on our progress to ensure that you are successful on your Waubonsee Community College journey.

This pandemic has affected all of us in different ways. Each of us responds to and deals with COVID-19 and all the related changes and challenges differently. Your continued flexibility, perseverance, and understanding are greatly appreciated.

• View Dr. Sobek's Monday, May 25, 2020 Update on mymedia

Happy Monday and welcome to the first day of the summer semester. We are glad to virtually welcome all of our new and returning students. Please remember to check your Waubonsee email and our COVID-19 website, www.waubonsee.edu/covid19, regularly for updates. And, be sure to review the many academic and student support services available on our Services Directory.

Between all the rain we have had recently, we have had glimpses of warm, sunny days. Somehow that makes everything seem a little bit brighter and our challenges less daunting. There are many creative ways we can enjoy the summer weather while continuing to comply with current social distancing requirements. Post some of your favorites to social media and be sure to tag #Waubonsee and #WCCPresident.

Hello and welcome to another Monday in May. Congratulations to all who are completing their Spring Semester! I know that many faced unexpected challenges and we are all proud of you for pushing through. As I shared last week, due to the Governor’s announcement of his five-phase approach to Restore Illinois, all summer credit courses will be delivered via online instruction and alternative delivery methods.

We are finalizing details for our virtual commencement ceremony and we will be sharing additional information soon. I know that many families have been very creative in recognizing the achievements of the Class of 2020 and we would love to see photos or videos on our social media feed. Post your photos or videos celebrating your graduation and be sure to tag #Waubonsee!

9:10 a.m.

On Tuesday, May 5, Governor Pritzker presented the Restore Illinois plan that will guide the state through the recovery and reopening as we work to move through the coronavirus pandemic. We are currently in Phase two of that five-phase plan. The Waubonsee Community College district is in the plan’s Northeast Health Region, which includes the city of Chicago.

This announcement led the college leadership to make the difficult decision to move all courses for this summer to online and alternative delivery methods. We know that this decision will affect college employees and students in a variety of ways. Know that there are resources available to everyone—employees and students—to help navigate through this time.

This decision was not made lightly, but the health and safety of the college community, as well as the families of our employees and students, is most important during this time. The Waubonsee family is large and diverse and we do not want to do anything that will put anyone at risk.

We are living in a time of disruption. This change to summer course delivery is a response to that disruption. The college leadership continues to monitor the situation as presented by public health officials and the guidance provided by our elected officials. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this challenging time.

• View Dr. Sobek's Monday, May 4, 2020 Update on mymedia

Hello and happy Monday everyone. As I connect with various members of our Waubonsee community, I am learning how differently we all have dealt, and continue to deal, with the uncertainty and strangeness of the world we are currently in. Some would like to find a cave, crawl in, and hibernate until we can go back to life as we knew it prior to COVID-19. Others are energized and excited to find new ways to virtually work, connect, and learn. As someone who enjoys personal engagement and meeting and being around people, I’m somewhere in the middle of those emotions.

Over my years as President, I have talked frequently about balance and resilience. Now, as we face another month of the stay-at-home order for Illinois, I think about resilience; the ability to recover quickly from difficulties and move forward. We are all facing challenges of one sort or another during this time. And, we each possess the power to focus on how we will respond. Will we wait for things to get back to “normal?” Or, will we embrace the challenges, fight our way through, and be better and stronger than ever?

I encourage us all to use this time well, don’t give up, do the hard stuff - be resilient.

4:05 p.m.

The college continues to monitor the changing circumstances surrounding the coronavirus. With a focus on the health, safety, and needs of students and employees, the following decisions have been made: 

Summer Course Modifications 

There are three major summer start dates — May 18, June 8 and July 6. For the first session, the May 18 start date, courses will be moved online, where possible. If you are currently enrolled in a May 18 summer section, you will remain enrolled; no additional action is needed on your part. Deans will be contacting students regarding any courses where online instruction is not possible or with special circumstances.

In terms of the June and July sessions/start dates, no decisions have yet been made. As more information and expanded guidelines become available over the next few weeks, a decision is expected by mid-May.

Continued Campus Buildings Closure 

With the extension of the state’s stay-at-home order, the college’s campuses and buildings will remain closed until June 30. However, all student services remain available virtually. Visit www.waubonsee.edu/services-directory for current information and access instructions. 

Currently, the college plans to begin a phased reopening of buildings on Monday, June 1; however, that remains subject to changes in social distancing directives from the state and public health officials. 

Communication Channels 

Throughout this period of frequent changes, be sure to stay connected and informed: 

• Check your Waubonsee email every day
• Visit  www.waubonsee.edu/covid19 regularly
• Follow Waubonsee on social media
• Stay in contact with your instructors

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue to learn, teach and win in these challenging times.

Happy Monday everyone! It’s hard to believe it’s spring with the recent snow we have had.

If you have been watching the news recently, you may have heard about the CARES Act. This is federal legislation which includes providing money to colleges and college students as part of COVID-19 related financial assistance. One provision of the Act is that 50% of the funds received by the college are to be distributed to students. We are working on details on the best way to distribute this assistance to Waubonsee students and we look forward to sharing that information soon.

In addition, we know that there is a great deal of discussion on how and when stay-at-home restrictions will be lifted and what our next normal might look like. At Waubonsee, we are continuing to follow the guidelines and recommendations issued by our governor for the state of Illinois as well as guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With all of this guidance in mind, we are developing a Return-to-Campus plan for employees and students so that we are ready when restrictions are modified or lifted. We expect that there will be phases of return.

We continue to share updates and new information on the www.waubonsee.edu/covid19 web page. So, it remains important to check this page frequently.

Stay healthy and safe and have a great week!

• View Dr. Sobek's Monday, April 13, 2020 Update on Youtube

7:30 a.m.

Hello Waubonsee family! I hope you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy. As we enter our second week online, I’ve enjoyed seeing new connections happening on social media such as the Connect & Chat times on Facebook or the Waubonsee Life/Waubonsee Chiefs Daily Challenges on Twitter. I know that we are all also mastering the art of connecting within our virtual classrooms as well. For all of us, staying connected is now more important than ever. Students, I want to encourage you to continue to reach out to us with your questions, your concerns, your challenges, or even just to say hi. Although we don’t have every answer just yet as our current situation continues to evolve, we are committed to helping you complete this semester and reach your educational goals. We’ve got this - together. Let’s see everyone Wave the W for a Waubonsee Win! Post your #WaveTheW photo on social media and tag Waubonsee.

12:15 p.m.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country and within our communities, public officials have indicated that social distancing, achieved through stay-at-home orders, is helping although it will take time to experience the full benefit. Experts are unable to predict exactly when these measures will no longer be necessary. We know that this continued uncertainty makes an already difficult situation more challenging.

In compliance with the recent announcement by Governor Pritzker to extend the stay-at-home order through April 30, Waubonsee campus buildings will remain closed through Sunday, May 3. Credit courses have resumed online and academic support and student services are available via a number of alternative methods. Please view the colleges’ Services Directory available at www.waubonsee.edu/covid19.

We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students, employees, and community members as we work together through this unprecedented situation.

Emergency Needs Fund

During these difficult times, we know that there are many needs and people are struggling with a variety of things. This is certainly true of community college students. The coronavirus has impacted many students' ability to continue on the path to their academic goals.

We ask that you consider making a donation to the Waubonsee Foundation to help our students get the education they are working so hard for. Today's students are tomorrow's nurses, doctors, scientists, police officers, fire fighters, teachers and all other professions. The people in these positions now are making our world safer and our lives better today. Help us as we help our students as they prepare to serve us in those roles in the future.

The Waubonsee Community College Foundation will match donations made to the Emergency Needs Fund up to a total of $10,000. If you would like to contribute to the Emergency Needs Fund to support students, please click on the "Donate Now" button on this page, use the secure donation form, and select “Emergency Needs/Scholarship Fund” from the designation drop down menu.

1:55 p.m.

Waubonsee has recently learned about two new cases of coronavirus among the college community – a Waubonsee employee, the second to contract the virus, along with a Waubonsee student, the first that the college is aware of. College officials are cooperating with local health departments regarding the next steps to ensure the health and safety of the community. Our thoughts are with these individuals throughout the recovery process. 
 
Privacy laws prevent us from sharing many details. However, we can tell you the employee last reported to work on March 9. This employee has reporting responsibilities on the college’s three active campuses (Sugar Grove, Aurora Downtown, and Aurora Fox Valley) and is in a non-faculty role at the college. The last time the student could have been on campus would have been Wednesday, March 18, as campus buildings closed at noon that day and remain closed until April 13. 
 
As part of the state's protocol, public health authorities are responsible for identifying those who came in close contact with each diagnosed individual and communicating with them directly about the appropriate actions to take. 
 
As testing increases throughout Illinois, an increase in confirmed cases is expected. Going forward, any updates on additional Waubonsee-related cases can be found on waubonsee.edu/cases, and public health officials will be in direct contact with anyone at risk of exposure. 
 
Any Waubonsee students and employees who feel like they may have any symptoms of the coronavirus should contact their health care provider for guidance. Anyone who does test positive for the coronavirus is asked to report to that information through the appropriate channel at Waubonsee to help protect the health of other students and employees. Students should report to Dr. Scott Peska, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, speska@waubonsee.edu. Employees should report to Michele Needham, Executive Director of Human Resources, mneedham@waubonsee.edu. 

As a reminder, all college buildings at all campuses remain closed until April 13. During this time, all buildings are being cleaned and disinfected to provide maximum protection in the future for all employees, students, and guests. The college continues to adhere to all local and state reporting and investigation protocols, as well as state and federal social distancing guidelines.

• View Dr. Sobek's Monday, March 30, 2020 Update on Youtube

12:30 pm.

As Waubonsee’s faculty members and students are preparing to resume their learning activities online and through other alternative delivery methods on March 30, the college’s buildings and grounds teams are working hard to clean and disinfect all of the buildings at all of the college’s campuses.

All college buildings will remain closed until Monday, April 13 while this work is being done. The health and safety of all of our employees, students, and guests to our campuses are essential. When the buildings open again and employees return to campus, they will do so with the assurance that every precaution has been taken and everything is as clean and safe as possible.

We thank all of the people on Waubonsee’s buildings and grounds teams who are working so hard on this difficult task during this time.

3:00 pm.

Waubonsee’s credit classes will resume on Monday, March 30 through online or alternative delivery methods. The college will also begin offering virtual student services on Monday, March 30.

All college buildings, however, will remain closed until Monday, April 13 to protect the health and safety of all Waubonsee students and employees. Because the campus buildings will be closed, some services will have reduced methods of contact for students and employees. The colleges’ Services Directory shows the current status of services with hours and methods of contact. This page will be updated as changes in service availability are made.

We appreciate your patience as the college works to provide maximum service while protecting the health of the community.

4:15 pm.

I would like to extend warm wishes to our entire Waubonsee community for the health and safety of all our loved ones. I also want to assure everyone that while Waubonsee campus buildings remain closed at this time, Waubonsee operations are continuing.

This week, students remain on an extended Spring Break and faculty and staff are working hard to ensure that credit courses and student and academic support services resume March 30 through online learning, alternative course delivery methods, and alternative service delivery methods. Please check our website www.waubonsee.edu/covid19 regularly for updates. Answers to many of the questions we have received are available within the FAQs section and we are posting frequent updates.

Every day presents us all with hard choices, and I was deeply saddened to make the decision to cancel our May 2020 commencement ceremonies. Celebrating the collective achievements of our graduates with their family and friends is always a highlight of the year for me and I know this cancelation is deeply disappointing to everyone. We are looking into new and creative ways to celebrate our students' accomplishments and we look forward to sharing this with you in the future.

Christine J. Sobek, Ed.D.
President, Waubonsee Community College

5:00 pm.

In these unprecedented times, our daily reality is being altered seemingly by the minute. We know that this can make an already difficult time even more challenging. The entire college community is working to provide students and employees as much information as possible, while trying to balance our collective safety and our continued growth as students and professionals.

All Waubonsee campuses will remain closed through Sunday, April 12 except for essential personnel required to keep the college operating efficiently. Credit courses are scheduled to resume on March 30 through online learning or other alternative course delivery methods for the remainder of the Spring semester.

Student and academic support services will resume on March 30 through phone, e-mail, and virtual communication when available. Again, all campus buildings will remain closed but we will continue to offer services to our students and our community through alternative methods. Soon, we will provide more information on service times and options for all Waubonsee Community College departments through April 12.

Please continue to put your safety and health first as we continue to navigate through a challenging time as a country. Your Waubonsee family is here to support you and help in whatever way possible. Continue to check the website for helpful information and resources. We will continue to send alerts when up-to-date information is available.

5:00 p.m.

The ongoing situation with the spread of the coronavirus is changing rapidly. The college leadership is working continuously to gather information, make decisions, and keep our students, employees, and the community informed. We know that many questions remain. This update is intended to address some of the questions that our students are facing right now.

The college’s spring break remains extended through Sunday, March 29. Beginning on Monday, March 30, all credit courses will be conducted either online or through an alternative course delivery method. Online or alternative course delivery will continue through the end of the spring semester. At this time, it is not expected that the spring semester will be extended. We will continue to explore options and methods of course delivery and will evaluate any course labs and studio components that cannot be offered through alternative delivery methods; each of these will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If some face-to-face delivery is needed, we may consider some small group or individualized instruction but not until Monday, April 13 at the earliest.

All students will hear directly from their instructors within the next week or so. The college is working through options to determine the best answers to the other questions you have. We ask for your patience as administrators and faculty members develop those solutions as quickly as possible. In the meantime, if you have a question regarding a specific course please submit that question via college’s webpage about the coronavirus at www.waubonsee.edu/covid19.

The college remains closed until March 29. We are hoping to re-open on March 30 with limited services and operations and many of the employees will be working remotely. Administrators are currently reviewing this plan for their respective departments and more information will be provided to employees in the coming days. Many of our services are available online or via email. Please visit the FAQ section of this website for more information.

We understand that there are students who may not have all the technology resources necessary available to them (computer or Wi-Fi, for example) to complete online learning or alternative course delivery. For those students, we would like to understand what those limitations are. If you feel like you do not have all the technology resources you need to complete your courses in these new ways, please send an email to LibraryTechSupport@waubonsee.edu to tell us what you need.

Also,the college has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 commencement ceremonies. We know that graduation is a monumental achievement and the commencement ceremony is a celebration of that achievement. Because of the work you have put into reaching this milestone, we greatly regret having to make this decision. However, the safety and health of our students and employees, as well as the safety and health of your family members, is our top priority. The college will begin exploring other options to mark your accomplishments. For those students who have already ordered a cap and gown, you will receive an email with additional information. If you have specific questions related to these things or anything else, please submit those questions through the college’s webpage about the coronavirus at www.waubonsee.edu/covid19.

9:40 a.m.

Earlier today we learned that an employee of the college has tested positive for the coronavirus. The employee works in Collins Hall on the Sugar Grove Campus. The last day the employee reported to work was March 4. This is the first reported case of the coronavirus at Waubonsee. Our thoughts are with this individual throughout the recovery process.

Because of this information, the college is taking additional measures to protect the community. All college campuses will close for business at noon on Wednesday, March 18. This is a change from the college’s previous announcement to close at 10 p.m. on March 18. All college operations and meetings for the day are canceled, including the Board of Trustees meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

During this time, all buildings will be thoroughly cleaned.  There will be no access to any college buildings until further notice. 

The college will continue to provide updates at www.waubonsee.edu/COVID19. If you have questions or immediate concerns, please call the Waubonsee coronavirus hotline at (630) 466-2820.

5:15 p.m.

At this time, there are no known cases of the coronavirus connected to Waubonsee. In an abundance of caution, the college is implementing the following measures to reduce the risk to our employees and students, as well as to help stop the spread of the virus throughout the community.

• Effective Wednesday, March 18 at 10 p.m., the college will close and will remain closed through Sunday, March 29. The college plans to re-open on Monday, March 30. On Monday, March 30, to the extent possible, college employees are encouraged to work from home. For more information and details from Human Resources read their March 16 memo here.
   
• Effective Monday, March 16 at 10 p.m. the Total Fitness Center, gym facilities, and the running/walking track on the Sugar Grove Campus will be closed until further notice.
   
• On Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 campus hours of operation will be as follows:
  • Sugar Grove Campus will remain as normal with reduced hours for student services running from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
  • Campus hours of operation at the Aurora Downtown and Aurora Fox Valley Campuses will be reduced to 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
     
• On Monday, March 30, college libraries, bookstores, the Henning Academic Computing Center, and other student services will re-open but will have limited services available through Sunday, April 12. 

• The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has canceled all athletic activities and competitions for the remainder of the spring semester.

• All Waubonsee events with an expected attendance of 50 or more people scheduled through Friday, May 15 are canceled. The college's commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16 are expected to continue as scheduled.  

The college's ban on non-essential business travel has been extended to Friday, May 15. 

These are unprecedented times. I want to encourage each of you to do your best as we navigate these unknown waters. We can do this if we stay positive, patient, and connected to each other. Don't be afraid to ask for help from those around you. I often say that Waubonsee is more than college, it is community college. Now, more than ever, community will be critical to our success.

Christine J. Sobek, Ed.D.
President, Waubonsee Community College

6:15 p.m.

I want to thank all of you for your concern and dedication as we continue to work through the rapidly shifting developments related to the coronavirus and its impact. And, I want to assure you that our Emergency Management Group and our Coronavirus Action Team are working around the clock to determine how best to ensure the well-being and safety of our students, employees and community.

We are reviewing the action plans we posted on the coronavirus web page on Friday and expect to issue additional guidelines by the end of day tomorrow, Monday, March 16. In the meantime, if you are scheduled to work tomorrow and are concerned about reporting to work, please contact your administrative supervisor.

In the last week, I have seen our Waubonsee community come together to provide support, information, resources, and options. I am truly appreciative of the flexibility, kindness, patience, and hard work of everyone involved. We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students, employees, and community members as we work together through this unprecedented situation.
 

Christine J. Sobek, Ed.D.
President, Waubonsee Community College

11:40 a.m.

There continues to be no known coronavirus cases related to Waubonsee and at this time, the college remains open and we do not anticipate the spring semester to be extended; however, in order to decrease the overall concentration of students on campus, Waubonsee is taking the following immediate actions:

Spring Break has been extended one week for ALL students.
In addition to the scheduled spring break dates of March 16-22, Waubonsee is extending the break one week with no classes meeting through Sunday, March 29.

During extended spring break, campuses will remain open and services will remain operational. 
All College staff and administrators will report for work during their normal work hours during the extended break. The library, selected computer laboratories, other laboratories, and student service offices will be open for student use during normal operating hours; however, when and where possible, students are encouraged to refrain from coming to campus and to instead utilize online resources (such as SmartThinking for tutoring), email, or phone communication with college staff.  

Extended break allows for alternative instructional delivery methods to be developed.
During the extended spring break period, all College full-time and adjunct faculty will prepare for alternative instructional delivery. Training in alternative delivery formats will be offered; more details will be available by Friday, March 20, on the Faculty Development and Engagement website at facultydae.waubonsee.edu 

Credit courses will resume on March 30, with modified delivery.
Beginning March 30, Waubonsee will provide instruction online to substitute for as many face-to-face offerings as possible. Lab and studio components of courses may continue to meet on campus. More details and student success resources will be provided at a later date.  Students will learn more from their faculty no later than Friday, March 27. 

Accelerated courses set to begin on March 23, will now begin on March 30.
Faculty teaching those courses will make necessary adjustments to course syllabi so that all content can be covered and learning outcomes achieved. Where possible, those courses will be delivered online, with labs and studio components meeting on campus. 

All noncredit courses (Personal Enrichment, YEP camps, Professional Development, and all Driver Safety classes) will be canceled effective immediately (March 13) through March 31.
The college will be working on issuing refunds as processing time allows. 

Adult Education (High School Equivalency and English Language Acquisition) will be canceled effective immediately (March 13) through April 12. 
It is anticipated that classes will resume on Monday, April 13.

Anticipated return to face-to-face instruction is currently scheduled for Monday, April 13. 
Please monitor this webpage www.waubonsee.edu/COVID19 for more information and details as they come available.

Like many others, Waubonsee has been closely monitoring the coronavirus situation. While there are currently no known cases of coronavirus related to our campuses, we are committed to taking the necessary steps and precautions to keep our employees and students safe and healthy. As such, the following actions will be taken, effective Friday, March 13 at 8 a.m.:

• Through March 31, all Waubonsee events with expected attendance of 50 or more are canceled. For a full list of canceled events visit the Waubonsee Calendar.
• Through March 31, all non-essential, college-related travel by students and employees is prohibited. All pre-paid travel expenses will be reimbursed to you. If you have a circumstance that you feel is essential, please work with your administrative supervisor for approval.  In regards to personal travel, we encourage you to give extra thought and take precautions in order to protect the health and safety of yourself and those around you. In adherence with the CDC guidelines, we encourage anyone who has traveled to a level 2 or level 3 area, to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days. For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

We are continuing to monitor this situation as it unfolds. See below for additional information and resources, including mental health. Please check this website daily for any updates and information.

At Waubonsee, the health, safety and well-being of our students and employees is our top priority. As such, we are closely monitoring the developments related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) in coordination with public health officials from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health, Kane County Health Department and Kendall County Health Department. While the risk to the general public remains low in both the United States and Illinois, this website will be used to update the Waubonsee community with current information and resources regarding the College's response.

Current College Status:

At this time, there are no reports of the coronavirus in anyone connected to Waubonsee and all college operations and activities will continue as scheduled. The college leadership will continuously monitor the situation and will make appropriate decisions if circumstances change. Any changes to scheduled activities due to the coronavirus will be posted on this webpage and will be shared on the college’s social media channels, as well as through any other appropriate channels.

Email from Dan Larsen, Executive Director of Campus Safety and Operations:

Good Morning,

The 2020 winter season is in full swing and I hope your Spring 2020 semester is off to a great start.  Winter is generally considered cold and flu season and this year is no exception. One illness similar to the influenza (flu) virus that has gained notoriety recently is the Coronavirus. You may know the Coronavirus is a communicable upper respiratory illness that produces many of the same symptoms of the flu. The Coronavirus has just recently been discovered in the United States and many are concerned as to what impact it may have on them. 

It is important to take a moment to let you know Waubonsee Community College, in partnership with our federal, state and local authorities, is closely watching the developments associated with the Coronavirus. The Illinois Department of Public Health and both Kendall and Kane County Health Departments have all indicated the best actions we can take are standard prevention techniques like:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying home when you are sick.
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue away.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Please note:

To date, there have been 12 confirmed cases of this new form of coronavirus in the United States,  In contrast, there have been at least 15-million flu illnesses reported in the United States since the start of flu season in October 2019.-according to CNN this morning 2/10/2020

The Waubonsee Community College Department of Campus Safety and Operations (CSO) is the contact for any questions or concerns you may have regarding the Coronavirus on campus. The CSO department can be reached at 630-466-6820 and below are a list of links for more information.

• http://www.cdc.gov 
• http://www.dph.illinois.gov/search/site/coronavirus 
• http://kanehealth.com/Latest-News/Novel%20Coronavirus%20Status%20in%20Kane%20County%20012420.pdf