Missouri Valley College

COVID-19 Procedures and Campus Changes

INTRODUCTION

The Missouri Valley College campus is at its best when filled to the brim with students and as a community of learners working together toward a shared goal, which is to have a safe in-person fall semester.  We are all very aware of the risks COVID-19 brings, but feel through our deliberate planning strategies, we have put appropriate protocols in place in all areas of campus life and activity to mitigate the risk to an acceptable level.  The faculty, staff and administration are united in our goal to keep Missouri Valley College moving forward to provide the academic atmosphere and the educational activities that students need to develop into lifelong learners and educated citizens of the world.

What is Covid-19

  • COVID-19 Is a mild to severe respiratory illness that is caused by a coronavirus (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 of the genus Betacoronavirus), is transmitted chiefly by contact with infectious material (such as respiratory droplets) or with objects or surfaces contaminated by the causative virus, and is characterized especially by fever, cough, and shortness of breath and may progress to pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Know how it spreads

  • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (less than 6 feet).
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
      • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
    • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Wash your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
  • Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
    • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
    • Distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

  • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
  • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
  • Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
  • Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face covering is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

  • If you are around others and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
  • Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.

Monitor Your Health

  • Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Take your temperature if symptoms develop.

Every member of our campus community signed a pledge to do their part is keeping our campus safe by following our protocols and simply by

  • Mask Up: wear a mask in all public places.
  • Back Up: Practice social distancing. (6’ intervals)
  • Wash Up: Wash hands frequently with antibacterial soap for 20 seconds at a time.
  • Check Up: Use the CampusClear app everyday to monitor and record potential symptoms.

CAMPUS SANITATION AND DISINFECTION PROCEDURES

Campus Sanitation Products

Our plan follows the expert recommendations by the CDC, World Health Organization and the American College Health Association (ACHA).  The following resources align with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and EPA List N Disinfectants for the Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Both products meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

  • QT PLUS –  A hospital-grade disinfectant/detergent, cleaner,sanitizer,fungicide, mildewstat, virucide, deodorizer that cleans and controls the hazard of cross-contamination from environmental surfaces. Q.T. Plus is designed for use on walls, countertops, fixtures, restroom and shower rooms, and other hard surfaces where disinfectant is a must.
  • Re-Juv-Nal –   R-Juv-Nal has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS- CoV-2) on hard, non-porous surfaces. Therefore, this product can be used against SARS- CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes the disease COVID- 19, when used in accordance with the directions for use against Rotavirus on hard, non-porous surfaces.

Campus Sanitation Process

Public Restrooms

  • The custodial staff will clean and disinfect frequently throughout each day.

Break Rooms

  • Break rooms are the responsibility of those using the space. Housekeeping staff will clean these areas at the beginning of each work day.  

 Classrooms

  • Staff and Faculty are responsible for disinfecting during the day (between each class period).  All chairs, desks, touch points should be lightly sprayed with disinfectant and allowed to dry for 10 minutes.  Daily cleaning by housekeeping staff will be done prior to 8 AM class for all classrooms. Faculty will be advised of the number of maximum occupants in a space and will need to notify students who will be attending in person and who will be online per the plan designed by Dr. Bartholomew, V.P. of Academic Affairs.

Dining Hall

  • Dining Staff will be responsible for this area.  All dining surfaces, dispensers, and any touchpoints will be cleaned frequently.  Thorough cleaning will take place between each meal session.

Offices

  • Faculty and staff personnel will be responsible for the cleaning of their space.  Everyone will be given a refillable disinfectant bottle to use as they feel necessary.  

Public Spaces/Athletic Facilities

  • This will be the responsibility of the housekeeping staff.  This includes locker rooms when they are not occupied.  The areas will be cleaned and disinfected routinely throughout the day.

Public transportation

  • All surfaces are to be disinfected by the supervisor of the bus or vehicle.  All vehicles will be provided with disinfectant and advised how to refill the units.  All touch points and surfaces will be cleaned. 

Dorm/Living Spaces 

  • Bathrooms
    • The housekeeping staff will clean common restroom areas daily, disinfect on a frequent basis, and ensure that all soap and hand sanitizers are in proper working order. For those with private/shared restrooms, students will be given guidance on proper cleaning techniques. 
  • Public Areas (Halls, entries/exits, elevators)
    • Housekeeping will clean daily and disinfect frequently throughout the day.

 

SIGNAGE FOR ENTRY/EXIT ROUTES IS DISPLAYED AND STUDENTS ARE ASKED TO STAY AS FAR RIGHT AS POSSIBLE WHEN USING HALLWAYS.

 

Employees: Faculty and Staff

All employees should take precautions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, including:

  • Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and/or using hand sanitizer. 
  • Practicing social distancing everywhere by staying six feet apart
  • Wearing a mask in all areas of campus except when in your office by yourself
  • Covering coughs and sneezes. 

Employees may not come to campus if they have experienced any of the following:

  • Tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days. 
  • Had close contact within the last 10 days with a known COVID-19 positive person. 
  • Had any of the following symptoms of COVID-19 within the last 10 days that are unexplained:
    • Fever 
    • Cough 
    • Shortness of breath 
    • Chills
    • Muscle pain 
    • Repeated shaking with chills 
    • Headache
    • Sore throat 
    • New loss of taste or smell

Such employees will not be permitted to return to campus unless and until they:

  • Have undergone testing for COVID-19 more than two days after their potential exposure to the virus and received a negative result. 
  • Provided documentation of such results to their supervisor.
  • Alternatively, an employee may present documentation from a health care provider indicating that they have been approved to return to campus.

STUDENT LIFE

Quarantine area

  • Missouri Valley College has set aside 1320 Conway Apartment for a COVID-19 quarantine area.  This space will give us a minimum of 18 and a maximum 36 beds for use.  

Malcolm Center Operations Plan

  • The entrance on the west side of the building (main entrance into the Bistro) will be the only entry point into the building.
  • The entrance on the north side of the building (adjacent to the Student Health Office) will be the only exit point out of the building.
  • The Malcolm Center will abide by the current state guidance as to the number of individuals that can be together in a gathering.

The Charles L. Bacon Room, Ford Multi Purpose Room, and Room Reservations

  • All reservations must be secured through the Student Affairs Office.  Due to the significant amount of time needed for proper cleaning and disinfecting an area as recommended by the CDC, the College will limit the ability for room reservations to once daily for each room.  In some cases, with adequate time, there may be a possibility to have multiple room reservations in a single day.
  • When approving room reservations, the College will implement the current State of Missouri mandates and guidance of the CDC in regards to social distancing. Currently there can be no gathering of more than 50 people and there needs to be a distance of six feet around each individual. 
  • All requests for specific room setups will need to be made in advance and approved by the Director of Student Activities or the Director of Student Housing.  All reservations will be restricted to the State of Missouri mandated guidelines.
  • All students will be temperature checked at the main entrance of the fitness area.  Any student with a 100.4 or greater temperature will not be allowed to enter.  Any student that produces a temperature will be asked to schedule an appointment with Student Health Services.  

Usage of the Fitness Area and Gymnasium

  • Usage of both the Taylor and Van Dyke Fitness Area and the Astrid and Emma Gymnasium will comply with current State of Missouri mandates and guidance from the CDC. Currently there can be no gathering of over 50 people and individuals should keep a distance of six feet.
  • The Taylor and Van Dyke Fitness Area currently has the space for 50 people as long as social distancing is practiced.  That gives the ability to have one individual per weightlifting machine and station.  This also gives the ability to have one individual on every other aerobic exercise machine (treadmills, ellipticals etc.).
  • Sporting/intramural events in the Astrid and Emma Gymnasium will be offered following the NAIA guidance implemented for athletics.
  • There will be designated sanitation of equipment and space using static foggings, and staff will be present to ensure the cleaning of both weightlifting and aerobic machines in the fitness area after each use. 

Student Health Services

  • The Buckner, Eckilson, Kiburs Student Health Center has currently increased staff with one additional LPN and one additional FNP.
  • The Student Health Center will operate on an appointment-only protocol as recommended by the CDC.
  • The hours of operation for the Buckner, Eckilson, Kiburs Student Health Center will be extended to later evenings and weekend hours.

DINING SERVICES

The primary goal of the Dining Services Plan for the Fall 2020 Semester is to provide, as close as possible, the normal Fresh Ideas dining experience, taking into account the restrictions required to comply with guidelines of the CDC, ACHA, and local health authorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food Offerings 

The Plan is to have all of the normal food stations open. This will include:

  • Dining Hall
    • Salad Bar, Soup and Chili, and Cut Fresh Fruit
    • Pizza Station
    • Smokehouse Station
    • Chef’s Table, Mongolian Grill Line, and La Comida
    • Ice Cream and Desserts
    • Bistro look alike station for Grab-N-Go offerings
  • The Bistro – The menu will not change, but will have more pre-cooked offerings including pizza and hot sandwiches to alleviate congestion and the need for physical distancing. 

Seating in Dining Areas

Physical distancing (6’) and masks will be required for patrons except while sitting and eating. Monitoring will be required to maintain physical distancing in all areas of the Dining Hall and the Bistro. Signage will be present reminding patrons of the requirements for physical distancing and the wearing of masks at all times other than when at a table eating.

  • Dining Hall: All tables and seating will be physically distanced (6’) to CDC Guidelines. This requirement will shrink dramatically the number of seats available in the Dining Hall. In this configuration, the Dining Hall will seat 135 people and still allow for appropriate physical distancing (normal seating capacity is 280+). 
  • The Bistro: All tables and seating will be physically distanced (6’) to CDC Guidelines. This requirement will shrink dramatically the number of seats available in the Bistro. In this configuration, the Bistro will seat 24-26 persons and still allow for appropriate physical distancing (normal seating capacity is 50). 
  • Other Seating Possibilities

Other seating options outside of the Dining Hall being considered include placing tables and chairs in the hallway just outside of the Dining Hall. Other locations close to the Dining Hall are also being reviewed. The outdoor patio area to the South is also available, with the possible addition of tent coverings to shade the sun. 

Serving Process

There will be no self-service; all food will be served by Dining Hall and Bistro personnel. China, flatware and cups will be utilized in the Dining Hall. To partially alleviate the limited seating, all stations will offer to-go boxes to encourage patrons to eat their meal somewhere other than the Dining Hall/Bistro. In addition, there will be a station set up in the Dining Hall to mirror the Bistro eating opportunities and provide for Grab-N-Go meals. 

Serving Hours

  • Weekdays
    • Dining Hall
      • Breakfast   7:00 AM – 9:30 AM
      • Lunch 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
      • Dinner   4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
    • Bistro
      • Lunch 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM (Hot Food Service)
  • Weekends
    • Currently, there are no changes to the weekend brunch and dinner serving times.
  • Staggered Eating Times
    • The goal is to not have to adopt specific eating times for students, if possible. However, we will consider requesting that employees dine at non-peak lunch times, likely 12:30 PM or later, to help relieve congestion in the Dining Hall and the Bistro.

Sanitation 

Fresh Ideas staff will be assigned specifically to the Dining Hall/Bistro for the sole purpose of constantly cleaning and sanitizing all areas including tables and chairs. The entire Dining Hall/Bistro seating areas will be thoroughly sprayed with disinfectant between meal periods.

Fresh Ideas Staff

  • Temperatures will be checked upon entry into the building for each shift.
  • Masks and gloves will be worn at all times
  • 40 touchless hand sanitizers will be placed strategically around the Dining Hall/Bistro space for use by Fresh Ideas staff and all patrons.
  • Physical distancing (6’) will be strongly encouraged whenever possible. 

Quarantined Student Meals

  • Meals for quarantined students will be delivered by Dining Hall staff to those students for all meals each day. 
  • We will remain flexible to make adjustments as the semester unfolds. Our goal is to continue to provide the best eating experience possible while providing for adherence with the various guidelines and requirements of the CDC, ACHA, and the state and local health authorities. As these guidelines and requirements change over time, we will adjust our approach, always with the goal to protect the students, faculty and staff of Missouri Valley College to the best of our ability.

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Campus Instruction

This plan is for instruction of campus-based courses.  Instructors and students need to be prepared for the possible transition to distance delivery, utilizing synchronous and asynchronous methods, for short- or long-term, as determined by local health conditions.

  • Small classes will proceed in a normal, face-to-face fashion (with spacing and face masks) for all class sessions. 
  • Larger classes will be taught in a hybrid format, with students divided into groups. Each group will have face-to-face instruction in the classroom at least one day/week and remote synchronous instruction and/or asynchronous learning the remaining day(s) of the week. 
  • Students should be available at all scheduled class times to view/participate synchronously. 
  • Students will be notified of the plan for each of their classes prior to the start of the fall semester. They will be allowed to adjust their schedules within the normal add/drop period, allowing for opportunity to drop courses due to format. 

Masks/face coverings are required of everyone on campus when not in the privacy of their office or, in the case of the students, in their personal living quarters. Masks must be worn when in hallways, bathrooms, classrooms and visiting other offices.

Off-Campus Learning Activities (e.g., education practica, nursing clinicals, internships, service learning)

  • Accredited programs need to follow external organizations’ decisions and protocols in conjunction with the College’s and local health authorities. If conducting the activities in the normal or slightly modified way (e.g., relocate to campus) can occur, it should. 

ATHLETICS

This document is fluid and continually updated: Updated 8/11/2020

 

FALL 2020 RETURN TO PLAY

  • The MVC Athletic Department fully recognizes that continued testing, health screening, masks, temperature checks, hand washing, social distancing, education, sanitation, risk analyses, proper protective equipment, documentation, communication, and cooperation will be vital keys for Missouri Valley College to safely return to athletics this fall. These guidelines are preliminary and will be aligned with the Heart (HAAC) Promise as that is developed and announced. 

REPORTING TO CAMPUS 

  • All athletes will report at the specified day their team reports to campus 
  • All student athletes report to Student Affairs for check in. Only two adults may accompany and no one under 18 is allowed. 
  • Each student-athlete will be required to take a COVID-19 test administered by college personnel. 
  • Each student athlete will review the educational program developed for the student body regarding hygiene practices aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 and also for the use of CampusClear.

TEAM MEETINGS

  • Temperature checks will occur daily prior to any team meetings or practices. Coaches will limit time, adjust team meeting sizes and use social distancing in accordance with the Heart Promise for the number of people allowed. 

PRACTICE 

  • Daily health screening: Follow MVC guidelines and utilize the CampusClear app.
  • Daily temperature check before team functions. 
  • Locker rooms and Bathroom: Use fogger and/or other cleaning protocol daily. 
  • Daily equipment sanitation. 
  • Laundry: Done daily. Coordinate each team with laundry times and protocol for each facility. 
  • Number of athletes at practice: Follow NAIA / Heart Promise guidelines 
  • Individual Water bottles will be recommended for all athletes and social distancing used at water stations.

ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOMS (Will follow the ATA, NAIA & Heart Promise guidelines): 

  • All athletic trainers will be supplied with facemasks, gloves, and face shields. 
  • Schedule appointments for individualized training (student-athletes will communicate with their specific trainer) 
  • Procedure to enter and exit facilities. The student-athlete will follow MVC campus guidelines and each building’s facility protocols when entering athletic facilities.
  • Temperature checks taken and logged daily via the CampusClear app before entering all facilities by trained staff. 
  • Number allowed in training room: Maximum number of athletes allowed in each Athletic Training Room in accordance with the Heart Promise guidelines.

GAME DAY 

  • Officials: Will follow the NAIA / Heart Promise guidelines. 
  • Game management personnel will follow the NAIA / Heart Promise guidelines. 
  • Spectators: Open only to MVC students, staff & faculty with appropriate Missouri Valley College ID (NO OUTSIDE SPECTATORS). 
  • Home & Visiting team pre-game screening procedures will follow the NAIA / Heart Promise guidelines. 
  • Pre-game & Post game will follow the NAIA / Heart Promise guidelines for facilities. 

TRANSPORTATION 

  • Bus sanitation: Sanitized daily before each use 
  • Number per bus: Follow MVC guidelines 
  • Travel meals: Follow MVC guidelines 
  • Overnight stay: Follow the MVC guidelines 

FACILITIES (Will follow the Heart Promise guidelines): 

  • Disinfect surfaces per Heart Promise guidelines before a visiting team comes to the host venue’s locker room with time allowed for the disinfectant to set in (approximately 10-15 minutes). 
  • Each institution must have a designated self-isolation area if someone needs to be quarantined from a visiting team. (empty classroom, store room, different locker room, bus, etc.) 
  • Discontinue use of towels and use paper towels instead. 
  • Provide sanitizing wipes for the nozzles on water coolers before and during the games. 
  • It is recommended visiting locker rooms be blocked off for the entire day on game days. 

SCREENING 

  • All game day operations staff are required to have temperature checks before starting work. (Press box, concessions, ticket takers, etc.) 
  • Before a student-athlete gets on the bus, if they present with symptoms of a cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing and/or at least two of the following: Fever of at least 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, they need to be isolated and not be able to travel/compete to protect both teams and institutions from further spread. 
  • A re-screen will be done if an overnight trip occurs. (ie. travel on Thursday and get in on Thursday night and then play on Friday, the visiting team must be screened before the game.) 
  • If a student-athlete or staff member feels they have any of the COVID-19 symptoms, they need to contact the AT’s electronically and a plan will be determined from the interaction. 
  • A roster must be provided to the host school on overnight trips to record temperature checks the next morning for the host AT or medically trained staff. 
  • If a student-athlete just has an elevated temperature, with no other signs or symptoms, they can be re-checked again after 10 minutes. 
  • Teams should be prepared that temperature checks may take a minimum of 10 minutes before competition, please plan accordingly. 
  • If a student-athlete tests positive for COVID-19 both the visiting and home team needs to be tested for COVID-19. 
  • On overnight trips, if a student-athlete has signs and symptoms as well as a positive temperature check, the student-athlete and the roommate (from the hotel) need to be quarantined and will not be allowed to compete in the competition. Recommend 2 people per room.

COMMUNICATION AFTER POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST 

  • The Head Athletic Trainer and the Athletic Director of a visiting team need to be contacted if a member of the travel party is going to get tested for COVID-19. 
  • For contact tracing purposes, all positive tests need to be reported to the associated institutions who could have been in close contact within the past 14 days of a positive test result for COVID-19.

RETURN TO PLAY AFTER POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST 

  • Follow NAIA / Heart Promise /CDC guidelines on return-to-play status. 
  • Any student-athlete who has tested positive for COVID-19 has to be cleared by a physician in order to return to athletics