COVID-19 Updates

September 21, 2021: Updated Fall 2021 Safe Return to Campus for MASSACHUSETTS Students - FAQs

Note: This only applies to Massachusetts students enrolled for in-seat classes in the fall.

ATTENTION!  The College has transitioned from using CastleBranch to only requiring a Cambridge College Vaccination Card.

• To obtain a new CC vaccination card a government photo ID and proof of vaccination (i.e. CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card) must be provided.
• Exemptions for health and religious reasons are also available. Please see the Registrar’s Office.
• CC Vaccination cards ARE NOT required for those who have completed the CastleBranch registration and have received or are waiting to receive their CastleBranch Vaccination Card or Waiver Card.
• The CC Vaccination Card will be made available as soon as the registration process with the Registrar’s Office is completed.

I. VACCINATION VERIFICATION

1.  Why is Cambridge College (CC) requiring that students attending in-seat classes in the Fall be fully vaccinated?

CC is requiring that all students who will be attending in-seat classes in Massachusetts be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  Protocols for California and Puerto Rico were issued directly from the Regional Directors.

This requirement is being put in place to protect the health and safety of our community, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.  The vaccinations have been found by the Food and Drug Administration (the FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) to be highly effective and are the best tool we have to ensure that we can open our campus safely in the Fall of 2021. 

There are many reasons why we think requiring vaccinations for students returning to in-seat classes on campus makes good sense for CC. They include:

• It helps prevent severe COVID-19 infection and the potential for related serious and/or long­-term adverse health effects among students, faculty, and staff (as well as their family members, some of whom may not be vaccinated);
• It significantly reduces the likelihood of transmission among members of the CC community;
• It creates a safer, more secure environment for CC community members by drastically reducing the potential for COVID-19 outbreaks on campus;
• It helps to alleviate anxiety and discomfort for students, faculty, and staff who are fearful of contracting COVID-19;
• It reflects the College’s support of and contribution to a larger public health endeavor with global implications; and
• It provides clear signals to prospective, new, and current students and other community members about the importance of safety and health at CC.

For information about exemptions please refer to Question #8.

2.  What is the definition of “fully vaccinated”?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) all students are considered to be fully vaccinated:

• Two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
• Two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

3. Who must be vaccinated in order to return to campus?

All students returning to campus in the Fall for in-seat classes in Massachusetts must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to coming to campus except as otherwise stated in this FAQ.  

4.   When do I need to be vaccinated to return to campus? 

All Massachusetts students planning to attend in-person classes must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to the start of classes.  If you have not already been vaccinated, we advise you to do this as quickly as possible for your overall health and that of those on campus. 

5.  Where can I get a vaccine?

There are many places in Massachusetts offering the COVID-19 vaccines – including local pharmacies and national pharmacy chains (e.g., CVS, Walgreens), community health centers, hospitals, and the state government. Some places require an appointment and others allow you to receive a vaccine without an appointment. You can search for vaccine availability near you by typing in your zip code at this link: https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/.

6. If I am fully vaccinated but haven’t received my CastleBranch Vaccination Card, can I still attend an in-seat class?

Yes.  Temporary Vaccination Cards are available for students that have ordered, but have not yet received their CastleBranch Card.  To obtain a Temporary Vaccination Card, students need to present a valid photo ID and a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card on the first day of classes at the Boston campus.  Arrive early to ensure that you have ample time prior to the start of your class to obtain your card. Once you receive your CastleBranch Card, the Temporary Vaccination Card will no longer be valid for use.

7. When will I receive my CastleBranch vaccination verification card?

If you have applied for a CastleBranch Vaccination Card, it will be mailed 7-10 business days after registering and submitting your information on the portal.  All requested mailing information – complete name and address – must be accurate to avoid any delays in receiving the card.

8. What should I do if I have not started the CastleBranch process?

The College has transitioned from using CastleBranch to only requiring a Cambridge College (CC) Vaccination Card.  To obtain a new CC Vaccination Card a government photo ID and proof of vaccination (i.e. CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card) must be provided.  Please contact COVIDRC@cambridgecollege.edu for additional details.

9. What if medical reasons make vaccination inadvisable, or if vaccination would violate a religious belief? 

You may seek an exemption from vaccination requirements because of medical reasons or for sincerely held religious beliefs.  Forms are available at the Registrar’s Office.

10. What happens if I choose not to be vaccinated but do not have a religious or medical exemption?

Students who choose not to be vaccinated and do not have an approved exemption cannot take classes in person.  Students will have the option to take remote classes (subject to the availability of sections and classes) and should contact their Academic Advisor to discuss the different types of modalities available to them.

11. Do I need additional vaccinations if I received my vaccinations outside of the U.S.?

Students who completed a COVID-19 vaccination series (both doses of a 2-dose series or the single dose of a single-dose series) of a CDC or World Health Organization (WHO) authorized or approved vaccine, will be able to take in-seat classes on campus.

• Students that have received all shots in a vaccination series that is authorized by the FDA/CDC but administered outside of the US do not need additional vaccinations.
• Students that have received all shots in a vaccination series not authorized by the FDA/CDC but listed for emergency use by the WHO do not (at this time) need additional vaccinations. 
• Students that have started, but not completed, a vaccination series not authorized by the FDA/CDC are required to complete a series in the U.S.  Vaccination locations near you can be found by typing in your zip code at: https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/.
• Students that have received all shots in a vaccination series not authorized by the FDA/CDC or the WHO are required to complete a series in the US.  Vaccination locations near you can be found by typing in your zip code at: https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/.

12. If I am an international student and have additional questions regarding vaccinations, who do I contact?

If you are an international student and have additional questions, please contact the COVID Response Team at COVIDRC@cambridgecollege.edu.

13. What should I do if I’ve lost my CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card?

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health the following options are available:

• Contact your healthcare provider or the location where you were vaccinated. They can print out another copy of your record.
• You can fill out an Immunization Record Request Form that goes directly to the State Department of Public Health.  If you use this form, you will get a complete history of all vaccines you have received, not just the COVID-19 vaccine, and it can take up to 6 weeks to get your record.

Note that official proof of vaccination is required to obtain approval to access the campus and to take an in-person class.

14. Do I need to be vaccinated to come on campus to use the computer lab, study or meet an advisor?

Yes. You must be fully vaccinated to access the campus.  If you are not enrolled in or attending an in-person class, you will need to provide a picture ID (CC ID card or driver’s license) and a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to access the campus. A mask will be required at all times while on campus.

II. FACILITIES UPDATES

15.  What are the air quality and cleaning policies being implemented by the College?

We have confirmed with an outside consultant that the air quality throughout the campus meets and exceeds the standards set for safety.  We are additionally installing HEPA filtration as a supplement in areas where we anticipate higher volume of activity.  Cleaning policies have also been upgraded to ensure that we are continuously meeting all health and safety requirements. 

16.   Will we have access to food when we return to campus?

There are currently no options for purchasing food on the campus.   Food can be brought to campus, but we will no longer allow eating in the classrooms to avoid the removal of masks in a closed room.  There are a number of eateries in the surrounding area to purchase food.

III. HEALTH AND SAFETY

17. Besides vaccinations, what additional measures are being taken to ensure we stay safe in returning to campus?

We will continue to require masking and encouraging social distancing.  Hand sanitizer stations are available at the end of all hallways. We will maintain occupancy numbers throughout the campus that avoid overcrowding.  Safety protocols will also be provided via email and displayed in signage throughout the campus when you return.

18.  Will I have to wear a mask while I am in class?

Until further notice, masks will be required at all times while on campus.  Everyone is encouraged to regularly wear appropriate masks, properly positioned on the face [see CDC Mask Guidelines].

19.  What happens if I take an in-seat class and/or come to campus and get sick with COVID-19 symptoms?

• If you are home, stay home and contact your health provider. If you are on campus, immediately leave and go home. 
• Notify your instructor or advisor regarding your absence from class as soon as you can.
• Directions will be provided by the College’s COVID Response Coordinator, regarding testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements for COVID-19 positive cases as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Public Health (DPH).

IV. CONTACT INFORMATION

20. Who do I speak to if I need an accommodation due to COVID-19 protocols for an in-seat class?

Please contact COVIDRC@cambridgecollege.edu.

21. Where can I find COVID-19 updates for the Fall semester?

On our website, and via MyCC.  We also encourage everyone to regularly check emails from the OfficeofPublicRelations@cambridgecollege.edu, the OfficeofAcademicAffairs@cambridgecollege.edu and COVIDRC@cambridgecollege.edu for updates.

22. Who should I contact with any additional questions?

Please send all questions to COVIDRC@cambridgecollege.edu.

23. Who should I contact if I have any questions about the vaccination verification process?

If you are just starting the process, you will need the new CC Vaccination Card.  Please direct all questions to COVIDRC@cambridgecollege.edu.  

If you have questions about completing the CastleBranch registration process, please contact the CastleBranch Support Line at 888-723-4263 or email servicedesk.cu@castlebranch.com.  

September 2, 2021: Update on Fall Return to Classrooms for Massachusetts Campuses

Dear Cambridge College Community:

Our return to campus for the Fall semester is less than a week away and we remain steadfast in our commitment to keep you healthy, safe and informed.  Listed below are the updated essential protocols and practices that everyone needs to be aware of prior to returning.  The protocols are also available on the website.

To date we have communicated the vaccination requirement for the Fall return to Massachusetts campuses, initiated our vaccination verification protocol for those returning to campus in person, and have been working diligently to prepare the Massachusetts campuses to safely welcome you back.  

If you have any questions regarding these protocols or conditions on campus for your return, please do not hesitate to contact COVIDRC@cambridgecollege.edu.

Thank you

The COVID Response Coordination Team

Accessing the Campus — Staff, Faculty and Students                 

• All staff, students and faculty must present their CastleBranch Real ID or Waiver cards and complete a health attestation at the main security desk to enter the campus
• Masks must be worn when entering the campus and remain on at all times (See guide on masking)
• Computer labs and limited study areas will be made available to students
  • Students must be fully vaccinated and have a photo ID and a CastleBranch Real ID or a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to show to the security guard
  • The CDC Card will be scanned and kept as a part of the student record
• Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be asked to immediately leave the campus
• Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms on site should immediately mask up, leave the campus and call their health care provider to seek medical attention.

Parking on Campus (Boston only)                   

• All staff, faculty and students commuting to campus by car will be required to use authorized Cambridge College Parking Passes
• Students can park in the North Lot at Hood Park starting at 5:00 pm with an authorized Cambridge College parking pass
  • Students can also park during the day to use the campus
• Visitors and guests must park in Visitor parking spaces of the North Lot only, unless provided a parking pass by the College’s Business Operations Office
• No overnight parking is allowed and unauthorized cars will be subject to towing

Common Area Management                                                                            

• Masking is required at all times in common areas
• The College strongly encourages social distancing in all common areas and when moving about the campus
• Compliance with posted occupancy limits is required for all common areas and meeting spaces
• Disinfecting wipes will be available in common areas for individual use to clean high touch surfaces 
• Eating on campus will be limited to designated areas to minimize the potential for airborne contaminants

Cleaning and Disinfecting                                                                                                

• All rooms and spaces will continue to be cleaned and disinfected according to the requirements set by the local, state and federal health authorities
• Rooms contaminated by a positive COVID-19 occurrence will immediately be closed for 24 hours to allow sufficient air change to occur and for appropriate cleaning and disinfecting to be completed
• Classrooms will be equipped with disinfecting wipes to provide students and faculty an additional measure of cleaning prior to using the rooms
• In the event of a facilities emergency at the Boston campus, please contact Security immediately at 617-873-0111 or Ext. 1111

Managing COVID-Positive Reports

Anyone that comes to campus that: 1) has tested positive for COVID-19, or 2) has been exposed to someone who has tested positive, or 3) has COVID-19 symptoms will be required to abide by the following reporting protocols:

1. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and have been on campus must immediately report their status to the COVID Response Coordination Team [CRC] via email at COVIDRC@cambridgecollege.edu

• You will be provided with guidance on quarantine/isolation and return to campus protocols

2. Individuals who had close contact with an infected individual while on campus, must immediately report this information to the COVID Response Coordination Team [CRC] via email at COVIDRC@cambridgecollege.edu

• You will be provided with guidance on quarantine/isolation and return to campus protocols

3. Individuals that feel ill while on campus should immediately leave and seek guidance for testing if the conditions are symptomatic of COVID

• If test results are positive for COVID, immediately email the CRC for guidance on quarantine/isolation and return to campus protocols

If any Cambridge College staff or faculty member receives a report from a third-party contact tracing organization about a member of our staff or student body testing positive for COVID-19, they should forward that information immediately to the COVID Response Coordination Team [CRC] via email at COVIDRC@cambridgecollege.edu so that appropriate action can be taken.

August 23, 2021: Vaccination Registration

ATTENTION: ALL MASSACHUSETTS STUDENTS, FACULTY & STAFF

Have you registered your vaccination status with CastleBranch?

If you are a:

• Massachusetts STUDENT registered for an in-seat class in the Fall
• Massachusetts FACULTY scheduled to teach an in-person class in the Fall, or
• Massachusetts STAFF member...

YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR VACCINATION STATUS ON THE CASTLEBRANCH VACCINATION VERIFICATION PORTAL!

Reminders with instructions on how to register on the CastleBranch portal were emailed on 8/18/2021 with the following subject lines:

Please email COVIDRC@cambridgecollege.edu with any and all questions or comments.

June 30, 2021: Expectations for Fall

June 29, 2021: Summer Protocol Update for the Boston Campus

• CC has made the decision  to maintain current COVID-19 protocols until further notice, to ensure the health and safety of all faculty, staff and students present on campus, while the transition to the new State restrictions take effect.
• The College will continue to comply with updated COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the City of Boston for the Summer Term.
• The Summer Term will continue to operate remotely with a small number of summer courses to be piloted for in-seat delivery.
• Fall Semester protocols will be made available in late June.

Summer Term Hours for Boston Campus

• Monday – 8am to 11:00 pm
• Tuesday – 8am to 10:00 pm
• Wednesday – 8am to 11:00 pm
• Thursday – 8am to 11:00 pm
• Friday – 8am to 6:00 pm
• Saturday & Sunday – 7am to 7:00 pm

Security Check-In and Contact Tracing

•  The Boston Campus will continue to serve visitors (students, staff, faculty or guests) who need to access the College in person.
• All visitors are still required to sign in at security when entering the campus
• All visitors must answer an attestation questionnaire to be granted access to campus
• Case-reporting and Contact Tracing will continue to follow current protocols, in alignment with Department of Public Health directives.

Masking and Social Distancing

• Although Hood Park does not require masks in public areas, all visitors are still required to wear a mask on campus
  • Because there are members of our college community who either cannot, or have not yet been vaccinated, we will keep the mask requirement in place through the summer. 
• While state guidelines no longer require social distancing, we continue to strongly encourage social distancing when in public areas. 
• The varying levels of vaccinations in our community requires that we remain mindful of our physical proximity to others in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. For that reason, indoor assembly will remain governed by six-foot social distancing and maximum 10 people per classroom requirements until further notice. 

Vaccination Requirements

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter campus at this time. 
• All staff, students and faculty are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated.

Facility Management –Cleaning

• Pandemic cleaning protocols currently in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 will continue.

Parking

• Parking passes are required for all staff that park on campus to work.
• Parking passes will be required for all students that choose to come to campus for classes.

June 2, 2021: Vaccination Clinic in Boston

April 29, 2021: Vaccination Information

Dear Cambridge College Community,

Massachusetts recently passed the threshold for all individuals 16 and older to receive the free COVID-19 vaccination. To find out more about your eligibility, how to register, and how to get vaccinated in Massachusetts, please visit the Massachusetts Vaccination website.

Vaccination information for California residents is also available.

Cambridge College would like to strongly encourage all members of our community consider the health benefit of protecting yourself and loved ones by getting vaccinated.

If you are unsure or have questions, see the Boston Health Commission’s Vaccine FAQs.

As always, it is our hope that all members of our community continue to follow the health and safety protocols established by the CDC, State and local authorities. By doing so as individuals, we ensure the health and wellbeing for the broader community.

April 1, 2021

Dear Cambridge College community:

We recently passed the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization’s announcement of a global pandemic and the subsequent announcement of a national quarantine.  In passing that milestone we have reason for optimism with the availability of vaccines, but we are reminded that we are not yet free of the risks of continued infection. Families and communities around the globe have suffered unimaginable losses and there remains a high level of anxiety and uncertainty that we are all still trying to navigate.  

Despite our hopes that by now, we might return to our normal routines at the college, we recognize that we need to consider once again, the current state of the pandemic and the associated risks to our college community of returning to campus.  To that end, I once again convened our COVID workgroup to consider and assess the options of returning to campus or remaining remote for the summer session. We have concluded that in the interest of the health and safety of our community, it is best to continue to operate in remote mode through our summer session.

Our decision was informed by many factors including the work we have done to date to support our students, faculty and staff over the past year.  We remain committed to providing a high level of support for members of our community in this extended phase of remote operations.  We will also continue to solicit your feedback through surveys, convenings and other modes of communication to ensure that we are doing our best to understand and respond to the needs of the full community.

We also recognize, however, that we must begin to prepare for a return to campus. Our goal, predicated on national and local guidance, is to return to campus for the fall semester and we must consider what a return to campus might entail for all of us.  To prepare the campus for a safe return, and to better understand the needs of our students, staff and faculty, and the technological and other supports that will be needed, we are currently in the stages of planning a summer pilot program which is contingent on the interests and participation level of faculty and students.  The pilot will involve hosting a small number of in-person classes with the option for students to join remotely or in-person. Students and faculty who participate in this pilot will be asked to provide regular feedback to the experience.  On an ongoing basis we will assess the adequacy of technology to support this model, the complexity of operating with dual modalities and the impact on physical requirements such as distancing and facility safety enhancements.  The findings of this summer pilot will guide our planning for a fall return to campus and enable us, in a timely fashion, to prepare the campus for a safe and timely return.  Information regarding the classes and options for participating in the pilot will be provided during registration for the summer session.

Once again, I want to extend our deep appreciation to every member of the Cambridge College community for your perseverance, commitment, and the exceptional level of effort that you have demonstrated over the past year.  Like the world around us, we have confronted one of the greatest challenges of our lifetime and we have prevailed as a community.  I implore you to continue to practice safe habits and to follow the guidance of federal and local experts and authorities.  We have made it thus far, so let’s cross the finish line of this pandemic together.

We look forward to the day, just around the corner, when we will gather, work, study, and simply be together again in person.  Until then, let’s continue to do our best to support one another in our work, to support our students on their academic journey and most of all to continue to sustain the mission of Cambridge College.  

Should you have any questions please contact any one of the following college liaisons noted below.  We want to hear from you and address your concerns.

• Students should contact Regina Robinson, Dean of Student Affairs, at Regina.Robinson@cambridgecollege.edu;
• Faculty should contact Dr. Jerry Ice, Provost, at Jerry.Ice@cambridgecollege.edu; and
• Staff should contact Lauretta Siggers, VP of HR, at Lauretta.Siggers@cambridgecollege.edu.

Please also remember to check the college website, your emails and MyCC for periodic updates.

With regards,

Deborah

March 4, 2021

• If an individual answers yes to any of the questions, they will not be permitted onto campus.
• When an individual answers no to all items, their status will be recorded by Security and access will be permitted.

November 16, 2020: Academic Year 2021

Dear Cambridge College community,

As the nation braces itself against a surge in the number of COVID cases, we remain vigilant in monitoring and adhering to COVID-19 guidelines from state, local and CDC authorities to keep our college community safe. In light of the current environment and the risks to our community, we have decided to continue working and teaching remotely for the spring semester of Academic Year 2021. 

This decision is based on a variety of considerations including the recommendation of the COVID19 Academic Workgroup, chaired by Dr. Tracy McLaughlin, that we remain remote for the Spring semester. I tasked the workgroup to reconvene to consider our options for the Spring, and I extend my appreciation to the workgroup for their time and dedication in organizing their comprehensive list of recommendations.  The workgroup considered a number of factors including responses to our recent surveys of students, faculty and staff that indicated an overwhelming preference for remaining remote and expressed serious concerns about returning to campus at this time.  

We recognize the many challenges we face individually and as a community as we enter our eighth month of learning, teaching, and working remotely. We are committed to supporting one another to respond and succeed in our respective roles in the face of the challenges of the pandemic and of remaining remote.  Based on feedback from our recent surveys we will continue our ongoing initiatives to address the needs for technology support; ongoing student and faculty support through CC Connected initiatives; managed access to the facility for students, faculty and staff; and ongoing workshops and discussion groups to support the management of stress, anxiety and communication challenges that are widely recognized as impacts of the pandemic.   

Your safety, health and well-being continue to be our priority.  We encourage you to be vigilant about following public health guidelines that protect you, your loved ones and those around you - wear a mask - practice social distancing - frequent handwashing and limiting your exposure in your daily habits.  

It is also important that we stay connected to one another during this time so please stay in touch with us and with one another and especially if you need assistance that the College might be able to provide. Students can contact Regina Robinson, Dean of Student Affairs at Regina.robinson@cambridgecollege.edu and staff and faculty can contact Amber Coren in Human Resources at amber.coren@cambridgecollege.edu.  Please also remember to check MyCC and this webpage for updates and resources.  We will continue to provide updates through our many communication channels and we will continue to solicit your feedback and suggestions through our ongoing surveys and discussions.  

I am grateful to each and every one of you for your commitment to your work and to your relationship with Cambridge College. To our students, I thank you for your persistence in continuing  your academic pursuits at Cambridge College and to our faculty and staff I thank you for your dedication to our students and to one another.  I look forward to the day we can gather in person to celebrate all that we have achieved as a community in the face of this daunting challenge.  We remain Cambridge College Strong! 

All the best,

Deborah C. Jackson  
President 

November 6, 2020: Massachusetts Coronavirus Restrictions

New coronavirus restrictions in Massachusetts are set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday. The new state guidelines include everyone over the age of 5 must now wear a mask in public even when you’re six feet away from others; staying at home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless you’re traveling for work or to the grocery store; and limiting gatherings to ten people inside and 25 people outside. 

Some businesses will be required to close by 9:30 p.m. including gyms, casinos, liquor stores, movie theaters, zoos and museums. Restaurants will be allowed to stay open past 9:30 p.m. but only for takeout. Indoor and outdoor events at homes must also end by 9:30 p.m.

As of last week, 121 communities in Massachusetts are now considered high risk for coronavirus. Learn more. 

October 14, 2020: Boston COVID-19 Press Conference

Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh held a press briefing on October 13, 2020. We'd like to share some information from that briefing with the Cambridge College community. See press conference information.

July 23, 2021: Fall Return to Classrooms for Massachusetts Campuses

Dear Cambridge College Community:

As we plan for a safe return to campus in the Fall, we remain steadfast in our commitment to keep our Cambridge College community informed, healthy, and safe. 

We previously informed students, faculty and staff of the vaccination requirement for the Fall return to campus, noting that vaccination verification status would be provided by a third-party vendor and that access for you to report your vaccination would be provided through the vendor’s portal. 

We've put together the following FAQs to help you understand the new protocols.

FAQs for Students in Massachusetts

If you have any questions, please contact us at COVIDRC@cambridgecollege.edu.

August 13, 2020: Accessing Cambridge College Boston Staff during COVID

Dear Cambridge College Boston Students,

Please be reminded that until further notice, all staff and faculty of Cambridge College will continue to work remotely.  Note that while some staff are on site for specific activities, they are not required to be. 

If a meeting is needed with either a staff or faculty member, we ask that you have that meeting via phone or video conference.  If it is determined that you need to meet in-person, please make an appointment with the individual or department, to ensure that the designated staff person will be on campus.

When arriving on campus for a scheduled appointment, all students must comply with the following:

• Wear a mask to enter the campus and at all times when in face to face meetings or public areas.
• Check in at the security desk with a picture ID and ask for the staff person designated for your appointment.
• Once the appointment is confirmed by security, you will be asked to wait in a classroom designated for on-site meetings.
• Check out at the Security station when your meeting is completed and you are leaving the campus.

Also note that if you need to drop off materials at the College please place the item in an envelope and drop it off in the secure lock box located on the wall in front of the security desk.  The envelope should be sealed, with the name of the recipient clearly marked on the envelope to ensure proper delivery. 

If you have any questions about accessing the site, please don’t hesitate to contact BusinessOps@cambridgecollege.edu

July 6, 2020: Fall Term to Continue in Remote Mode

The recommendations are the result of the work of two workgroups appointed by President Jackson to assess and generate recommendations for campus operations for the Fall 2020-2021 term. Both workgroups consulted widely with available institutional resources and were informed by surveys the college conducted of staff, students and faculty to inform their recommendation. Final recommendations by both workgroups concluded that for our fall term:

• all instruction should continue to be delivered remotely
• staff should continue to work in remote mode

The primary guiding principle for this assessment was our commitment, first and foremost to assuring the safety, health and well-being of members of our community. With that core principle guiding each workgroup, the recommendations took into consideration numerous other factors including required compliance with state and CDC guidelines for reopening, and the impact of our decisions on the academic experience and student support, staffing and overall campus operations.

Read the full report

May 30, 2020: SAFE ON CAMPUS RECOMMENDATIONS

The Massachusetts Higher Education Working Group submitted recommendations for reopening higher education institutions this fall. Download the briefing: Safe on Campus: A Framework for Reopening Colleges and Universities

May 21, 2020: Campus Updates from President Jackson

Summer Semester

Commencement

Fall Semester

May 1, 2020: Summer

Please note that Cambridge College courses will continue to be taught online through Summer 2020.

Dear Cambridge College Boston staff,

Please note that as of Monday, April 13th, the Boston campus will limit access to the site to 8am to 6pm, weekly from Monday through Friday, and on the weekends.  Information regarding these new hours will be posted on our website, MyCC and provided to the College Operator so that all points of contact are covered. Cambridge College security will be on campus for the timeframe noted and our cleaners will continue to fully maintain office areas.

We ask that all staff needing access beyond this timeframe, to please coordinate your need to be on campus with your direct supervisor.   Please also note that in responding to the changing conditions caused by COVID-19, we may need to alter this schedule in the future.  We’ll do our best to provide advanced notice if that is the case.

If there are any questions, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the Business Operations Office via BusinessOps@cambridgecollege.edu.  In the case of an emergency while on campus, we ask that you please contact Cambridge College security at 857-225-5834 or Hood Park Security at 857-991-5300.

Thank you,

The Business Operations Team

March 17, 2020 at 9pm

Procedures/protocols for Facilities during COVID-19 Suspended Campus Operations

Accessing the Campus

• During this period of suspended on-site operations, the campus will remain open to staff and students in a limited capacity barring any additional restrictions imposed by federal, state or local government. 
• The One Stop Student Services, Administrative and Executive Offices, the Main Campus [classrooms] and the Academic Administrative Offices [2^nd floor] will be accessible to staff using your College ID Badges.
• To ensure your safety during this time we will require that all staff use their badges to check in with security at the main campus desk.
• All visitors will be asked to sign in with a valid ID and provide information that will be used to ensure that you can be contacted in case of an emergency while on campus.  We want to make sure that security knows who is on campus at all times and is able to monitor activity appropriately.
• The Main Campus will also be available to students wishing to use the computer lab or designated areas for study reasons.  They will also be asked to show their ID’s or a license to sign in.  Basic contact information will be requested to allow the college to have appropriate contact information in the event of an emergency.

Parking on Campus

• All staff commuting to campus by car will be required to use authorized Cambridge College Parking Passes.  If the staff person does not have one, they should pick up a temporary parking pass from the security station when checking in.  The single pass can be used for the month and a new one will be made available in April.
• Students visiting the campus during the day will also be required to use their authorized parking passes.  Temporary passes will be provided to students by security at check in, if needed during this timeframe.
• No vehicles should be left overnight on campus.

Cleaning the Campus

• The campus will continue to be cleaned and disinfected to meet the requirements set by the CDC. 
• Particular attention will be given to those areas that will remain active during the suspended operations timeframe. 
• Please notify security with any concerns or issues related to the condition of rooms or public spaces so the issue may be addressed as quickly as possible.
• In the event of an urgent facility issue or general emergency please contact Security immediately.   They will take the appropriate immediate course of action to address the issue at hand.

Facilities update for Hood Park, Boston Campus

March 17, 2020 at 8:45am

Dear Cambridge College community:

In an effort to keep up with the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, we are implementing the following changes at the Hood Park property.  These measures are being put in place to help ensure the health and safety of individuals, and to do our part as a community member in helping to slow the spread of the virus. 

Effective immediately, today March 17th:

• The fitness center will be closed until further notice.  
• Cozi café will close today  at 2:00 PM and will remain closed until further notice.
• The BITE will close on Friday, 3/19 until further notice.

We will continue to assess and provide updates as applicable.  Please check your CC emails, MYCC and the website for periodic updates.   

Please also remember to practice daily healthy habits of hand washing, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and social distancing.

Thank you,

The Offices of Business Operations
Cambridge College

March 16, 2020, at 8am

March 15, 2020, at 6pm

Dear Cambridge College community:

As you know, we continue to monitor the rapidly changing and evolving situation regarding COVID-19, including staying vigilant in our attention to information and guidance coming from our local, state and national government and related sources.  We will continue to keep you informed as events change and more information becomes available especially as it may impact our current plans regarding classes, our administrative protocols, access to our facilities or any other matters that may affect our college community.  As we all know, given the rapid changes in events, plans can quickly change at any moment in time.     

We are very concerned about your safety and well-being, and also the anxiety that we all feel.  Please contact any one of the following college liaisons noted below with questions.  We want to hear from you and address your concerns.   

• Student inquiries:  Dean of Student Affairs, Regina Robinson at regina.robinson@cambridgecollege.edu
• Faculty inquiries:  Provost; Jerry Ice at jerry.ice@cambridgecollege.edu
• Staff inquiries:  VP, Human Resources:  Lauretta Siggers at Lauretta.siggers@cambridgecollege.edu

Please also remember to check your college email, CC website, MyCC and RAVE for updates.

Sincerely,

Deborah C. Jackson
President

March 13, 2020, at 4:30pm

Dear Cambridge College community:

I am writing to follow up on my email of last evening indicating that Cambridge College will  transition to remote access instruction in response to COVID-19. As you are aware, this is an incredibly fluid and rapidly changing situation.  

To date, we are not aware of any confirmed or presumed cases of the Coronavirus in our community.  Please note the safety of the Cambridge College community is at the heart of each choice and every one of our responses during these challenging times.

Over the last several weeks we have been continuously monitoring and assessing this situation and the potential impact and implications for Cambridge College.  We have at this time decided to implement the following plan:

• Classroom Transition: 
  • Effective Saturday, March 21st, we will transition to remote access instruction until further notice.
  • All CC campuses will remain open to allow students and faculty access to computer labs, classrooms, and study areas.
  • Training on remote modalities will be provided to faculty and students.  Details will be provided under a separate email to these respective groups. 
  • We recognize that some faculty may have started this transition and they are encouraged to continue. In addition faculty and students of individual classes may agree to additional methods of engagement including in an on campus setting.
• Regional Locations:
  • Students and faculty will have access to computer labs, classrooms, and study areas in their specific location.  
  • There may be variations to our overall plan that are unique to individual regional center locations. Regional Center Directors will provide specific information relative to their location. 
•  Events:
  • Through the month of April, all large events scheduled in the Charlestown location will be cancelled or postponed to a future date.
  • Cancellations/postponements may include open houses, information sessions, career fairs, and other student events. 
  • We are requesting that no large events be scheduled at the College until further notice.

The goal during this transition period is to ensure the continuity of our learning environment and the success of our students while prioritizing the health and well-being of our community. Our administrative offices will remain open and employees are encouraged to maintain communication with their supervisor.

Please stay abreast of public health alerts to postpone non-essential travel, avoid large gatherings, and seek medical attention if you believe you may have been exposed to someone with the virus.  Remember to protect yourself by maintaining good hand-washing etiquette and practice social distancing.

We are confident that all members of the Cambridge College community will continue to work together to respond to this global situation and keep one another informed and safe.

• For students who have questions, please contact Regina Robinson at Regina.robinson@cambridgecollege.edu.  
• Faculty should contact Dr. Jerry Ice at Jerry.ice@cambridgecollege.edu.  
• Staff should contact Lauretta Siggers at Lauretta.siggers@cambridgecollege.edu.

Sincerely,

Deborah C. Jackson
President

March 13, 2020, at 8:45am

Regards,

Deborah C. Jackson
President

March 11, 2020

Dear students, staff, and faculty:

Last evening, the governor of Massachusetts, Charlie Baker, declared a state of emergency prompting Cambridge College to update its response to the threat of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). As of Wednesday, March 11th, there have been 92 presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 and 1 case of COVID-19 confirmed in the state by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) updates these numbers daily on their website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-cases-quarantine-and-monitoring

There are currently no reported or suspected cases at Cambridge College but given the fluid nature of this virus, we are remaining vigilant of its impact on our community.  Please know that our highest priority is the health and safety of the students, staff, and faculty at CC and leaders of the College are consistently meeting to discuss the well being of each member of the community.

We are closely monitoring reports from the MDPH and as of now, classes are continuing to run as scheduled and will continue unless health officials instruct us otherwise.

We know that there could be a potential disruption to academic instruction and are prepared to use an alternate mode of learning in the near future. We encourage all members of the community to stay informed about this virus as it relates to your courses. Any changes that take place will be communicated on our website and on MyCC. Your faculty, program chair, and academic dean will continue to work with any student who needs to stay home due to sickness. 

Please adhere to the following guidelines from  the CDC to remain home if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms and to stay abreast of the travel guidelines. In addition, to protect the community, we encourage you to continue good hand washing etiquette while in social spaces.

For any questions, students can contact Regina Robinson, Dean of Student Affairs at Regina.robinson@cambridgecollege.edu and staff and faculty can contact Amber Coren in Human Resources at amber.coren@cambridgecollege.edu.

Thank you,

Office of Public Relations