This webpage will provide regular updates with the latest information regarding the CLC’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.
COVID-19 Information Update - March 30, 2020
March 30, 2020
The Emergency Operations Team has been closely monitoring information in Lake County and the State of Illinois. To ensure the health and well-being of students, employees, and our community, the Emergency Operations Team, in consultation with the Board of Trustees, has extended the Alternative Learning Delivery and Remote Work Model.
- CLC COVID-19 Cases: The Lake County Health Department is reporting a total of 325 COVID-19 positive cases, with acknowledgement there are likely more not being tested. There is a total of five deaths. Within our CLC community, we have students and employees who are actively dealing with their own illness, or that of their family members. Please keep our colleagues and students struggling with COVID-19 in a very personal way in your thoughts and prayers.
- Extended Alternative Learning Delivery Model: On March 16, 2020 it was communicated that the Alternative Delivery Model would be effective March 30 – April 12. Considering the recent fast growth in positive COVID-19 cases, the college will extend the Alternative Delivery Model through May 15, 2020, the end of the spring semester.
- The alternative delivery model delivers instruction in a flexible learning format with no in-person classes, labs, or on-campus activities.
- All online courses, regardless of the start date, run as scheduled with no interruptions in learning.
- Campus facilities remain closed and in hard lockdown to students, community members and employees. Exceptions are limited to police, emergency personnel as needed, or team members with executive leader approval to carry out alternative delivery tasks. This includes Grayslake, Southlake and Lakeshore campuses.
- Events are canceled. Virtual options should be explored where appropriate.
- On-campus student activities are canceled. Virtual student activities are highly encouraged.
- Health care students’ clinical site assignments remain suspended until further notice.
- Spring athletics competitions and basketball championships are canceled per NJCAA.
- The previous suspension of college-sponsored international and domestic travel continues during this period for students and employees.
- Extended Alternative Learning Delivery Model: Considering the recent fast growth in positive COVID-19 cases, the college will extend the Remote Work Model until further notice. All employees should continue to work directly with their supervisors as to their remote work and on-call assignments.
- May 2020 Commencement: The commencement ceremony is a critically important milestone for our students and their families. The college wants to provide an opportunity for students to celebrate their significant achievement, yet more importantly wants to ensure everyone’s safety. Students who have petitioned to graduate will be surveyed this week as to whether they would prefer a virtual graduation ceremony in May or delay the ceremony with the hope by August or September an in-person option could be offered. The students’ voices will guide next steps and decision-making about their most important event. A goal has been set to make this decision by next week.
- Intersession and Summer Class Schedules May 19 through June 5: No decision has yet been made regarding the Intersession schedule. It is anticipated this decision will be made by mid-April.
The college will continue to closely monitor the situation and share updates as soon as decisions are made.
COVID-19 Update - March 27, 2020
March 27, 2020
- UPDATE: CLC COVID-19 Cases: As of Thursday, March 26, there were 184 COVID-19 positive test results for individuals in Lake County and two confirmed deaths. This is a significant increase and LCHD anticipates a continued increase in the number of positive cases. There are two new confirmed COVID-19 positive test results in the CLC community: two students who present very little to no risk for potential exposure to other CLC community members. As previously shared, the college will continue to communicate with any individuals that may be directly impacted. The COVID-19 Concerns Team members remain busy responding to student, staff, and faculty inquiries concerning this virus and its impact on our community.
- New Textbook Resources for Students: The bookstore team has partnered with our textbook publishers and digital textbook vendors to aid in the transition to online and distance learning. Information provided by the Bookstore will allow faculty and students to access free digital course materials through May 25, 2020. Information on how to access these free resources can be found on the Lancers Keep Learning webpage. We would like to thank the textbook publishers and digital textbook partners for their support of higher education and our CLC students, helping to make the transition to distance learning a little easier.
I have decided it is time to apply some reframing on social distancing. I absolutely support the need for social distancing in terms of separation of physical space between us to keep us all safe. However, I worry a little about what social distancing does to humans who are social beings. As we head into the weekend, I encourage all of you to be physically distanced but remain very socially connected - virtually and from afar of course. Call someone and reconnect, perhaps chat about something other than COVID-19 and remember to do something that lifts your spirits.
Wishing you a pleasant weekend,
Dr. Lori Suddick
President
College of Lake County
COVID-19 Update - March 26, 2020
March 26, 2020
UPDATE: CLC COVID-19 Cases – There were no additional notifications through the Health Center today regarding any new confirmed positive COVID-19 cases at CLC. There are situations where the CLC Health Center is actively following up with individuals to ensure they are getting proper care and monitoring. As of March 26, 2020, the Lake County Health Department (LCHD) reported 49 new cases and a total of 184 confirmed positive cases in Lake County, with the first identified case on March 11, 2020.
COVID-19 Update - March 25, 2020
March 25, 2020
- UPDATE: CLC COVID-19 Cases – There were no notifications through the Health Center today regarding any new confirmed positive COVID-19 cases at CLC. As of March 25, 2020, the Lake County Health Department (LCHD) reports 135 confirmed cases in Lake County, IL. The first case was identified March 11, 2020. I saw the below graphic today and thought I would share it. I think it is a good representation of why the College’s Alternative Learning Delivery and Remote Work Model, as well as the Governor’s stay at home order can achieve the desired effect of reducing cases.
- REMINDER: STUDENT/COMMUNITY RESOURCE – During these uncertain times, many community members and students are struggling. If you know of someone wondering what resources are available in Lake County across a multitude of topics, please share the 211 information with them. Visit https://211lakecounty.org/.
- LOOKING FORWARD: I know many are wondering what is on the horizon beyond April 7 (Governor’s stay at home order deadline) and April 12 (CLC Alternative Delivery and Remote Work plan deadline). I wish I could offer a firm answer on this, but at the present time the answer is unknown as so much depends on the data related to the spread of COVID-19.
For now, CLC’s Model remains in effect until April 12, 2020. Our goal is to align with the Governor’s messaging, so I do not anticipate a change in the CLC date until then and after consultation with the Board of Trustees, as well as many around the College. I will keep you updated as we move through the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, stay the course, stay focused, and keep doing the great work you do.
COVID-19 Update - March 24, 2020
March 24, 2020
- CLC COVID-19 Cases: We did not receive any notification through the Health Center today regarding any new confirmed positive COVID-19 cases at CLC. The College’s Emergency Operations Team will ensure immediate communication to individuals who are believed to have been in direct or indirect contact with confirmed positive COVID-19 cases.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We recognize this unprecedented situation may cause challenges in both personal and work life. EAP is available to all full- and part-time College of Lake County employees and their dependents at no cost. Services include telephonic counseling in areas such as stress and anxiety, financial issues and job pressures as well as online tools, articles and other resources. To find out more, you may visit www.magellanascend.com.
- Keeping Lancers Learning: It’s heartwarming to hear from so many employees expressing genuine concern for our students during this time. Our most important work right now is finding ways to help them remain engaged in their learning, accessing the resources available to them and creating the environment to support their success. Beyond the many individual efforts everyone is making, there are several over-arching efforts underway highlighted:
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Positive Messaging Campaign – A coordinated effort is underway to put together positive messaging to provide information about how to stay motivated and engaged as a distance learner, reminding everyone of the resources available to support their success, encourage peer-to-peer connections and hopefully bring a little fun to their day.
- Virtual Student Engagement and Events – There are many teams engaged in determining how to keep our student associations engaged virtually. There are also teams determining ways to deliver important recognition events virtually. We know for many of our students, the annual recognition events held throughout April are important, particularly those for first generation graduates. Rather than canceling those events, we are encouraging everyone to consider ways we can still honor the achievements of our students.
- The CLC Foundation is leading the way in creating a virtual “No Gala” Gala that continues to provide scholarships and deliver the advanced learning opportunities promised to our students so they may complete their degrees and credentials. Rather than one in-person event, there will be a week-long online fundraising opportunity April 20-27. You can stay up to date as the “No-Gala” Gala event evolves online, purchase raffle tickets or donate.
COVID-19 Update - March 23, 2020
March 23, 2020
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COVID-19 Cases at CLC: There were no new reported CLC cases of COVID-19 to the CLC Health Center over the weekend.
We are aware employees and students are wondering about how communications about new positive cases will be facilitated. There is a documented process created by a subset of members of the Emergency Operations Team. This group stays in daily communication regarding calls coming into the Health Center by employees and students. If another confirmed positive COVID-19 case were reported through the Health Center via a direct call from an employee or student, or a notice is received from the Lake County Health Department (LCHD), or through a communication from a supervisor, this group would facilitate the process of ensuring appropriate information is gathered regarding direct and indirect contacts at CLC. It is our priority to ensure immediate (within hours) communication would occur with any individuals who may have had direct or indirect contact so that appropriate actions can be taken. Those directly impacted would receive a phone call and be advised of several things, including self-quarantine. The CLC team works in coordination with the LCHD.
- Lake County Health Department Update: LCHD is reporting 15 new cases in Lake County since Saturday, March 21, 2020 and a total of 80 confirmed positive cases with the first identified case on March 11, 2020. Visit the LCHD website and sign up for automatic updates to be sent to your email or phone to stay informed. Please adhere to the stay at home order as diligently as possible so we can slow the growth of this virus.
- Emergency Operations: Emergency Operations Team will continue to meet every Monday morning at 10 a.m. to address key issues, monitor the status of the Alternative Delivery and Remote Work plan, align resources to areas of greatest need, coordinate efforts across units of the organization, and plan for "what if" scenarios.
- Medical Supplies Donations: Through the responsive and speedy efforts of many of our employees (Faculty, Ed Affairs, Police, CWP, Facilities), CLC has already jumped into action to support our local front-line healthcare workers. CLC inventory of personal protective equipment (N95 masks, gloves, gowns) from across the college is being centralized and distributed to local hospitals in dire need of these critical supplies to protect healthcare workers in Lake County. This is a true demonstration of collaboration to get the right thing done. Please contact Ali O’Brien with any questions about this process as she is spear-heading the effort. It is important any donations are facilitated in alignment with the appropriate legal requirements and college processes.
- Technology Distribution Students and Employees Working Remotely: The college is supporting students and faculty with technology needs so they can engage in the Alternative Delivery Model and continue classes is our highest priority. The college has established a plan that aligns with the Governor’s stay at home order and social distancing requirements yet continues to distribute the necessary technology packages to students and faculty.
- Technology Solutions: IT and purchasing are working quickly to get a solution in place to allow remote employees to call students from their phones yet protect the privacy of their own personal phone number. The goal is to have this solution in place after spring break.
COVID-19 Update - March 20, 2020
March 20, 2020
En Español
You may have already heard today that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has issued a "stay-at-home" order for the entire state starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21 through April 7, 2020. All residents are asked to stay in their homes as officials take significant measures to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Our number-one goal is to help each student succeed this semester. Following spring break next week, the College of Lake County alternative learning delivery and remote work models that are currently in place will continue as previously identified through April 12, 2020.
Even though our campuses are not physically accessible during this time, CLC staff and faculty are working remotely to support our students. To find out how to access support and services to assist you, please visit the website.
This is a challenging time for everyone. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 of Lake County. Or you can text your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help. This service is free and available 24/7 to Lake County residents.
Until we are back together on campus again, please take care of yourselves. Remember that this stay-at-home order does not mean you must stay in your home. Getting some fresh air and going for walks with appropriate social distancing is encouraged and important for health and well-being.
Please know that we will get through this and we will be better when we get there, and get there we will. Go Lancers!
Lori
Dr. Lori Suddick
President
College of Lake County
Follow the College of Lake County
COVID-19 Update - March 19, 2020
March 19, 2020
En Español
College of Lake County learned late yesterday of its first confirmed positive case of COVID-19. A CLC employee who works in the L building on the Grayslake Campus tested positive and is currently at home in self-quarantine actively assisting the college with next steps. The employee’s last day on campus was Thursday, March 12.
We are currently in consultation and coordination with the CLC Health Center and the Lake County Health Department (LCHD). We will follow LCHD guidelines for communication with individuals potentially impacted and next steps to support them.
Read the full update
COVID-19 Update - March 18, 2020
March 18, 2020
En Español
UPDATE: Effective March 18, 2020 all campus doors are locked. A limited number of designated essential employees are allowed building access. This action is being taken due to continued traffic by community members and students on the campus. We apologize for any inconvenience. These efforts are to protect the health and safety of everyone.
Read the full update emailed to students regarding virtual campus resources and updates to policies.
COVID-19 Update - March 17, 2020
March 17, 2020
In an effort to keep you abreast of the College’s ongoing decisions related to operations and delivery of learning under the current plan, as well as in consideration of Lake County Health Department guidance, CLC President Dr. Lori Suddick will be sending daily email updates to faculty and staff this week. Below are highlights:
CLARIFICATION: Campus Access – to ensure appropriate social distancing, a clean environment, and reduce the risk of exposure, the campuses are currently only open to essential personnel as designated by the College Leadership Team. The campuses are closed to students, community members, and non-essential employee functions.
Effective 11 p.m. March 20, all doors at all three campuses will be locked. Designated essential employees will use badge access. At Grayslake, individuals may use Door D1 for access by request. Your cooperation and support are appreciated.
NEW: Protocol for CLC Community Reports of Potential COVID 19 Exposure – a protocol for any faculty or staff member who receive a communication from a student or contact who are reporting a potential exposure has been established.
NEW: Modifications to Student Policies – student-friendly changes have been made to the following policies to provide flexibility to students as they make decisions regarding their engagement within the Alternative Delivery Model: Mid-Term Grades, Withdrawal Dates, and Refund. The procedures for these changes will be established by the end of today and the technology changes for implementation are targeted for March 20, 2020.
NEW: April 7, 2020 Board Meeting – a plan is under development to create virtual access to the April 7th Board meeting per the guidance of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Executive Order modifying the Open Meetings Act.
COVID-19 Update - March 16, 2020
March 16, 2020
En Español
As we navigate this very unprecedented time with COVID-19, one thing for certain is the rapid pace of change based on incoming updates from leading public health authorities, as well as changes by the State of Illinois, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and other state agencies.
Addressing this rapidly evolving matter continues to be the highest priority of the Board of Trustees and the College. In consideration of the growing concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19 and the need for extreme containment and social distancing strategies, the College is modifying the Alternative Delivery Plan previously communicated on Friday, March 13. In the spirit of providing as much detail as possible to assist you in your own communications and planning, this email errs on the side more versus less. Please review the information below carefully.
UPDATED College of Lake County Alternative Delivery Model to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for our students, employees and the community.
- NEW: Campuses are closed to students, community members and non-essential employees.
- NEW: Health care students’ clinical site assignments will be suspended until further notice.
- NEW: Spring athletics competitions and basketball championships are canceled per NJCAA.
- NEW: Children’s Learning Center closed March 23 – April 12.
- Effective March 17, the college will implement the modified plan as outlined below until April 12.
- Definition: The alternative delivery model limits all instruction to a flexible learning format with no in-person classes, labs, or on-campus activities.
- All online courses regardless of the start date are as scheduled with no interruptions in learning.
- Events are canceled. Events are non-class activities.
- On-campus student activities are canceled.
- The previous suspension of college-sponsored international and domestic travel will continue during this period for students and employees.
- Updated information will be posted to the main website page https://www.clcillinois.edu/
Read full update
COVID-19 Update - March 14, 2020
March 14, 2020
En Español
We want to make sure our message is clear so that you know CLC is committed to continuing to provide you with your education.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker yesterday shut down only K-12 schools, not community colleges or child care centers.
CLC classes are running as outlined in the plan messages yesterday and per faculty instructions. All lectures will be moved to alternative flexible delivery methods and limited in-person labs will be held for content that can’t be moved to a flexible format.
Events are not classes. Event cancellations are being made separately. All events, though, are canceled until April 12, 2020.
COVID-19 Update - March 13, 2020 Afternoon
March 13, 2020
En Español
At this time, the College of Lake County is taking the following proactive measures to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for our students, employees, and the community:
- Effective March 16, 2020, the College will implement an alternative delivery model from March 16 – April 12.
- Definition: The alternative delivery model is intended to limit on-campus activities to essential functions and shift the majority of learning to flexible learning formats, including multiple modalities such as videoconference, online, and alternative assignments.
- All online courses regardless of the start date will proceed as scheduled with no interruptions in learning.
- For employees, all college campus operations will maintain a regular work schedule unless notified otherwise.
Read full update
COVID-19 Update March 13, 2020 Morning
March 13, 2020
Please know that CLC is working diligently and seriously on the COVID-19 issue. Our goals are to uphold our part in the public health responsibility of containing and slowing the spread of the virus, maintaining the health and well-being of our students, employees and community while also maintaining our high-quality learning and business continuity. Decisions around creating an alternative delivery schedule are complex and we are currently engaged in doing so. An announcement will be shared by end of business today as to CLC’s plan.
Thank you for sharing your concerns. Many decisions and actions have been made as news and information from the CDC, WHO, and the Lake County Health Department have been made available. These have been logged on the website https://www.clcillinois.edu/ under Health Updates.
We are also working in partnership and coordination with many agencies, including the school districts around the county.
I believe the announcement later today will address your concerns.
COVID-19 Update: Message to CLC Students
March 12, 2020
As the safety of our community is our priority, CLC is canceling non-business, non-curricular events for a two-week period starting Saturday, March 14 through Sunday, March 29, 2020.
Cancelations will apply to events with the following parameters:
- Events with external (non-student, non-staff) audiences, for example: professional performances at the James Lumber Center, group rentals; and
- Internal events with more than 250 people in order to encourage social distancing
A full list of canceled events will be available here by Friday, March 13.
Our internal operations, including group meetings, classes and student activities with attendance under 250 will continue as normal, and we will provide updates as the college continues to monitor the situation. Changes will be communicated as soon as they are made.
Read the full message
COVID-19 Update: Message to CLC Students
March 11, 2020
The college has been closely monitoring the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and will be providing regular updates to you as the situation evolves.
There are no known cases of COVID-19 at College of Lake County at this time. College of Lake County is currently open and will remain open until such time as conditions warrant otherwise. Read the full message
No cases at CLC; one confirmed in Lake County
March 11, 2020
At this time, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) at CLC. On March 11, 2020, the CDC officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic and the first Lake County resident tested positive at the Illinois Department of Public Health laboratory. The resident is a man in his 50s and is in stable condition. On March 9, the Lake County Health Department received reports that a patient receiving treatment at a hospital in Lake County tested positive for COVID-19. Health Department staff were on-site beginning the morning of March 10, working to rapidly identify, interview, and assess the risk for healthcare contacts of the confirmed case.
Spring Break Update
March 9, 2020
Spring break is just around the corner, and everyone is looking forward to their well-deserved break. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for both our students and employees, College of Lake County reminds all travelers (domestic and international), although the risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission remains low at the present time for Lake County and the CLC community, many areas of the world and country are not as fortunate. Read about our travel advisory
Spring trips to China canceled
January 28, 2020
In accordance with CLC policy to not operate study abroad programs in countries where the travel advisory is a level 3 or higher, the college’s Center for International Education has notified students enrolled in two planned trips to study abroad in China of the cancellation.
CLC is closely monitoring national, state and regional health agencies with regard to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
CLC has a Pandemic Flu Preparedness Plan, reviewed by the Lake County Health Department, which will be put into action if conditions warrant.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. As with any respiratory virus, students, families and school personnel can protect themselves by taking everyday actions. Please take a moment to reinforce with your family the preventive actions that will help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
- Cover your cough or sneeze
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- See your doctor if you have a fever, cough, body aches and fatigue
- If you or a family member is sick, stay home and limit contact with others
Anti-Bias Notice:
The College of Lake County is committed to being equity-minded in how it supports its students and employees and strengthening the diverse communities we serve. We stand to create an environment that names, embraces, and learns from differences through all policies, practices, and values. The College is inclusive of all members of our diverse college community and it is essential that we are respectful and supportive of all members of community who are affected by this global issue.