Up-to-date information on COVID-19 can be found here:

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) – Coronavirus Update
• Granite State College – Main COVID-19 Information Page

Updated 3/18/2020

We are using multiple communication channels to keep the university community across campuses informed. This includes:

• Creation of a website, granite.edu/coronavirus
• Emailing the university community at large
• Using our social media channels

Updated 3/18/2020

If there is a confirmed or presumptive positive case of COVID-19 illness identified in a student, staff, or faculty member, Granite State College leadership in collaboration with UNH Emergency Management will be informed with details and recommendations. In the more likely instance of a community member coming in close contact with a person who is later diagnosed with COVID-19 infection, we will follow the latest CDC guidelines.

Updated 3/18/2020

Yes. In collaboration with UNH Emergency Management, we are coordinating closely with state health authorities on these and other measures, as well as following the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Updated 3/18/2020

Granite State College has worked with the UNH Police Department and its Office of Emergency Management for several years to provide support for the College’s public safety and emergency preparedness needs. UNH’s Office of Emergency Management  works closely with state and federal agencies to leverage expertise and resources, greatly enhancing our ability to prepare for emergent situations such as a possible expansion of COVID-19 cases in New Hampshire.

In accordance with the College’s Emergency Operations Plan, the College Emergency Group was activated on January 29, 2020, to focus attention on this emerging issue. Preparedness planning is active across the College including response plans for social distancing, enhanced cleaning, telecommuting, and continuity of operations. The College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of the students, faculty, staff, and community members who are served by the College and will continue to work closely with UNH Emergency Management and state and federal authorities in the response to COVID-19.

Updated 3/18/2020

• 2021 Winter Term VA Education Benefit Update (11/4/2020)
• Fall Term VA Education Benefit Update (7/13/2020)
• Impact to School of Education Clinical Courses (updated 7/08/2020)
• Summer Term VA Education Benefit Update (5/1/2020)
• Summer Term Update from the Office of the President (4/29/2020)
• Spring Term VA Education Benefit Update, including housing allowances (updated 4/17/2020)
• Career Resources During COVID-19(4/16/2020)
• Spring Term Update from the Office of the President (4/3/2020)
• 2020 Commencement Update (3/31/2020)
• Student Update from the Office of the President (3/19/2020)
• Community Update: Action Plan & Impact for Face-to-face Classes and Meetings (3/13/2020)
• Community Update: COVID-19 Preparedness (3/10/2020)

Please find Human Resource’s collection of staff announcements regarding COVID-19 developments. Use your GSC ID and password to access each document in Box.

• Faculty Update: COVID-19 updates, resources, and teaching tips (3/20/2020)
• Live Zoom Sessions 3/20/2020: Faculty Fun Friday Virtual Coffee Chat (3/17/2020)
• Live Zoom Drop-in 3/16/2020: Questions, tips, and ideas for teaching and learning online (3/16/2020)
• Faculty Update: Tools, Resources, and Community Updates (3/13/2020)
• Community Update: Action Plan & Impact for Face-to-face Classes and Meetings (3/13/2020)
• Impact to VA Education Benefits, including housing allowances (3/13/2020)
• Impact to School of Education Clinical Courses (3/16/2020)
• Community Update: COVID-19 Preparedness (3/10/2020)

OLLI courses, social events, special interest groups, and in-person meetings are canceled effective immediately through April 30, 2020. This includes all class sessions that are currently in progress. Please send requests for refunds and donations to olli.office@granite.edu where a team is working to process them as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.

• COVID-19 Update: Action Plan & Impact for Face-to-face Classes and Meetings (3/13/2020)
• COVID-19 Preparedness Update (3/10/2020)

Please visit cwep.granite.edu.

Are you offering classes that meet face-to-face?

As we approach the 2020 Summer Term and look forward to Fall Term, based on the same sense of responsibility for the health and safety of our community and on the prevailing public health guidance, we have made a decision that all 2020 Summer and Fall Term courses will also be offered exclusively online. We hope that by making that decision now, we can help to alleviate concerns and to facilitate better planning for both our students and our faculty who are concerned about the potential risks of in-person courses.

• Online courses will continue as planned.
• Face-to-face and hybrid courses will be delivered online.
• School of Education students may be advised about non-clinical course alternatives if appropriate. See the Clinical Course advisory for details.
• Provisions are being made for students using VA Education Benefits, including housing allowances. See our additional advisory for details.

If my financial situation has changed and I have concerns about payment for classes, can I access Financial Aid?

We understand that COVID-19 may affect you and your family. Our intent is to be as flexible as possible and to connect you with helpful resources, including Financial Aid. If you have payment questions or concerns, please reach out to the Student Accounts Office at 603-513-1330 or student.accounts@granite.edu or Financial Aid at 603-513-1392 or financial.aid@granite.edu.

Can I pursue an internship during this time?

Students may pursue field-based experiential learning opportunities (Internships, Practicums, Field Trip) in future terms. However, due to the CDC guidelines related to social distancing in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is advised any student wishing to pursue field-based experiential learning develop a contingency plan with their field-based site for remote hours completion. If a field-based site is not able to accommodate remote internship/practicum hours, students should plan prior to term start to pursue an alternative course (such as a project if it is an integrative capstone), or delay the internship/practicum to a future term.

Have there been any changes to Commencement?

To help ensure the safety and well-being of our community, we have decided that our May 2020 graduation ceremony cannot take place as planned; however, we are not cancelling Commencement. Rather, we are postponing the celebration.

After careful consideration, including consultation with the Virtual Student Advisory Board and the College’s University System Student Board representatives, the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 will be celebrated on June 27, 2021 (Rain date: 7/11), along with the Class of 2021. For full details, please view the Commencement webpage.

Will there be a delay in receiving my diploma?

Currently, we are on track to deliver diplomas within 4-6 weeks of the designated conferral dates. Should there become an issue with the U.S. Postal Service delivering mail, students can use WebROCK to access an official electronic transcript, which will denote the conferral date as well as the degree received. For additional information, please email gsc.graduation@granite.edu.

I use VA Military Benefits. Do the changes impact my benefits?

This will not impact Winter Term students using VA Education Benefits, including housing allowances. For the 2020 Spring, Summer, and Fall Terms if you register for face-to-face classes, and the College must switch modalities to online or hybrid due to the COVID-19 emergency, your benefits should not change. Please read our additional advisory for details.

How and when will I hear from my instructors?

At the start of term, faculty will send a welcome message to students via email three days prior to the start of classes. While this message may be sent to a student’s listed preferred email to ensure the message is received, all other College communications are sent to a student’s official go.granite email. IT offers step-by-step instructions for Creating Your Accounts, including go.granite email. General go.granite support is also available. Faculty will continue to communicate throughout the term using email and Moodle specific communication tools (i.e. announcements, discussion boards). Please contact your faculty member with any comments, questions, and/or concerns about the course.

How do I access technical support?

We provide 24×7 technical support for online courses for all faculty and students via the IT Support website.  The regularly scheduled Moodle Orientation Webinars will be offered April 2 and April 8, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

For those struggling with reliable access to internet, please view the State of New Hampshire’s Internet Service Provider Connections with Supports in Place Due to COVID-19 resource. For out-of-state students, highspeedinternet.com has a similar listing.

Updated 6/10/2020

Can I pursue an internship during this time?

Students may pursue field-based experiential learning opportunities (Internships, Practicums, Field Trip) in future terms. However, due to the CDC guidelines related to social distancing in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is advised any student wishing to pursue field-based experiential learning develop a contingency plan with their field-based site for remote hours completion. If a field-based site is not able to accommodate remote internship/practicum hours, students should plan prior to term start to pursue an alternative course (such as a project if it is an integrative capstone), or delay the internship/practicum to a future term.

How does this impact clinical course requirements for teachers?

As we close out the Winter Term and prepare for the Spring Term beginning on April 6, we are aware that K-12 school closures may impact your clinical course requirements and we’re here to help. Please view our Impact to School of Education Clinical Courses (3/16/2020) for details.

What is the status of testing requirements, such as the Praxis Core?

Educational Testing Service® (ETS), the organization that issues the Praxis Exam, has postponed testing. Likewise, Pearson VUE has suspended Foundations of Reading Exam testing due to COVID-19.

For the Spring 2020 term, proof of passing score for the Praxis Core (includes Math, Reading and Writing sections) will be temporarily waived as a prerequisite to register for EDU 622 students. EDU 700 students who have not passed the Praxis Core before the end of Winter term will be permitted to register for SOE spring courses with permission of their advisor.

Do you have resources for teachers working with K-12 students?

Yes! Please view our new guide: Facilitating Remote Learning Experiences for Pk-12 Learners During Response to COVID-19.

Updated 3/19/2020

If my financial situation has changed and I have concerns about payment for classes, can I access Financial Aid?

We understand that COVID-19 may affect you and your family. Our intent is to be as flexible as possible and to connect you with helpful resources, including Financial Aid. If you have payment questions or concerns, please reach out to the Student Accounts Office at 603-513-1330 or student.accounts@granite.edu or Financial Aid at 603-513-1392 or financial.aid@granite.edu.

Updated 4/16/2020

Is OLLI programming cancelled?

All OLLI programming is paused until April 30, 2020. This decision was made in partnership between OLLI volunteers and Granite State College leadership. We will continue to monitor the situation and on April 15, the determination will be made regarding whether or not in-person, face-to-face programming can resume after April 30.

What support services are available?

Visit our list of local Community Resources for details. It features a range of organizations that help New Hampshire citizens who may be struggling with food insecurity, domestic violence, homelessness, mental health concerns, or other life challenges.

Updated 4/8/2020

Is CWEP training cancelled?

No, however, Face-to-face CWEP courses are transitioning online. Learn more at cwep.granite.edu.

What support services are available?

Visit our list of local Community Resources for details. It features a range of organizations that help New Hampshire citizens who may be struggling with food insecurity, domestic violence, homelessness, mental health concerns, or other life challenges.

Updated 3/18/2020

What services are available to students?

The majority of Granite State College services were already available virtually, allowing the College to seamlessly increase availability of resources online. A few key examples include:

• Academic Advising
  Students should reach out to their advisor at any point in the term to discuss concerns, course content, IT difficulty, tutoring needs or information, on student support resources. All advising can be done remotely during normal hours of operation; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET). This includes degree planning, course selection, policy or process questions, basic financial aid counseling, and more.
• Tutoring
  Make a virtual appointment with our tutoring team or access our BrainFuse tutoring platform.
• Counseling Services
  Access free counseling services 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Up to six counseling sessions are available at no cost to you. Counselor are available virtually.
• Community Resources
  Our list of local community resources aims to help students who may be struggling with food insecurity, domestic violence, homelessness, mental health concerns, or other life challenges.
• Career Services
  Career services is available through phone, Zoom or email. Pre-recorded videos are available for students to access.
• Moodle Orientation
  Gain confidence with online learning through our orientation sessions.

I’m unemployed as a result of COVID-19 and need career support. What’s available?

View our Career Resources During COVID-19 update. It features information about accessing unemployment benefits, tips and tools for job seekers, and describes our resume services and support.

Other Helpful Resources

• Live Webinar 3/20/2020: Keep Calm and Carry On – Maintaining Your Composure amidst the Pandemic Panic
• Free Webinar on-demand: Building Psychological Immunity During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• Tip Sheet: Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Updated 10/6/2020

College facilities will operate in compliance with “Stay at Home 2.0.”  When using college facilities the following protocols will be followed.

• DO NOT ENTER A FACILITY IF YOU ARE FEELING ILL.
• Use the Microsoft Teams shared calendar to indicate when you’ll be using College facilities
• All staff will verify that they do not have a fever, or any other symptoms associated with COVID-19 before entering a facility. Verification will be submitted via web form.

>>  Submit Employee Health Attestation Form

• Staff who exhibit any symptoms associated with COVID-19 will leave the facility and contact their physician for guidance. Please also inform your supervisor of your status. The College strongly supports isolation and quarantine efforts to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19.
• Face masks that cover the nose and mouth are mandatory in the common areas, meeting spaces, and group workspaces at all facilities for all people (staff, students, faculty, visitors, vendors, tenants, etc.). Masks can be removed in private offices and cubicles if no visitors are allowed into the space. Remember that masks are worn for the protection of others, not for the protection of the wearer.
• Janitorial services are conducting CDC approved disinfection cleanings of high touch surfaces every evening. Staff will assist this process by bringing food waste to the kitchen trash cans to allow this reallocation of cleaning resources.
• Social distancing requires that people always remain 6 feet apart. In general, classroom and conference room capacities will be greatly reduced to maintain social distancing. The College will establish compliant room capacities for all locations in partnership with UNH Emergency Management.
• Avoid riding the elevators with more than one other person. Do not congregate at break areas, bathrooms, near doorways, etc.
• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash hands for 20 seconds using soap and water, or if a sink is not available, use a 70% alcohol hand sanitizer. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Avoid unnecessary trips in and out of the facility, such as: errands, eating lunch out, etc. These trips increase exposure risks for you and your colleagues in the facility.

Please also see “Remote Working” and information regarding “Minimal Use Schedule”.

Updated 6/1/2020

Clarifying Expectations

The following points modify or clarify these guidelines to accommodate the impacts associated with the pandemic and the need to implement FWO across most positions at the College.

• The “Flexible Work Options Agreement Form” is a useful tool for clarifying expectations between employee and supervisor. Employees should consider completing and reviewing the form with their supervisor.
• Given the pandemic impacts on whole family systems, it is understandable that care taking, dependent care, personal activities, and other aspects of home life will overlap with professional responsibilities. College leadership supports the efforts of staff to balance these competing responsibilities. Please inform your supervisor if/when these responsibilities require your attention, so you are both clear about coverage, availability, etc. Use scheduling tools to clarify your availability.
• If possible, find ways to meet responsibilities asynchronously to minimize impacts of conflicting schedules and availability.
• Some activities require use of our facilities. If possible, focus those activities to minimize time spent in a facility and only spend as much time as needed to accomplish those activities before returning home. The idea is to minimize exposure time in our facilities.
• Departments will set specific expectations appropriate to meet functional needs while adhering to the FWO Guidelines and these points.

For more information, please visit:

>> Flexible Work Options

Equipment: Office Furniture, IT Equipment, and More

 Normal operations assume many resources and activities that are not easily replicated during “Carry On.”  The following resources and best practices are supported by College leadership to help make “Carry On” as successful as possible.

• Granite State College has high standards for ergonomic office equipment including IT equipment, adjustable chairs, and other equipment like sit/stand desks. These workstations are not easily replicated using residential furniture and equipment. Facilities and IT will track and assist in the proper set up of existing office equipment for use in staff home offices. This will include ergonomic office chairs, sit/stand desks, docking stations, dual monitors, peripheral keyboards and pointing devices, and specialty equipment with supervisor approval.
• Employees must submit an official request to secure their existing equipment and bring it to his or her home office. To access the form, please visit:

>> Existing Equipment Request Form

• For employees who require new equipment, please submit the IT Help Form.

>> IT Help Request

Best Practices and Resources

• It is important to maintain ordinary workday breaks while working remotely. Schedule lunch break and get up from your workstation at least once an hour to stretch and walk. These breaks are important to your health and wellbeing!
• Video conferencing is crucial to the success of our remote working. Please review best practices on the use of these tools at:

>>Zoom
>>Microsoft Teams

• Casual social encounters at work can be a great way to take a break, learn what colleagues are working on, share resources, and develop professional relationships. Granite State College leadership encourages staff to find creative ways to continue these informal conversations while we “Carry On.”
• The College’s Wellness Team will continue to provide tips and resources pertinent to the impacts of COVID-19 for staff. To learn more please visit:

>>Wellness Team Programming and Information

• There may be unexpected expenses related to remote working. Please keep track of these expenses as there may be reimbursement opportunities from various sources.

Minimal Use Schedule

Granite State College Leadership has decided to maintain the minimal use of facilities through the end of the 2020 Fall Term (December 15, 2020). Minimal use entails:

• All credit instruction will be online. There will be no face-to-face classes in the 2020 Summer and Fall Terms.
• No in-person meetings are to be scheduled in College facilities through 12/15/2020.
• No in-person appointments are to be scheduled in College facilities through 12/15/2020.
• College facilities will remain locked to the public through 12/15/2020. Tenants at the Concord location will have to let guests into the building themselves.
• Because our buildings are locked and we are not working directly with the public, safe staffing criteria are met.
• The decision to extend or discontinue the minimal use schedule for 2021 Winter Term 2020 will be made in mid-July 2020.

Updated 6/1/2020

Overview

Symptoms associated with COVID-19 are largely indistinguishable from seasonal influenza or the common cold. Often testing is either not available or not warranted to confirm the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and symptomatic people are treated with the assumption that they positive for COVID-19.

The following guidance, in compliance with NH DHHS protocols, will apply to all staff, faculty, students, vendors, visitors, and tenants who report or are expressing the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
• Flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches, chills, and severe fatigue
• Changes in a person’s sense of taste or smell

If any of these symptoms are present the affected person will:

1. Leave the College’s facilities immediately
2. Contact your healthcare provider for medical guidance
3. Inform your supervisor and HR. Share possible exposure incidents while present in the College’s facilities.

Granite State College supports quarantine and isolation mitigation efforts and will work with staff under this guidance.

Updated 6/1/2020

What should I do if I feel ill at work or need to call in sick?

If you feel ill at work, please notify your supervisor and take steps to ensure your safety and well-being. If you plan to seek out medical care with your PCP, please telephone them ahead of time to provide advance notice of your arrival.

If you are unable to work because you have symptoms associated with a cold or flu, stay home and use accrued sick leave (if available) to replace salary. If you need to stay home to care for a family member with cold or flu symptoms, use accrued Family Care (ability to use up to 25 sick time days), if available. If you have any additional concerns or questions, please consult with Human Resources.

My child’s school closed, and I need to be home to care for them. What should I do?

Reach out to your supervisor to discuss options to accomplish your work. If working remotely is an option, follow the guidelines to gain approval from your supervisor. If working remotely is not an option or possible, discuss with your supervisor and human resources as needed whether a modified work schedule will work or there are other options.

If I am sick with the coronavirus, will short-term disability and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) apply?

Yes, standard rules regarding short-term disability and FMLA will apply.

If I have to self-quarantine, but am not sick, does short-term disability and FMLA apply?

Short-term disability would not apply. FMLA leave may apply if you are also caring for an ailing household member.

Updated 6/1/2020

Please find Human Resource’s collection of staff announcements regarding COVID-19 developments. Use your GSC ID and password to access each document in Box.

Travel Guidance – CDC Travel Notices

• The CDC recommends against any non-essential travel to all global destinations.
• The CDC discourages any travel on cruise ships.
• The NH Infectious Disease guidelines discourage personal domestic travel outside of NH, ME, and VT.
  • Domestic travel by public conveyances (e.g., bus, train, plane) should be avoided.
• Any persons traveling internationally (including Canada), on public conveyances outside of NH, VT, or ME, or on a cruise ship, must quarantine for 14 days after return, which is consistent with CDC guidance.

Reminder Employee Illness and Risk Screening – to assess the risk for COVID-19:

• Do you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher? Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
  • Fever.
  • New respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath.
  • General body symptoms such as muscle aches, chills, and severe fatigue; and
  • Changes in a person’s sense of taste or smell.
  • Have you had any close contact with someone who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 in the past 14 days (Note: healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment should answer “no”)?
  • Have you traveled in the past 14 days either: Internationally (outside the U.S.), by cruise ship, or domestically (within the U.S.) outside of NH, VT, or ME on public transportation (e.g., bus, train, plane, etc.)?

Self-Quarantine:

For the safety and protection of employees and their colleagues, person(s) with any COVID-19 symptoms, those who report close contact with someone suspected or confirmed with COVID-19, or those reporting the travel risk factors will be asked to self-quarantine:

• Symptomatic persons should contact their health care provider to be tested for COVID-19 and self-isolate at home following the *instructions below.
• Asymptomatic persons reporting close contact with someone suspected or confirmed with COVID-19, or who report one of the travel-related risk factors should self-quarantine for 14 days from their last exposure or return from travel.
• During self-quarantine, if an employee is feeling well enough to work, they may do so, remotely.

*Person(s) with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 must isolate at home until symptom-based criteria are met:  At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared; AND At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (recovery is defined as resolution of fever off any fever reducing medications, plus improvement in other symptoms).

What assistance is available to help me cope with the emotional impact of this COVID-19 issue?

Granite State College provides resources to students, staff, and faculty to help deal with these types of life events through its Employee Assistance Program Hotline (EAP). The EAP provides confidential, short-term counseling at no cost to the employee.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provides guidance on mental health and coping.

Updated 3/18/2020

Where can I access tips for online teaching and learning?

See our Teaching & Learning online First Aid Kit!

What support is being offered to faculty/staff to ensure academic continuity?

Granite State College’s Online Teaching and Learning Collaborative provides virtual faculty coaching and development supports. In combination with robust online and digital resources and a team of academic support staff who are experienced in online educational experiences, faculty and staff will continue to be supported to embrace high levels of academic quality and continuity.

For information about drop-in sessions and the latest faculty information, please visit faculty.granite.edu.

How do I access technical support?

We provide 24×7 technical support for online courses for all faculty and students via the IT Support website.  The regularly scheduled Moodle Orientation Webinars will be offered April 2 and April 8, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Updated 3/20/2020

What assistance is available to help me cope with the emotional impact of this COVID-19 issue?

Granite State College provides resources to students, staff, and faculty to help deal with these types of life events through its Employee Assistance Program Hotline (EAP). The EAP provides confidential, short-term counseling at no cost to the employee.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provides guidance on mental health and coping.

Updated 3/18/2020

What is the current risk of COVID-19 to people in the United States?

COVID-19 illness remains a potential threat to the health and well-being of individuals in our communities. The risk appears greatest in those over 60 years old, and those with underling immune compromise. Review the CDC’s risk assessment for the latest information.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other viral illnesses. Learn more about the symptoms associated with COVID-19, which may include severe symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

What should I do if I am exposed or infected by COVID-19?

If any of the above symptoms are present the affected person is advised to:

1. Leave the College’s facilities immediately
2. Contact your healthcare provider for medical guidance
3. For Granite State College staff: Inform your supervisor and HR. Share possible exposure incidents while present in the College’s facilities.

Granite State College supports quarantine and isolation mitigation efforts and will work with staff under this guidance.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for COVID-19.

What can I do to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Please continue to follow all recommended health precautions.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e. social distancing).
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid being within 6 feet (close contact) of a person who is sick.
• Avoid sharing drinks, smoking/vaping devices, or other utensils or objects that may transmit saliva.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

What if a student or employee reports symptoms of COVID-19?

The College will continue to follow all recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). If there is a confirmed or presumptive positive case of COVID-19 illness identified in a student, staff, or faculty member, the campus will be informed with details and recommendations based on guidance from state health officials.

Updated 3/18/2020

Prevention Strategies

According to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) the most effective ways to limit the spread of this disease are to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Limit social contact like handshakes, hugs, social kissing, etc.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Hand Washing Best Practices

According to the CDC, hand washing is our best tool to limit the spread of COVID-19. Here’s a helpful video on hand hygiene techniques.

Updated 3/18/2020

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is posting regular COVID-19 situation updates as well as information on symptoms, prevention, travel considerations, global status, and other relevant issues related to this outbreak.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is posting notifications and information specifically related to New Hampshire’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers additional information on preparing for COVID-19 on their Ready.

Updated 3/18/2020

Travel can increase the risk of exposure to you and the community. Government restrictions and public health measures are changing fast. If you travel, those changes may make it hard for you to return and resume activities. We will continue to update guidance as needed. While these restrictions are more stringent than current CDC guidelines, they are consistent with those imposed by many college and universities, corporations and state and local governments.

Travel FAQ

Should I cancel my personal travel plans?

CDC provides recommendations on postponing or canceling travel via travel notices. A list of destinations with travel notices is available on the CDC website.

At this time, can I travel for business?

In the interest of your health and safety, for the next 30 days international business travel is prohibited, and all personal international travel is strongly discouraged. We want to avoid employees being stuck overseas if additional travel and re-entry restrictions are put in place. All non-essential domestic business travel is prohibited for the next 30 days. As applicable, consult with your manager to determine whether your domestic travel is essential. Employees are strongly encouraged to use remote methods, such as teleconferencing, where possible. These restrictions will be reassessed within 30 days.

If I return from travel from an area designated by the CDC as having widespread sustained (ongoing) transmission, am I required to stay at home?

If you recently traveled to any region with a “Level 3” Travel Health Notice from the CDC, you are asked to stay at home for 14 days beginning the day you return to the United States. Please do not return to your campus office for any reason until the 14 days have elapsed. Please contact your supervisor immediately to discuss options to accomplish your work.

If I return from travel from an area that has not been designated by the CDC as having widespread sustained (ongoing) transmission but where there have been identified cases of COVID-19, and I have no symptoms of COVID-19, am I required to stay home?

No.

If I do not have COVID-19 symptoms, am I expected to disclose whether I have a medical condition that the CDC says could make me especially vulnerable?

No. You are not required to disclose whether you have a medical condition that might place you at higher risk. The laws prohibiting discrimination based on disability prohibit the College from requiring medical examinations of employees without symptoms.

What options are available for faculty and staff who’ve incurred expenses for upcoming business travel?

Please work with your manager to cancel your travel commitments and request refunds or credits to use on future university travel. If you are unable to secure refunded expenses or travel credit for future use, there will be no financial impact to you; we will cover cancellation costs.

Updated 3/18/2020

All external events have been curtailed through April 30, 2020.

External groups that had planned meetings at a Granite State College location should make plans to meet virtually via Zoom in lieu of a physical, face-to-face meeting in our spaces. Granite State College staff will reach out to these groups to assist in the transition to a virtual meeting.

Updated 3/18/2020

While the majority of our staff is working remotely, key personnel are working at our Administrative Headquarters to ensure continuity of operations.

Access to campus is limited to staff to ensure the safety and well-being of our community and meet the needs of our overall access mission.

Updated 3/18/2020

At this time, we are open and fully functioning. With our strength in online teaching and learning, much of work can be seamlessly performed remotely, allowing for continuity of operations, and also provides ample social distancing among key personnel working from our headquarters.

Updated 3/18/2020